Today's lecture was amazing. Many of my colleagues have agreed that it was the most impactful hour and a half of medical school to date. We, as a student body, are all intelligent individuals. We have aced science classes and performed exceptionally well on standardized exams, neither of which will make us world-class doctors. ECM readings and lectures have tried to expose us to the actions and behaviors that will make people comfortable in our presence; however reading about being empathetic or being told how to communicate with patients can only get so deep. Today's film took it to another level. We were able to see, to hear and to feel what it is like to be a patient with breast cancer from day one. Having this experience and being able to empathize with our patients on this higher level will make us world-class doctors. This will stay with me throughout medical school and my time as a doctor. I cannot speak highly enough about the need for every medical student in the country to see this video and hopefully have the luxury of speaking with Lori after the screening.
~ Dan

I thoroughly enjoyed today's screening of Lori Benson's film. I found her to be an extremely forthright and engaging speaker. As a future physician, it was very beneficial for me to be able to watch Ms. Benson's battle with cancer from a patient perspective. To then be given the opportunity to hear her in person, and about her life after the film only further enhanced my appreciation for the struggles of a person battling breast cancer. The movie was beautifully filmed and amazingly frank.
~ Eric

It was nice to finally have a different type of lecture (I didn't fall asleep at all!!). I think documentaries and personal appearances such as today's really hit home and help us remember such important messages clearly. I know I won't ever forget the message in today's lecture since it brought tears to my eyes! We should have more of these as a reminder of what medicine is truly about and as a motivational factor in our lives as medical students.
~ Elena

Hearing Lori's story had a profound impact on my views towards practicing medicine and my sentiments toward the field of oncology. I myself have an extensive history of cancer in my family, and I am giving serious consideration towards specializing in the filed of oncology. It is important that medical students who are constantly engrossed in the scientific aspect of medicine come to terms with the reality of practicing medicine. Thank you for presenting DEAR TALULA in our class, it was very much appreciated by both myself and my classmates.
~ Pat

...The lecture today was remarkable. Ms. Benson gave me a great deal to think about. I thought her film was powerful and exactly the kind of thing that should remind present and future physicians that there is always more to a person than what it says on a chart. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to hear her.
~ David

I very much enjoyed the movie presentation and speaking with Ms. Benson afterwards. The movie was phenomenally beautiful, describing her experience with perfectly juxtaposed images and honest dialogue. She followed it up with such a real voice; not holding anything back and making us all feel like we too can have the heroic courage that she displays through our own individual experiences whatever they may be. Her voice was touching and admirable. Please thank her for her time and honesty in sharing with us.
~ Kelly