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Category: Just for Fun

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Close of picture of a purple flower.
“Summer Beauty” by Dana Bolsteins (2022 Art Show submission, photography)

Calling all artists! Do you have a painting, print, or photograph that you'd like to share? How about some needlework, pottery, or hand-made jewelry?  

Himmelfarb Library is excited to announce its 2024 Annual Art Show, which will run from  Monday, April 15th through Friday, May 10th. This event, now in its 36th year, is open to all students, faculty, and staff of the SMHS, GWSPH, and GW Nursing. Join us for an opening reception in the library on Monday, April 15th, from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm.

Key Dates:

  • Submission Deadline: April 11, 2024 (Thursday)
  • Opening Reception: April 15, 2024 (Monday), 4:00pm - 5:30pm
  • Art Show Dates: April 15, 2024 (Monday) - May 10, 2024 (Friday)

We are accepting submissions through Thursday, April 11th. Please drop off your artwork at the first floor Circulation Desk. Digital copies of your work can be included in our Virtual Art Show, by sending the file(s) to himmelfarb@gwu.edu. You can submit exclusively to the Virtual Art Show if you prefer.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact us by email at himmelfarb@gwu.edu or by phone at (202) 994-2850.

If you need some inspiration, enjoy these submissions from previous years. Check out more prior submissions in the Himmelfarb Library Annual Art Show collections in the Health Sciences Research Commons! 

Painting of a Faerie Queen with two women playing woodwind instruments looking at her.
“The Faerie Queen of New Prague” by Basil Considine (2023 submission)
Picture of a 3D printed knee joint with red wax resembling blood dripping from the joint.
Picture of multiple submissions.
Picture of multiple fabric art submissions.
Picture of multiple submissions.
Photographs by Frederick Jacobsen, MD, MPH (2023 submissions)
Picture of a crochet submission of staph infection with smiley faces.

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Promo image for Basketball Toss event

This Thursday, the Himmelfarb Library is proud to host a Basketball Toss event! This joint fundraiser will take place Thursday 3/14 from Noon to 4:00 pm. All proceeds will go to the GW Healing Clinic. 

Methods of payment will be cash and VENMO. The VENMO link will be provided onsite. 

Each paid participant will receive one free practice shot. We will be setting up a two-level scoring opportunity, with two different lines to toss from. The first line will be closest to the basket, generating two (2) points for each shot made. The second line, which will be further away from the basket, will generate three (3) points for each shot made. 

Participants may start and leave the event without losing their score. In the event of a tie, there will be a showdown to determine the winner. The two tied participants will receive three (3) tosses from the second line. This will continue until a winner is determined. There will be only one winner!

The winner will be determined at the end of the event day. The player with the highest cumulative score will be the winner! The 1st place prize will be a $75 gift card to Tonic and will have bragging rights for an entire year! Other prizes will be presented to the 2nd and 3rd place winners. 

The cost to participate is as follows:

1 shot for $1.00

3 shots for $2.50

5 shots for $4.00

10 shots for $7.50

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The image shows 3 women sitting in front of flowers. They are all wearing jeans and are sitting outdoors.

March 8th is  International Women’s Day! What a fantastic time to appreciate not only the women dear to us, but also to applaud the many women who have made progress in the field of Medicine. To discover more about the timeline of Women who made history in medicine, AMA has a brief timeline to illuminate those who helped to make the field of medicine what it is today.

Today, women continue to excel in all areas of healthcare, from clinical practice to research and academia. Female physicians, surgeons, researchers, and educators continue to make significant contributions to their fields that drive innovation and the improvement of patient care. Their dedication and expertise inspire the next generation of medical professionals.

Unfortunately throughout the world, women continue to face bias, discrimination, workplace pay inequality, and a lack of protection. A recent study from the World Bank reveals that the gender gap between men and women is wider than ever before. Moreover, women of color and those from underprivileged backgrounds often encounter additional barriers to advancement and recognition.

Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from not only the community as a whole but also medical schools and hospitals. Consider encouraging Initiatives that promote diversity and equality and encourage a more supportive and inclusive environment for women in medicine. GW’s very own Clara Bliss Hinds Society is a powerful and inspirational task force that hosts workshops and events to promote Women in the industry.

Let us not forget that tomorrow matters. As educators and mentors, we have a responsibility to empower the next generation of Women in Medicine. It may be beneficial to study and highlight the achievements of female role models in medicine and sharing their stories can inspire students to pursue their passions and overcome obstacles. Representation matters, and by showcasing diverse role models, we can challenge stereotypes and broaden perceptions of who can succeed in medicine.

Further reading can be found at Himmelfarb:

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Picture of a dragon at a Lunar New Year parade.

The Lunar New Year is upon us! During this time of year, families worldwide awaken to the dawn of a new year, one that holds promises of prosperity and joy. Also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, this is a time of great significance for many across the globe. 2024 ushers in the year of the Dragon, which is a symbol of power, strength, courage, and good fortune. 

From February 10th to the 16th, activities will be held across the globe that are filled with ancient customs and modern revelry. If you would like to participate in or see such festivities, DC has its very own Chinese Lunar New Year Parade on Sunday, February 11th!

In China, preparations for the Lunar New Year often begin weeks in advance as families clean their homes to sweep away any traces of bad luck from the previous year. This tradition, known as "spring cleaning" is believed to invite good fortune and prosperity into the household. Vibrant red decorations adorn doorways and windows, symbolizing luck and protection from misfortune into the new year. 

From dawn until dusk, throughout the Lunar New Year festivities of traditional meals, parades, and fireworks, intertwine with modern celebrations that create a tapestry of cultural richness and diversity that brings many together. 

For many, this occasion is not only a time for celebration but also a moment of reflection and renewal. It's a time to set intentions for the coming year, express gratitude for blessings received, and embrace the many opportunities that come our way. 

From the Himmelfarb Library, we wish you a safe and joyous Lunar New Year, while welcoming in a new chapter filled with promise and possibility, especially to those who celebrate! 

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Welcome back, GW family! As we embark on a new year filled with endless possibilities, it's the perfect time to reflect on where you are now, and where you’d like to be at this time next year, and set some powerful resolutions or goals to help you get there. If you are still trying to figure out where to start or have not made goals before, it might not be a bad time to reflect on the past year. 

Begin by acknowledging and celebrating your achievements from 2023. Take note of the challenges you overcame, and the skills you acquired. Ask yourself: What did I learn last year, and what do I want to learn now? Reflecting on your journey will help you to set realistic and achievable goals. 

When it comes to setting goals or making resolutions, specificity matters. Try to stay away from goals like “publish more.” While a vague goal may be a great starting point to create a roadmap, you will be less likely to accomplish said goal if you leave out precise details such as “submit three research papers to top tier conferences” or “complete data collection for my thesis by August.” Specific goals help to provide a clear path and make it easier for you to modify and track your progress. Remember, if you do not make the deadline you set for yourself, you can always reschedule. 

If your goal is substantial in size, break it down into manageable steps. Large goals can be overwhelming, especially when viewed as a whole. Categorize specific tasks into categories and prioritize them as you see fit. Consistency and building new habits will help that much more when it comes to achieving your goals. 

Don’t forget to be realistic and accountable. If you are uncertain about a specific goal or are feeling overwhelmed, it might help to share your vision with a peer or a mentor who can offer support on how to keep on track. If you need to, schedule check-ins or progress reviews that can also help to keep you focused. 

One of the best ways to achieve your goals is to find and use tools to help manage and track your progress. Task organization matters, no matter if it is digital or kept in a journal. Keeping your workspace clean, and your planner or goal notebook nearby and well-maintained can be a big help!  

Lastly, understand that setbacks happen and that they are all part of any journey. Instead of viewing them as failures, view them as opportunities to learn and grow. Use setbacks as an opportunity to revisit your goals, adjust your strategies, and move forward with a newfound resilience! 

We can’t wait to see all of you succeed in 2024. Welcome back, and let’s make the best of this year together. Raise high! 

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Welcome to a new year. As we settle into 2024 and prepare for another semester, we wanted to reflect on Himmelfarb Library’s many accomplishments from the previous year. 

In 2023, Himmelfarb Library acquired new resources and updated our current collection to provide the latest in health sciences research and support. The Bloedorn Technology Center received new 3-D printed anatomical models that are on display and available for in-library use.  

Himmelfarb Library created two special collections. The Streaming Video Collections provides access to documentaries, short films and other digital media with a focus on topics in health sciences. The Suicide and Suicidology Collection is a curated list of materials on suicide, suicide risks and prevention that was expanded thanks to a gift from Dr. Seymour Perlin and Ruth Perlin. Library staff updated the Core Title list based upon feedback from faculty members from SMHS, Nursing and SPH. In an ongoing project, the library is working to make reading lists embedded in research guides more user-friendly and navigable; the Anesthesiology core list, Radiology textbooks and the Exercise & Nutrition Sciences textbooks received a visual update and more lists will undergo a similar update soon.

In spring 2023, Himmelfarb Library released its Anti-Racism in Healthcare research guide.  A research guide for LGBTQ+ healthcare is under development. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy was published in the fall. The policy outlines the avenues in which the library will follow a DEI framework to maintain a diverse and inclusive environment. 

The Interlibrary Loan Policy was also updated in the summer of 2023. Under the updated policy, Himmelfarb Library will now provide 30 free interlibrary loan requests to users in SMHS, Nursing and SPH. This update simplifies the interlibrary loan request process for users so they can receive the resources they need without major delays. 

Continuing their virtual tutorial series, the Scholarly Communications Committee added several new videos to their tutorials library. Some of the new videos include Curating Your ORCiD Profile, Updating Your Biosketch via SciENcv, and Journal Impact Factors: What You Need to Know. The full playlist of tutorials is available through the Scholarly Communications Video Tutorials page under the Scholarly Publishing research guide. 

Himmelfarb library connected with users both in-person and online. Last year, library staff wrote and published over 150 new articles to the Himmelfarb Library News page and garnered over 23,000 page views on the news site. On our social media platforms, the library posted nearly 500 times on Facebook and over 470 times on Instagram. We received over 1,000 likes or reactions on Facebook and over 2,000 on Instagram. New articles are added to the library's news site three times a week and the Facebook and Instagram pages are regularly updated. Subscribe to our pages to remain up to date on events at the library or new resources. 

Many returning and new events took place last year. In January, the library hosted the National Library of Medicine’s traveling exhibit Renaissance Science, Magic and Medicine in Harry Potter’s World. The exhibit explored the historical people and texts that served as inspiration for aspects of the Harry Potter series. 

In March, the library held a basketball shootout fundraiser for the Healing Clinic. From March through April, the library had its inaugural Cherry Blossom Photo Contest. Following the success of this contest, the first Fall Colors Photo Contest took place in October and November. The 35th Annual Art Show was held in May and participants of the cherry blossom contest were able to display their submissions. The art show received 53 submissions across different art mediums such as watercolor, photography, and embroidery. We look forward to your submissions during this year’s art show. 

Last, Himmelfarb Library would like to highlight some of the many staff accomplishments from 2023. Deborah Wassertzug joined the Reference and Instruction team near the end of 2022. Rebecca Kyser and Randy Plym joined the Reference and Instruction team and the Circulation and Access team respectively last year. Ruth Bueter was appointed to the Associate Director for Library Operations. 

Himmelfarb Library staff published numerous articles or presentations in 2023. JoLinda Thompson and Sara Hoover’s chapter Discoverability Within the Library was published in the book Discoverability in Digital Repositories: Systems, Perspectives, and Users Studies. Rachel Brill published an article on her Disorder in the Court series and another article on ways to evaluate database coverage. The full list of articles, presentations and posters from Himmelfarb Library staff may be found in the Himmelfarb Library Faculty Publications and the Himmelfarb Library Faculty Posters and Presentations collections located in the Health Sciences Research Commons. Sara Hoover was also selected for the Academy of Health Information Professionals (AHIP) at the Senior Level. AHIP is an intensive, professional development and certification initiative for health information professionals that demonstrates their commitment to health information services and responsibilities. 

2023 also marked milestone career anniversaries for Catherine Sluder (40 years), Valorie Bowles (34 years) and Yvonne Lee (25 years)!

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to another productive year at Himmelfarb Library as we provide access to the latest in health information resources and services.

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Picture of a sweet potato casserole.

With Winter around the corner, there is bound to be plenty on the mind: study sessions, final exams, and the upcoming Holiday break! Taking time off for yourself is important, not only to relieve stress but also to take the time to enjoy what the season has to offer, especially when it comes to culinary treats! 

Feeling adventurous? Dare to try something new and indulge in a Beet Salad! Rich in antioxidants that help support good cell health, Beets also help to maintain and even increase your oxygen intake. Is food presentation your preference? This festive red and green Kale Salad with Cranberries includes heart-healthy ingredients such as kale, almonds, and extra virgin olive oil that will give you every reason to feel guilt-free about seconds! 

