Earlier this week we had one of the best lectures I’ve ever attended in my life. Dr. Keith E. Hall spoke to us about how identifying and focusing on our strengths (rather than our weaknesses) can help us with improving our lives both in general and as medical students. He started the lecture with the following quote:

“What would happen if we studied what is right with people?”
– Donald O. Clifton, Ph.D. 

And just five minutes before this lecture began we had been learning about various strains of streptococcus. He was asking this question to a group of students who have dedicated their lives to studying pathology and learning how to ‘fix’ it. But when I read this question, it really got me thinking. What would happen if instead of complaining about patients being non-compliant, I tried to understand their strengths and created a plan accordingly? What would happen if I suggested lifestyle modifications in a way that resonated with the specific patient I was talking to? What would happen if I stopped comparing myself to my classmates?

Read More »