I gave a speech about being a healer and crying and stuff.
July 7, 2017
I had the honor of being chosen as the class speaker for the NUNM graduating class of 2017. The transcript and video of the speech are below.
Category: NCNM
I want a broken heart.
May 16, 2017
I want my heart to be broken. And I want it to hurt. That gnawing, empty, breath-taking heartbreak. You know the feeling, right? I definitely know it. I’ve spent my life relentlessly attempting to avoid it. It absolutely terrifies me. But in spite of my constant efforts, I’ve still had my heart broken at least … More I want a broken heart.
Maybe you are actually something special.
January 30, 2017
I cried in the middle of a class. Again. That’s happened more than I would’ve expected in my life. This time, it was a Friday morning, before a really important exam. In medical school, we have these yearly exams to make sure that we kind of know what we’re doing when it comes to patient … More Maybe you are actually something special.
Well, I’m still a terrible doctor.
April 17, 2016
“I think I’ve given up on being a doctor. Med school (on the ridiculous off chance that I was miraculously accepted) would be a nightmare. I hate tests. I suck at tests. That’s all med school is – tests.” That’s a little excerpt from my journal in 2011 while I was still working on my … More Well, I’m still a terrible doctor.
It’s official: I’m a terrible doctor.
September 27, 2015
I recently started my third year (out of four) in medical school at NCNM. Third year is where the transition from student to doctor officially begins, with the start of the internship. It’s finally my opportunity to interact with real patients and start applying all of the knowledge that’s been smashed into my head over … More It’s official: I’m a terrible doctor.
A few words on my goals and accomplishments.
August 17, 2015
My time living in Portland, OR has felt like a single blink of my eyes. I moved here in late August of 2013 and since then, I have constantly been studying for an exam or training for a martial arts competition. It’s been relentless and exhausting. That is, until a few weeks ago. I took … More A few words on my goals and accomplishments.
It’s not about being unbreakable.
August 10, 2015
I knew I was pushing myself to my limit, but I thought I could handle it. My plan was to take my first set of board exams to become a licensed naturopathic doctor on a Tuesday and fight at a Muay Thai event on the following Saturday. From the moment my school term ended until … More It’s not about being unbreakable.
Hi, I’m James and I suffer from burnout.
July 20, 2015
During my first week of medical school at NCNM, I met up with a veteran student to get some advice and ask about his experiences at the school. He kept mentioning the word “burnout” like it was a disease or something. Some virus that students inadvertently and unavoidably give to each other. A rite of passage … More Hi, I’m James and I suffer from burnout.
Find The Sunflower Seed
November 25, 2014
As a medical student, I am on a constant and desperate search for ways to fund my absurdly expensive education. I started applying for every single scholarship that I am potentially eligible for. One scholarship opportunity, offered by Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods, involved making a 3-minute video of a speech on a grain or … More Find The Sunflower Seed
The time I forgot why it mattered.
November 16, 2014
I spent years working towards getting into NCNM’s naturopathic medicine program. When I got here, I convinced myself that I was prepared in every way. I’d done all of my pre-reqs. I was motivated. I was confident. I knew that I’d have to put in an absurd amount of hours studying. I was ready to … More The time I forgot why it mattered.
James is Trying 