For those who are watching their gluten or salt, a No-Sugar-Added Sweet Potato Casserole may be just the answer. With both savory and sweet in check, the pecans in this recipe are sure to compliment the sweet potatoes and cinnamon! Similarly, this vegetarian dish is not only holiday colored and festive, but these Roasted Brussels sprouts with Goat cheese and pomegranate are delicious and pomegranates naturally promote healthy digestion!

For a main course that is high in protein and lean, a Garlic-Rosemary Roast Beef with a tangy horseradish sauce is bound to impress, and can even be prepared on the skillet! For a better roast, season the beef with salt and pepper and refrigerate for one day before making.

Up for something more challenging but equally as pleasing? This Chicken Ballitone with creamy Leek & Chestnut stuffing offers a unique portion size that includes holiday flavors, and will leave extra room for sides! 

For dessert, if you have a crock pot or a slow cooker, why not try an Apple Crisp? Apples and cinnamon combined offer an unforgettable wintery warmth! If apple is not your flavor, some Cranberry-Lemon Cheesecake bars offer a perfect balance between sweet and tangy. 

No matter what is on your plate this winter break, we wish you all a safe holiday season filled with cheer! 

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Communicating health information with the public or segments of the public requires clarity, an understanding of the target audiences and a variety of modes of dissemination. Health communication campaigns must also be receptive to evaluation to understand the campaign’s successes and limitations. Communicating health information requires a wide skill set and an awareness of theories in various disciplines. Here is a brief introduction to the field of Health Communication and how it informs the public of health information and emerging crises.

Health communication is “an area of study that examines how the use of different communication strategies can keep people informed about their health and influence their behavior so they can live healthier lives.” (Tulane University, 2020) This field is based on “many theories and disciplines, including social cognitive and communication theories, marketing, and public relations.” (Tulane University, 2020)

Communicating health information provides people with information based on research in an accessible format. Successful health communication campaigns reach a wide audience and mitigate the harmful effects of misinformation or disinformation. Campaigns also “promote behaviors and choices that can positively impact people’s general well-being and everyday lives.” (Tulane University, 2020)

There are different types of health communication. Factors such as target audience, time, location and format may determine the type of communication you use to share health information. 

Health Education: This form of communication educates people about a specific health topic. Examples of health education include explaining the harmful effects of smoking or excess alcohol consumption, ways to manage blood pressure or anti-bully campaigns. 

Health Advocacy: This “promotes health by working to ensure people can access health care, advocating for effective healthcare policies and reforms, and developing ways to make it easier to navigate the healthcare system.” (Tulane University, 2020)

Risk Communication: Risk communication aims to educate people about the risks associated with certain health behaviors. This includes drunk driving campaigns or “Click it or Ticket” signage.

Crisis and Outbreak Communication: This type of communication is associated with emerging health crises. A recent example  includes communication about the COVID-19 pandemic. 

There are practical and theoretical factors to consider when sharing health information. Rimal and Lapinski write that “...communication interventions do not fall into a social vacuum. Rather, information is received and processed through individual and social prisms that not only determine what people encounter (through processes of selective exposure), but also the meaning they derive from the communication (known as selective perception), depending upon factors at both the individual (prior experience, efficacy beliefs, knowledge, etc.) and the macro-social (interpersonal relationships, cultural patterns, social norms) levels.” (Rimal and Lapinski, 2009, pg. 247)

They also state “...it is reasonable to expect discrepancies between message disseminated and received” and “...communication is a dynamic process in which sources and receivers of information continuously interchange their roles.” (Rimal and Lapinski, 2009, pg. 247)

Health communication may appear challenging, but there are resources to assist with the planning and implementation of a campaign. Himmelfarb Library’s Correcting Misinformation with Patients research guide provides useful techniques for engaging with patients or a larger population. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Health Communication Gateway also contains useful information and resources. The CDC’s Health Communication Playbook shares practical resources to clearly and effectively share health information in different settings. Last, Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine shared 10 Strategies for Effective Health Communication that goes into depth about health communication, the theories behind it and communication tips.  

People are inundated with information from different sources. Successfully employing health communication strategies and theories ensures that the public is connected with trusted health professionals and capable of making informed health decisions.

References:

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A boat floating on the water against a backdrop of a cloudy sky, colorful fall trees, and distant city skyline.
Winning photograph: Fall Ride - Roof of Kennedy Center by Mehrshad Fahim Devin

Himmelfarb Library would like to congratulate Mehrshad Fahim Devin, MPS, the 2023 Fall Colors Photo Contest winner! Himmelfarb's Healthy Living Committee had their work cut out for them by judging the 39 entries to this year's contest. With so many fantastic submissions, it was challenging to select a winning photo. But after much deliberation, Mehrshad's photo, Fall Ride - Roof of Kennedy Center, was chosen by the committee as this year's winner! Mehsrshad, a first-year medical student, stopped by Himmelfarb earlier this week to pick up his prize, a coffee mug showcasing his photo.

Members of the Healthy Living Committee with Mehrshad holding his prize.
Left to right: Deborah Wassertzug, Lonnie Williams, Mehrshad Fahim Devin, and Laura Abate.

We recently asked Mehrshad about his photography. Here's what he had to say:

How long have you been taking photographs, and what are your favorite subjects?

I have always loved taking photos, but 99% of the time they remain hidden in my camera roll! My interest in photography especially peaked when I took a class in high school. Learning about concepts like "the rule of thirds" and "depth of field" allowed me to take photos that brought me a feeling of satisfaction. But I don't consider myself a professional photographer at all, just someone who enjoys casually capturing the beauties of the world. Beyond tons of selfies, my camera roll is filled with photos of friends, pets, nature, and dishes I cook.

How did you hear about the Fall Colors Photo Contest?  Tell us about your winning photo.

I first learned about the contest while browsing my inbox and it definitely piqued my interest. As I was walking around the Kennedy Center with a friend, we came across the rooftop patio and decided to have a look at the Georgetown waterfront. The sky, the skyline, the foliage, and the water were all breathtaking sights. I wanted to capture that moment to look back on later. Fortunately, while I was clicking away on my phone camera, a boat floated into the frame. I wanted to submit the photo to share the beauty I witnessed with the rest of my community.

Himmelfarb would like to thank all of you who submitted photos to our 2023 Fall Colors Photo Contest! And congratulations to this year's winner, Mehrshad Fahim Devin, MPS and first-year medical student!

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Photo of a record on a record player.
Photo by Elviss Railijs Bitāns: https://www.pexels.com/photo/blue-vinyl-record-playing-on-turntable-1389429/

Music, broadly defined, is vocal, instrumental, or mechanical sounds having rhythm or harmony. While it means different things to different people, one thing is certain: life is much better with a soundtrack. Medical evidence points to music having an impact across the lifespan, from birth to old age. The members of the SMHS student group Musicians in Medicine feel this perhaps more deeply than others: as medical students and musicians, they have incorporated music into their past work, and plan to continue to weave music throughout their careers.

Musicians in Medicine co-president Spencer Bennett finds singing to be a “great creative outlet through a stressful journey through school.” He has also found that music can help mitigate the lack of sleep endemic to students in the program. As a singer, his preferred genres are R&B and pop.

Co-president Rachel Furman, a classical violinist who is learning to play pop music on the piano, is focusing on hematology/oncology in her studies. She has observed that every patient she works with listens to music, and adds, “I try to find out what kind of music they like, as a way to connect with them.”

Naiya Osiyemi, Musicians in Medicine vice-president, plays piano and guitar and sings. Her preferred genres are R&B, rock, and classical. In her high school days, Naiya played music in hospitals. She mentions that she may pursue music therapy once she is further along in her career. She is particularly interested in the link between music and the treatment of specific conditions, such as traumatic brain injury.

The social media chair for the group, Sarah Nanziri, is a singer who likes R&B and pop and likes to spread positive messages through music. She listens to music while studying, and loves its healing and grounding properties. In her former work as a medical assistant in a pediatric office, she would sing kids’ favorite songs to reduce their anxiety when receiving shots.

Members of Musicians in Medicine occasionally incorporate music into mnemonics (to remember Lynch syndrome, think about Ross Lynch), but most often, they see music as a way to ease their stress and anxiety, and they consider ways to incorporate music into their professional lives, because music can be linked to virtually any specialty. As Spencer notes, “Music is not considered to be a part of medicine. But in Brain & Behavior, the importance of therapy & support networks is emphasized. Music is great for these purposes, and it is very patient centered.” Music helps people focus, but also offers a welcome escape from reality.

Himmelfarb's Healthy Living Committee hopes to host Musicians in Medicine for a lunchtime concert after the winter break. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, take a study break with one of these medically indicated tracks!

References

Music Definition. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 12/5/2023, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/music

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