SOL: Stanzas of Life

I just turned 26 over the weekend! Ahh, another year older, or, another year younger as some say. Birthdays have always been a mix of joy and reflection for me. In medical school, however, they take on a different weight. As I celebrate another year of life, I find myself thinking not just about my own aging, but about the intricate relationship between time, medicine, and the human experience.

The Value of Time in Medicine

Time is one of the most valuable yet fleeting aspects of medicine. In our studies, we often measure time in seconds—whether it’s the window to restore circulation in cardiac arrest, the golden hour for trauma patients, or the few moments we have to comfort a distressed patient. Time determines prognosis, healing, and survival. It is a currency we never seem to have enough of, yet one we are constantly trying to manipulate for the benefit of others.

As a medical student, I feel the weight of time pressing down in a different way. There are never enough hours in the day to learn everything I want to know, to see every case, or to balance personal life with academic rigor. But my birthday reminds me that while medicine teaches us to race against time, we must also learn to pause and appreciate it.

The Beauty of Aging

Studying medicine has also changed how I view aging. Society often portrays it as something to resist, to fear, to mask with serums and procedures. But when I see patients who have lived long, rich lives, I recognize the privilege of growing older. Every wrinkle tells a story, every gray hair is a badge of wisdom, and every birthday is a milestone not everyone gets to celebrate. Medicine has taught me that aging is not just the passage of years; it is the accumulation of experiences, relationships, and resilience.

Celebrating the Present

Birthdays, especially during medical school, are a chance to step back and reflect. They remind me to be grateful—not only for the knowledge I’ve gained but for the people who support me along the way. Whether it’s a moment of laughter with classmates, a call from a loved one, or a simple moment of solitude, I try to savor it.

In medicine, we often focus on extending life, but we must also emphasize the quality of life. Just as we encourage our patients to celebrate small victories, we too should celebrate our own milestones, even in the midst of our demanding schedules.

A Reminder to Cherish Time

If there’s one thing medicine has taught me, it’s that time is never guaranteed. As I mark another year, I remind myself to cherish the time I have—whether it’s with loved ones, in the pursuit of knowledge, or in the simple joy of being present. After all, birthdays are more than just candles on a cake; they are a reminder that time is precious and should be lived with intention.