My First Patient

I do not know her name. 

I do not know her history.

I know nothing of her, yet I will know her more intimately than anyone besides God.

She is my donor.  My first patient.  The cadaver who will teach me the art of medicine. 

Today, I entered the anatomy lab for the first time to work on my assigned dissection.  I had been in a few times to observe the previously completed work of my colleagues, but today, I made my first cut. 

It is an unusual feeling, to slice into a human being.  Revealing their muscles and fat, their nerves, veins, and arteries.  She is there to teach us.  She offered her body as an amazing gift so that we could learn. 

I do not, nor will I ever, know her name.  But I am thankful.  I will treasure this gift and treat it with the respect it deserves. I will honor her by learning everything I can so that I may treat the living.