The Illnesses and The Oddities

Authors

Reina LipkindFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Major/Program

Creative Writing

First Advisor's Name

John Dufresne

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee chair

Second Advisor's Name

Julie Wade

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Third Advisor's Name

Michael Gillespie

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Keywords

Creative Writing, Memoir, Linked Stories, Emergency Medicine

Date of Defense

3-12-2020

Abstract

THE ILLNESSES AND THE ODDITIES is a linked memoir covering two decades the author worked as an Emergency Room physician before her unexpected retirement. Included are glimpses into the formation of the author’s initial career as well as her prospective career.

Working in an overwhelmed system impacts the treatment of patients and staff morale. Like Tim O’Brien’s " The Things They Carried," the ER can be a war zone, causing moral injury to those who deal with endless illnesses and odd events. Memories of youthful experiences are recalled as the author encounters difficult situations, as in "The Crystal Palace" by Jeannette Wall.

Readers are offered new perspectives on the inner workings of a busy ER, its patients and staff, and insights into challenges encountered transitioning to a different vocation.

Identifier

FIDC008898

Previously Published In

"Night Music") was previously published in THE EXAMINED LIFE JOURNAL.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Lipkind, Reina, "The Illnesses and The Oddities" (2020). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 4443.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/4443