By Faiza Khan

In India, names are given based on their meaning. 

Faiza; one who provides benefit to others. 

I believe my parents thought ahead and wanted me to serve.

However, my grandfather changed my first name; Sanober (a beautiful tree, with a short life). 

So here I am, blessed with a lifetime of service. 

Choice or fate? 

Faiza Khan, M.D., is an immigrant physician living in Arkansas with her family.  Dr. Khan has a passion for reading and has rekindled her love for creative writing.  She is a participant in the NWMN Collaborative and uses narrative medicine to connect with patients beyond the operating room. She wants to use her voice to heal with words and has published topics of patient interest on kevinmd.com.

By Claire Gist Bradberry

The echocardiogram came back. His heart was so big it could barely beat: dilated cardiomyopathy. 

“He’ll be lucky to make it to Little Rock alive.” 

We told his mama. She melted to the floor. We melted too. 

“I didn’t bring him in soon enough.” 

You came as soon as you knew. It’s not your fault.

Claire is a third year medical student at UAMS Northwest who wrote this story to express the grief that emergency medicine encounters can bring for patients, their families, and their physicians.

By Diane M. Jarrett

When she was a teenager in the 1940s, Marie loved going to the neighborhood theater to gaze in rapture at Gene Tierney, her favorite actress.

Marie watched Gene smoking in movie after movie.  Glamorous, exotic, daring.  She excitedly bought her first pack of cigarettes.

Gene died of emphysema.  Marie died of throat cancer.  The End.

Dr. Diane Jarrett is the Director of Education and Communications in the UAMS Department of Family and Preventive Medicine. In her personal life she enjoys writing about vintage stars such as Gene Tierney (1920-1991), a popular actress who unfortunately inspired “Marie” (not her real name) to begin smoking cigarettes.

By Humaira Khan

Back stooped, feet shuffling. Hands trembling, rolling imaginary pills. 

His wife follows, smaller at each visit, struggling. 

“Hey Doc!” he says. 

I look up smiling, thinking he means me, but find him grinning at an empty chair. His wife’s sad eyes speak volumes. I remember then: “Doc” is the person no one sees but him. 

Humaira Khan, M.D., is a neurologist, mother, nature-lover, and amateur photographer with a life-long passion for the written word. She has a Diploma in Freelance and Writing from the London School of Journalism and her work has been published in Intima as well as in Lifestyle and Consumer magazines, both online and in print.

By Catherine Corless

You’re circling the drain.

You know you are.

A slow death.

Stop talking to yourself – do something about it.

Just stop drinking.

You are circling the drain.

Today will be different.

Don’t drink today. Or, just not so much. 

Just two drinks at dinner.

Just three…

Maybe tomorrow.

You’re circling the drain.

Until – you aren’t.

Catherine Corless, J.D., has been practicing law for 20 years and writes what she knows.

By Aditi Pant

When we finally had a backyard there was no time to watch the stars at night. The day ran fast tiring us and the night dropped quickly. Then, one early morning, for few precious moments, he made me look up. Some stars remained twinkling in the darkling dawn. When you make space, the universe adjusts. 

Aditi Pant is an educator and writer in Houston and words are her solace, strength and sanctuary.