With Humanities Highlights, Himmelfarb staff aims to spotlight useful books from our Humanities collection. This week, we’re showcasing “My Stroke of Insight” by Jill Bolte Taylor.
With Humanities Highlights, Himmelfarb staff aims to spotlight useful books from our Humanities collection. This week, we’re showcasing “My Stroke of Insight” by Jill Bolte Taylor.
About the Book: “My Stroke of Insight” is a memoir and patient advocacy book by the neuroscientist Jill Bolte Taylor who suffered (and recovered) from a stroke caused by an arteriovenous malformation. The book reconstructs the morning of the hemorrhage, her experience of the stroke, and her complete recovery.
What Makes This Book Invaluable: The book provides a rare first person account of a stroke from someone with the training and vocabulary to analyze their own experience. Dissolving her sense of self, the stroke gave Taylor eight years to reimagine the meaning of consciousness and self.
Some Caveats:
It’s worth noting that Taylor’s experiences are anecdotal (just one puzzle piece of the overall picture), and therefore, her experiences won’t relate to every stroke victim.
Moreover, Taylor reports her experience of the stroke in almost mystical terms and relates feelings of oneness (observed by contemplative traditions worldwide) with right-brain neurological activity. It’s important to separate her experience from her conclusions and to maintain a receptive - but critical - eye for both.
Reasons to Read:
For the future physician, the book provides a striking reminder of what it’s like to be a patient. The second half focuses on her eight year recovery, the difficulties faced, and her accumulation of little victories, which culminates in advice for better patient care (see Appendix B).
For the philosophically inclined, Taylor’s experience raises fascinating questions about the relationship between physiology and consciousness and how disruptions can help reveal how the brain works.
Fun Facts: Beyond the TED Talk, “My Stroke of Insight” has also been adapted as a ballet called Orbo Novo by the Cedar Lake Ballet Company.
Gender-affirming care has been a topic within mainstream media for the past several years. While some people think of surgical interventions during these discussions, health care providers and organizations classify a range of treatments as part of a gender-affirming care routine. Research shows that transgender and nonbinary individuals who receive gender-affirming care experience greater health outcomes such as decreased levels of depression, anxiety and suicidality. Dr. Arjee Javellana Restar’s paper Gender-affirming care is preventative care, examines the relationship between mental health and access to gender-affirming care. “While there are established treatments available outside of GAC, preventing negative mental health outcomes before they occur requires widening the tools of prevention, and calling in medical, insurer, and policy communities to value GAC in improving mental health for trans people.” (Restar, 2023, pg. 2) In order to address the mental health outcomes of trans and nonbinary individuals, it is important that barriers to gender-affirming treatment options are eliminated and the patient’s autonomy is prioritized.
Gender-affirming care are treatment options that aim to affirm a person’s gender identity. Treatments may include speech therapy, hormone therapy, or surgical interventions. Gender-affirming care options are frequently discussed and created by patients, healthcare providers and if the patient is a minor, parental or legal guardians are also present. The Association of American Medical Colleges states that “For children in particular, the time of the interventions is based on several factors, including cognitive and physical development as well as parental consent. Surgery…is rarely provided to people under 18.” (Boyle, 2022)
Research shows that transgender and nonbinary people who receive gender-affirming care often experience improved mental health outcomes than those who do not receive treatment. Dr. Restar writes “Addressing mental health problems among trans people necessitates explicit programmatic and investment goals that allow the equitable provision of not just treatment, but instead, an array of both preventative and treatment tools…” (Restar, 2023, pg. 1) Both Dr. Restar and the Association of American Medical Colleges note that people who receive gender-affirming care experience lower rates of negative mental health outcomes. (Restar, 2023; Boyle, 2022) “GAC is linked to improved quality of life and mental health among trans people…To date, no studies have reported findings that suggest GAC increases negative mental health outcomes.” (Restar, 2023, pg. 1)
There are social and structural barriers that prevent people from accessing the full range of gender-affirming care treatment options. Dr. Restar suggests that the healthcare profession should make changes to the existing structures to allow for more equitable access to care. “Over the years, the benefits of GAC has become apparent, yet beneficiaries remain exclusive, leaving many trans people to wait until eligible for treatment at the cost of worsened outcomes…To address the high prevalence of mental health problems, GAC must be synergized as part of combined preventative mental health care options and strategies.” (Restar, 2023, pg. 2)
Building a gender diverse and gender-affirming environment is important because it “allows for frank discussions about the patient’s gender identity and related stress, sexual activity, and potential transition toward a different gender identity.” (Boyle, 2022) Himmelfarb Library’s Diversity and Disparities in Health Care special collection contains materials to help you learn more about transgender and gender diverse healthcare needs. Additionally, Dr. Restar’s article provides suggestions that may lead to healthcare structural changes and improve healthcare access for transgender and nonbinary individuals.
If you’re a new student, or if our article about Himmelfarb’s technology options caught your eye, you may have heard that SMHS, GWSPH, and GW Nursing faculty, staff, and students can 3D print for free.
But if you’ve never submitted a 3D printing request before, it might seem a little daunting. Fortunately – it’s super easy!
All you need to do is find the STL file you want to print (think of the STL as the digital blueprint for the print job), submit the file (or the URL of where to find it) using our Submission Form, and then let Himmelfarb staff take over. We’ll format the file and print it out for you.
But where do I find an STL file?
Fortunately, there are a number of high quality free 3D printing libraries available: NIH 3D Print Exchange, Thingiverse, or the Zortrax Library. I recommend starting with Thingiverse (Thingiverse is your friend). You can find almost anything you want just by querying their database and downloading the file.
3D printing has a myriad of applications for the medical field. For medical students, it allows the visualization of the (almost invisible) by modeling molecules, or it can create bone models such as flexible spines or 3D printed skulls. For more information on the process of printing through Himmelfarb, check out our 3D Printing Research Guide. We hope to collaborate with you soon!
The back-to-school season is upon us, and that means busy mornings, packed schedules, and the need for quick and nutritious meals. Having convenient and healthy eats on hand is essential. In this post, we're sharing some fantastic ideas for meals and snacks that are perfect for busy days and on-the-go moments.
If you are a smoothie lover, this 5-ingredient Banana- Peach smoothie is not only rich in nutrients but also packed with protein and potassium! Another simple and easy to fit into a jar recipe would be this Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal. Oatmeal is not only great for weight loss but also helps to decrease the risk of heart disease and high blood sugar levels. Another Mason jar and travel-friendly recipe are these sweet Rise and Shine Parfaits! Substitute the yogurt for Greek yogurt to obtain all the benefits that support bone, muscle, and gut health.
Into Salads? Why not make your own? This DIY salad in a Jar recipe offers a perfect starting point for those who are unsure of where to start. It is easy to change to your liking. If you have some time to prep the night before, you can always make a delicious Chicken and Veggie Couscous meal that is both easy to pack and allows you to use your favorite vegetables.
Another perfectly packable and healthy lunch idea would be these Tomato, Avocado, and shallot sandwiches! Shallots are also great for those with high cholesterol.
When in doubt, go wholesome! Keeping a selection of nuts like walnuts, peanuts, and almonds is always beneficial as they have heart-healthy monosaturated fats and fiber. You can always mix them with your favorite dried fruit for something more filling. Add some dark chocolate for some extra magnesium and iron, which helps keep energy levels high.
With these quick and healthy eats, you'll be well-prepared for busy back-to-school days and on-the-go adventures. Remember, making nutritious choices doesn't have to be complicated – a little planning can go a long way in ensuring you have delicious and wholesome options at your fingertips.
Are you a regular visitor to our physical facility? If you spend time here for study, research, using collections, or just lounging, here’s a few tips to prepare you for emergencies and enhance your safety.
Don’t leave valuable belongings unattended - Though it doesn’t happen frequently, there have been thefts in the library. Keep your valuables with you at all times.
Stay aware - We recommend that you keep your headphone volume at a level that allows you to hear alarms or instructions should evacuation become necessary. There are sirens that sound on all floors and flashing lights if the building needs to be evacuated. It can be more difficult to hear when in a study room, so adjust your volumes accordingly. We also ask that you do not cover study room door windows for safety reasons.
Know your closest exit - You should always be aware of how best to quickly exit a building should it become necessary. On the library first floor there are emergency exits in the alcove by the elevator (exits to the courtyard) and in the stairwell by the rest rooms (exits to 23rd street). From the upper floors you will need to use one of the two stairwells to descend to the first floor to exit. On the basement level there is an exit from the book stacks to the parking garage if you can’t reach the first floor safely. Check our emergency floor maps for the exit locations.
Exit immediately if the alarm sounds - Unless it has been communicated in advance that there is a scheduled test of the alarm system, always respond to sirens in the library as if there is a fire or other hazard in the building that requires immediate evacuation. Quickly grab your belongings including any outerwear you brought with you and leave via the closest stairwell and exit door. It could be minutes to hours before you will be able to re-enter the building.
Fire extinguishers and alarm pulls are available - The library has multiple extinguishers and alarm pulls on each floor. Check the emergency floor maps for locations. If you don’t know how to use an extinguisher, the GW Division of Safety and Facilities offers training sessions between May and November.
Defibrillators save lives - The library has a defibrillator on the first floor in case of a medical emergency. It’s on the entry lobby wall that faces the courtyard. The Division of Safety and Facilities offers CPR/AED training if you want to learn how to use this lifesaving equipment.
