Dooley Noted: 12/3/2015
Yesterday, I entered the anatomy lab with a heavy heart.
It was my own.
I knew I had to do things that open up my heart.
I care immensely for my students and want them to have a comforting, fascinating gross anatomy dissection experience.
So I took a few hits to help them through some difficult dissections.
I helped two groups complete the arduous (and for some, unpleasant) task of removing impacted rectums.
I helped one group remove the female adnexa in toto, and I watched as their eyes bugged out at the tiny diameter of the external cervical opening.
And I helped a group remove the urinary bladder, prostate, and penis all in one long piece, so they could better visualize how semen makes its trek to propagate the species.
Their stress was dissipated, allowing their fascination to rise as they observed anatomy they could hold – and not just read about in a textbook.
They talked about how they never could have imagined doing what they were currently doing.
And for 2.5 hours, the heaviness of my heart was transformed into usable fuel to help people in need.
I did things they were trepidatious to do, some challenging tasks that could be considered taking the hit for them.
I’m better for it. And they helped me and benefitted from the teamwork.
My heavy heart reminds me I feel.
But my open heart reminds me that my life is not all about me.
You can lift a heavy heart by opening it to help others.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley