Creative reflection and self-expression has been a significant component of this elective. It is important for our own wellbeing as physicians, as well as allowing us to better connect with the emotions our patients may be experiencing which are hard to put into words.

I wrote this poem about my grandmother, who attended Glasgow Medical School herself. Unfortunately, she passed away before I began studying here. Writing about her helps me to articulate the mixed emotions I feel living here now that she is gone.

Moreover, death and grief are intrinsic parts of medical life. I believe that connecting with different perspectives on this topic can allow us to more deeply empathise with and help our patients. I hope that this piece might offer one such perspective.