Move away from windows during a storm - If a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued, move to the interior part of each floor and away from windows. The safest shelter area is on the basement level and in the stairwells.
Water is a hazard to people and books - If you see leaks or water on the floor, alert a library staff member immediately.
Staying alert, exiting promptly when alarms sound, and following instructions will keep you and other library users safe in emergencies.
Would you like to learn more about healthcare related disability and accessibility issues? Would you like to hear perspectives from disabled individuals as they discuss how their disability impacts their lives? The Disability Visibility podcast, hosted by Alice Wong, has one hundred episodes that center disabled individuals and activists who work to create a more accessible world.
If you are interested in listening to the podcast, Himmelfarb Library’s DEI Committee suggests starting with episodes 95 and 98. In episode 95, Alice Wong speaks with Dr. Justin Bullock, an African-American medical resident who wrote the New England Journal of Medicine article Suicide–Rewriting My Story. The episode’s conversation focuses on Dr. Bullock’s experiences with Bipolar Disorder, suicidality and his medical school and residency journey. Episode 98 is another conversation with UC Berkeley undergraduate student, Alena Morales. Morales shares her experiences with creating the Disability Cultural Center on Berkeley’s campus and what that process taught her about creating communities for disabled people.
If you listen to the suggested episodes and would like to hold a community discussion, the DEI Committee created a starting list of questions that may guide the conversation:
Did this podcast change your perspective on disability? What surprised you?
If you or someone you know has disabilities, what challenges have you/they faced?
How does disability intersect with other identities such as race or sexual orientation?
Are you aware of ways that GW accommodates students with disabilities? What else could be done?
Dr. Bullock discusses his experience with bipolar disorder. Had you considered mental health issues as disabilities? In what ways are these disabilities similar to and different from a physical disability?
The Disability Visibility podcast is one part of the ongoing Disability Visibility project. To learn more about the podcast or the larger multimedia project, visit the project’s website at disabilityvisibilityproject.com. If there is a DEIA resource that you would like to share with the committee, please contact the current chair, Rachel Brill at rgbrill@gwu.edu.
Time management is a critical skill that can help you to achieve your goals in school, at work, and in life. Whether your interests are academic, athletic, dietary, or personal, effective time management can be used to cater to your interests regardless of a busy schedule. Keeping track of your time also helps to reduce stress so that you can accomplish more in less time! Additionally, when you manage your time well, you can focus on tasks with undivided attention, boosting your productivity.
Here are some helpful tips for managing your time:
Define short-term and long-term goals. Break goals into smaller, actionable steps, and assign deadlines to each step. This helps you maintain focus and stay on track.
Prioritize tasks as "important” or “urgent," and plan your time accordingly.
Use a planner, digital calendar, or time management app to create a daily and weekly schedule. Allocate specific time blocks for studying, classes, assignments, and any personal activities. Stick to your schedule as closely as possible!
While multitasking might seem like a time-saver, it often leads to decreased focus and efficiency. Concentrate on one task at a time to produce better results in less time.
Take breaks! Regular breaks enhance productivity by preventing burnout and maintaining mental clarity. Incorporate short breaks during study sessions to recharge your mind.
Be realistic and accountable. Decide when you will study, versus when is free time for example. Overcommitting can lead to burnout!
A well-rested mind is more productive. Prioritize sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet to maintain your energy levels and cognitive function.
Mastering time management is a skill that will serve you well throughout your academic journey, your professional career, and beyond. By setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks, and following practical time management techniques, you'll not only excel in your studies but also create space for personal growth, relaxation, and pursuing your passions. Time is a valuable resource. How well you manage it will shape your success and overall well-being.
New to Himmelfarb? Check out these tips for getting the most out of your library experience!
The Floors Breakdown (Noise and Availability)
Different floors have different roles in Himmelfarb.
1st Floor: group study area. Here you’ll find many 4-person tables and rolling white boards. Food and conversation are fine, as is catching up with colleagues on the sofas and chairs near the elevator.
2nd Floor: grad student quiet(est) study area: the second floor is a quiet area primarily for graduate students. Study carrels abound, both open and closed as well as shared study tables near the windows.
3rd Floor: the main floor is a quiet study area, while the Bloedorn Technology Center provides areas for collaboration including the Body Viz area and the tables with anatomical models. The SMHS IT Helpdesk is housed on this floor, as well as computer labs.
These computers are programmed with software useful for medical students – including statistical software. You can see the complete list here.
3rd Floor study options: open tables and study carrels
Want a Study Room? Reserve in advance.
Our 28 study rooms can be reserved online here. Reserving in advance is always your best bet to get a room, but if you’re on site, you can reserve through the above link or by scanning the QR code outside the study rooms, which will take you to the reservation form.
Reservations are for 4 hours blocks, and can be made a week in advance. All rooms have monitors and white boards for use.
