Clerkship rotations mark the beginning of future physicians’ ‘firsts’ – the first time hearing a rare murmur, welcoming a newborn into the world, grieving the loss of a patient, saving a life, and an array of other experiences that are unique to medicine. The extent of novelty can become overwhelming. In each institution, there is a space of escape to comprehend the occurrences of the day: the clerk lounge. With its unattractive sofas and outdated coffee machines, it serves as a place of solace and connection with others who share the experience. 

I created this photo essay to capture this milestone in medical training. My friends and colleagues tell stories of meaningful patient encounters that will inevitably shape them, both as physicians and as humans. 

This photo essay was shot on Illford XP2 400 35mm film with a 50mm lens. This is the first photograph project I undertook, and it showed me just how powerful stories can be for connection. 

That’s all (for now). 

– R