Episode 4: Mental Health, Mindfulness, and Mace Windu

Dylan, Elise, and Dr. Taylor

The first thing you’ll notice when you enter the new Office for Personal Counseling and Health Promotion are not cinderblock walls or harsh fluorescent lights.  The walls have art; the lights have been replaced with lamps - there are even yoga mats and reading materials on mindfulness for medical students.  Although these old Fee Hall study rooms were not renovated, the space has been transformed. It feels like someone’s zen living space has been transplanted into the basement of Fee Hall.

The second thing you’ll notice is the Star Wars themed décor sprinkled throughout this peaceful space. This special touch belongs to Dr. John Taylor.  Dr. Taylor is the new Director of Personal Counseling and Health Promotion at the College of Osteopathic Medicine, and while he has only started recently, he has found ways to welcome students, whether it’s an open house with cookies, or leading mindfulness meditation sessions before exams. Take a listen to find out his perspective on the importance of mental health, how he ended up at MSU COM, and his favorite Star Wars character.

Thank you to Chris Bathgate for permission to use his song "Levee"

Thank you to Brian Peters at Quite Scientific

If you have questions or comments email us at thepreclerkshippodcast@gmail.com

Download the Podcast

Episode 3: Plants, Pelicans, and Prosection

Dylan, Elise, and Dr. Pratt

I will never forget the first day of medical school.  I was excited and terrified, and then pleasantly surprised at our unconventional first day.  My expectations were high, and I half expected to be thrown into the gross anatomy lab and quizzed against my peers; fortunately this was not the case at all.

Our morning session included a talk from Dr. Rebecca Pratt reminding us to be good citizens because we were now entering into a life of service and privilege.  Our afternoon session included an orientation to the lab, but what I remember most is Dr. Pratt speaking with reverence about our "loved ones", the community members who donated their bodies for our education.  Over the course of our first semester, we got to know Dr. Pratt for her and love of teaching and detailed knowledge of human anatomy.

In this episode we learn about her path to the gross anatomy lab at MSU COM, some of her favorite anatomical terms, and hear advice for incoming medical students.  You might even learn about Dr. Pratt's spirit animal!

Thank you to Frontier Ruckus for permission to use their song "Silverfishes"

Thank you to Brian Peters at Quite Scientific

If you have questions or comments email us at thepreclerkshippodcast@gmail.com



Download the Podcast