The Nephron

I’ve been sitting diligently at my computer for hours, but all I’ve learned is that studying the nephron seems pointless. What am I doing? How could I devote so much time to understanding the movement of ions while my phone is aglow with notifications of the outrageous things taking place? Tragedy after tragedy is toppled by another; I won’t even try to list them, you already know.

Many digest the news like the morning’s breakfast on the way to work, but for me, it nags throughout the day. The anger fills my stomach, frustration causes tremors in my hands, and grief hinders my focus. I want to help. I have a responsibility. I need to do what I went into medicine to do. But I can’t. I still have to pass this test. And the one after that.

I know I have to focus on my education, but I feel guilty going through the motions. What else could I be doing right now? Certainly much more than a social media post, a donation, or a vote.

After some agonizing reflection, I realize I must continue to strain my eyes against the blue hue of my laptop for hours more. The sacrifice of what else I could do now is an investment in the capabilities I will have in the future. I can’t ignore, I can’t be idle, but my priority is my metamorphosis into the physician I aspire to be.

For now, I must channel all my energy into the nephron so that I may gain the privilege of having the power to do something more.