Study hard, but be courteous to others!. The study rooms, although closed off, are still on a quiet floor.
AV Equipment to Borrow
To enhance your study experience, Himmelfarb has a plethora of AV equipment to borrow:
Expo Markers and Eraser (for the white boards - both in the study room and on the first floor)
Remote Controls (for the study room monitors)
HDMI, VGA, VGA to HDMI adaptor, etc. (ibid)
MacBook and iPhone chargers
Headphones
All of these can be checked out at the first floor Circulation desk. Just ask your friendly neighborhood Circ assistant!
Need a Break?
Studying until the pages blur? Take a break at our Healthy Living Collection located on the 1st floor! We have board games, coloring books for a Zen moment, weights, and an always-ongoing puzzle table. Delve into fiction or deepen your understanding of medical history with both our humanities and take a book/leave a book collections, found in our first floor alcove.
Healthy Living Collection - 1st floor near the Wepa printers
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). Regular immunizations are an important part of staying healthy. Vaccines help provide immunity before potential exposure to diseases. Vaccines help your body create antibodies to fight off infections by training your immune system to recognize and destroy harmful pathogens before they can cause serious illness. To learn more about how vaccines work, check out this great video from Nature - which you can also share with your patients:
Himmelfarb Library also has a number of immunization resources available! Next time you’re in the library, check out our current book display on the first floor with immunization and vaccine-related resources. If you see something of interest, ask at the circulation desk to check out the book.
We also have some great e-books available on the topic of vaccines:
Plotkin’s Vaccines: by Walter A. Orenstien et. al. is an award-winning 2024 text that provides the latest vaccination evidence, recommendations, and protocols.
The Ethics of Vaccination: by Alberto Guibilini discusses individual, collective, and institutional responsibilities surrounding vaccination from a philosophy and public health ethics point of view.
Image by Rafabollas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Open access is the emerging standard for how scientific literature is published and shared. An open access publication is digital, has no fees required for access, and has no copyright or licensing restrictions. The idea is to make scientific findings accessible to all who would benefit. This is a noble goal, but the practicalities of its application can be confusing. There are a number of ways that authors and publishers can make published studies available open access. Some put the burden of payment on the author or institution that produced the research, some on the publisher, and an emerging model puts it on libraries who enter agreements with publishers for subscriptions with open access benefits for researchers at their institution.
The three most common models are green, gold, and diamond/platinum open access. Here’s a quick breakdown of each:
Green OA - A publisher allows the author(s) to self-archive an open access copy of the article being published in one of its journals. This is generally allowed for a preprint version of the article. The author can opt to self-archive to a subject-based archive like PubMed Central, or in an institutional repository, like Himmelfarb’s Health Sciences Research Commons. To find out if a journal allows Green OA and what the specific terms are, Sherpa/Romeo is a free tool to check publisher open access policies. Learn more about how to deposit your research in an institutional repository in our video tutorial, Archiving Scholarship in an Institutional Repository.
Gold OA - The authors (or their affiliated institution) pay the publisher to allow open access to the content with an Article Processing Charge (APC). In this model, the author frequently retains copyright. The downside is the typically high expense to publish gold OA in reputable journals. Note that vanity presses and some predatory publications will fall into the gold category. Learn more about how to identify a predatory journal in our video tutorial, How to Spot a Predatory Journal.
Diamond or Platinum OA - Also known as cooperative or non-commercial open access, in this model neither the author nor the reader pays. Typically this model is used by not-for-profit publishing venues like University presses or scholarly society publications. A 2021 study estimated that there are 29,000 diamond OA journals, but only 10,000 of them are included in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and many are not indexed to make their contents findable in databases. Only about half of diamond OA journal articles have a DOI which jeopardizes future access.
The Venn diagram below developed by Jamie Farquarhson illustrates what each of the three levels means for both authors and readers.
As Gold OA becomes more common, some institutions are creating funds that their researchers can use to pay for APCs. Researchers are also including these expenses in grant applications, especially for those like NIH grants that require depositing research findings and associated data in freely accessible archives. Learn more about how to include article processing charges into grants in our video tutorial, How to Include Article Processing Charges (APCs) in Funding Proposals.
As mentioned earlier in this article, libraries are starting to take on some of the burden of APCs. In what’s known as a transformative agreement, the fees paid to a publisher are transitioning from subscription access for library users to open access publishing by the institution’s researchers and authors. The library pays for both users to read for free and for the institution's authors to publish open access in the publisher’s journals. There may be limits on how many articles can be published or other price caps built in. Usually, these agreements are cost neutral meaning that the library is not saving on subscription fees. Currently, GW has transformative agreements in place with Cambridge Journals and The Company of Biologists (Development, Journal of Cell Science, and the Journal of Experimental Biology). GW has explored transitioning to transformative agreements with other publishers.
