WELCOME

Hello there. I am Buffy Dekmar: senior medical student and farmers market aficionado. Originally from Georgia, I have most recently studied in Vermont, Pennsylvania, and California. I previously worked as an elementary school teacher and a professional wedding/portrait photographer and am finding the culmination of these experiences in my pursuit of a career in Diagnostic Radiology.

My professional interests include: health equity, physician wellness, medical student education, and breast imaging. I believe in the necessity of community, the power of nutrition, and the fluidity of a life centered on continuous learning. The mission of this blog is to share reflections on my experiences in medical education and to foster conversation around topics in medicine, wellness, art, and education, as I follow my curiosity through the world around me. Thank you for being here.

Click here for Buffy Dekmar Photography

PUBLICATIONS

Publications
October 8, 2020

Breast Cancer Screening in Transgender Patients

Notes on transgender breast care from my summer case studies in breast radiology as a fourth year medical student, including two publications on this topic.
Publications
September 14, 2020

AMSER Case of the Month

I am excited to present my first Radiology related publication: an Alliance of Medical Student Educators in Radiology (AMSER) Case of the Month on an interesting patient who presented for…
Publications
May 30, 2020

Defining Productivity

Questioning the expectation of perpetual productivity in the world of medical education and practice. As seen on "Revive" by Without The White Coat.
Publications
March 28, 2020

Study Synopsis: Art from the Heart

A summary of the findings of a public health research project in arts in medicine, exploring the benefits the arts can bring to nurses and patients in the hospital.

ARTICLES

Reflections
January 25, 2021

Renewed Appreciation

Connection with nature and the planet is layered and complex, and I am learning it can look different from one season to the next. This reflection touches on on how…
ReflectionsStories
October 30, 2020

Examining Our Viewpoints

Thinking about abortion and reproductive justice in an age of political discord; presenting a story that challenges dogmatic assumptions.
Wellness
October 8, 2020

Dietary Interventions in Dementia Prevention

A review of translational research (from laboratory to clinic to lifestyle) on dietary interventions in prevention of Alzheimer disease.
ReflectionsWellness
October 8, 2020

Breastfeeding & Culture: Unpacking Some of the Misconceptions and Social Barriers to Breastfeeding in the Southern USA

An exploration of cultural influences on opinions about breastfeeding and some of the social barriers to this fundamental determinant of health.
Education
October 7, 2020

Teaching & Inquiry in Medical Education

A story about clinical education and reflection on the preceptor strategies that improve efficacy of learners in medical education.
Education
May 4, 2020

Writing a Med School Personal Statement

Advice from a medical student on how to write a compelling personal statement for med school.

LISTENING, READING, & WATCHING

Listening, Reading, WatchingUncategorized
October 11, 2020

“How America Bungled the Plague” | NYT Opinion

Johnny Harris with Nicholas Kristof
Listening, Reading, Watching
October 2, 2020

“It’s Time to Talk About Abortion and Reproductive Justice” | Freedom Road Podcast

By Lisa Sharon Harper
Listening, Reading, Watching
June 11, 2020

“Educated”

By Tara Westover