Directors Note

This personal opinion column does not represent the views, opinions and policies of the Medical College of Wisconsin.

By Adina Kalet, MD, MPH

As promised, this week’s Transformational Times shares perspectives on how our world has changed since tumultuous Summer 2020. Clearly, we have made some progress, yet have much more work to do.

Philosophers and researchers have shown that even when facing seemingly irreconcilable ideological disagreements, conflict can be reduced and negotiated if people are given the opportunity to share the personal experiences that brought them to their point of view. Of course, this process requires intellectual humility; that we listen with respect. Recently, MCW’s President Raymond launched an MCW Committee which will explore how principles of freedom of expression are integrated in our institutional culture. 

The Transformational Times editorial team works hard to give voice to a range of viewpoints, opinions, and life experiences. We do not shy away from “messy” topics when those topics are central to educating physicians and other health professionals. We are committed to elevating the many voices in our community; to seeking a diversity of perspectives and nuanced points of view.

Guest Director's Corner

Has anything changed? Students' reflection on the impact of George Floyd at MCW

By Precious Anyanwu & Chiemerie Ogbonnaya, Class of 2026

Three years after the murder of George Floyd, two medical students who co-lead the White Coats for Black Lives organization offer their perspective on the shortcomings of the American healthcare system, and the racial and ethnic injustices that perpetuate them... 

Perspective/Opinion

“The right to breathe” 

By Michael N. Levas, MD, MS

A pediatric emergency medicine physician advocates for comprehensive and compassionate care in the broader context that health is more than biology – that it encompasses people’s lived experience, their trials, their strengths. As a leader of several diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at Medical College of Wisconsin he also reflects on recent shifts he has observed in institutional culture, and reminds health care providers to be mindful of the social pressures that burden patients and colleagues…

Perspective/Opinion



Three Questions for Dr. Lee Seymour:  ‘It’s July!’ Reflections from an Internal Medicine Chief Resident

By Leroy J. Seymour, MD, MS

Dr. Seymour is just starting his term as one of four Department of Medicine Chief Residents at MCW, and shares his candid perspectives on this leadership role along with important advice for incoming interns…

Transformational Times: Tell us a bit about your background and what led you to accept the opportunity of serving as one of the DOM Chief Residents this year?

Transformational Times: What character strengths will you draw upon and develop in your role? 



Transformational Times: Can you share some candid advice for all our MCWAH interns from you and your fellow Chiefs?

Webinar #2:

The Post-Dobbs Impact on Medical Education – UME, GME, and Beyond



Monday, Aug. 21

2:45pm – 4:00pm ET

Registration for the second webinar in the series is now open. This webinar will focus on the impact the Dobbs decision has had on learners’ curricular experience, as well as medical education leaders and program directors, and discuss how institutions are addressing training requirements in the context of reproductive health restrictions. Speakers will discuss curricular solutions as well as provide a learner perspective of how these changes may potentially impact learner's career choices. Extra time will be allotted for audience questions. 

Kern Institute Grand Rounds

Toward a Virtue-based Account 

of Racism in HealthCare

Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023

Virtual (via Zoom)

9-10 a.m.

Please join us for a Grand Rounds presentation with Ian S. Peebles, PhD, Harold T. Shapiro Postdoctoral Research Associate in Bioethics, Princeton University Center for Human Values.

Throughout the session, he will apply his theory of racism to issues in healthcare to demonstrate its ability to accurately capture the relevant phenomena in that domain. In improving our understanding of racism, he aims to generate more targeted reform that effectively mitigates racism and promotes human and societal flourishing.

CALL TO ARTISTS

Humanities in Medicine event

Visual and Performing Artist Submissions:

Humanities in Medicine is presented by Froedtert Hospital’s Departments of Spiritual Services and Behavioral Health

Friday, September 8, 2023

5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Froedtert Hospital Clinical Cancer Center

1st Floor - Helfaer Mezzanine

We are looking for Froedtert Health and MCW staff, physicians and patients to share their visual and performing art at our next Humanities in Medicine event. Some examples of the creative works we would like to include: drawing & painting, mixed media, fiber art, photography, poetry, spoken word, dancing, music, singing and acting.