Our Team
The Department of Humanities in Medicine is pleased to present The Synapse, a student-edited newsletter containing poetry, art, literature, and photography. The Synapse is a creative outlet open to submissions from the Texas A&M College of Medicine faculty, students, and alumni. Its mission is to serve as a forum where students can creatively blend the scientific and humanistic aspects of medicine.
Please contact us at COM-synapse@tamhsc.edu to comment, question, or learn more!
Meet Us
Radhika Shah, Chairman of the Board
Identity. In a world of 7.6 billion people, it’s the only thing that makes us different from one another, yet at times, it seems to be the easiest thing to lose. As busy medical students bogged down with studying almost all day every day, we may forget what makes each of us unique, one of my biggest fears. To counter that fear, one of my absolute favorite things to do is meet new people because with each new person I meet, there lies the opportunity to gain diverse perspectives and hear about his or her experiences. For this reason, I joined the Synapse board. I want to encourage even more people to speak their minds, share their stories, unleash their emotions, and find that inner creative spark that brought them here in the first place. Can’t wait to hear from you all!
Alysia Hall, Acquisition Editor
I love reading and have since an early age. I enjoy learning from the perspective of the author, whether it’s a work of fiction, a biography, or a poem. Reading allows me to see into their world and to better understand how other people think. I am so excited to be a part of The Synapse to read and to see the submissions from creative people within the College of Medicine. I enjoy hiking, camping, reading, and playing board games in my free time.
Mouctika Paluri, Copy Editor
I’ve loved words for as long as I can remember - for me, there’s nothing more interesting than learning the intricacies of a new language or finding new ways to express the thoughts that are always bouncing around in my head. Writing is my favorite way to express my feelings because it’s something I can readily share with friends and family and (hopefully) spark some great conversations as a result. This is the same reason I’m so excited to be a copy editor for the Synapse - my classmates are my family these four years, and giving them a platform to share their experiences is uniquely rewarding and has the potential to form deep and lasting connections.
Jamie Weihe, Design Editor
My love for medicine stems from its ability to inextricably connect science and the humanities. I feel that consciously considering the impact of humanism in our profession allows reflection on the values of human connection and storytelling. I joined the Synapse because of the opportunity to forward these values, and I am excited to work with the Synapse team! I love reading the works of our faculty and students, and I look forward to helping with future editions of the Synapse.
Mimi Phan, Managing Editor
As Hippocrates said, "Wherever the art of Medicine is loved, there is also a love of Humanity." As Managing Editor, I am excited to read about the aspects of humanity and philanthropy that drive us all to pursue a career in medicine. I have always loved to read and write, from starting an online blog last year to making poetry in my spare time. I believe that literature, art, and humanities allow for a cathartic release of emotions and different perspectives - and I am looking forward to being a part of the Synapse at Texas A&M College of Medicine!
Ty Fields, Copy Editor
I decided to join The Synapse as an editor because I have always had an interest in writing and the humanities. I love exploring the psychological aspects of medicine, from both a patient's and healthcare provider’s view. I’m interested in seeing the work of our colleagues and staff and excited to assist in the creation process!
Sarah Joseph, Copy Editor
One of the most intriguing aspects of our future careers as physicians is the privilege we have in listening to other people’s stories. Through these stories, we often learn about a patient’s medical concerns, but we also often discover much more. In listening to a patient’s story, we learn about their lifestyles, their backgrounds, their opinions, and even the many challenges they face in their everyday lives. Through stories, we are able to obtain the whole picture – we connect concrete disease processes with abstract human qualities. And, it is our response to these stories that enable us to effect real change.
This is true power of the written word. It allows us to share stories - stories that move us, inspire us, and stories that change our lives. In writing and reading about such compelling stories, we spread awareness and put new ideas in motion. I joined The Synapse not only because of how much I love stories, but also because of how much I adore new ideas and unique points of view. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and I can’t wait to read and share all of your stories soon!
Andrew Wang, Social Media Manager
I studied biochemistry in undergrad, but I think it was my minor in sociology that really shapes who I am. Growing up in a household of two different - and sometimes clashing - cultures, I love to learn how the backgrounds of other groups of people mold individuals in how they interact with one another. Each of us came from a unique walk of life with our own stories to tell, and that's what I believe the Synapse provides: a place for us to express our ideas and experiences - things that make us who we are.
Dr. Barbara Gastel, Faculty Consultant
Hello! I'm Barbara Gastel, a faculty consultant to The Synapse. Having been active in student publications myself, I'm especially pleased to serve in this role. I'm a medical school graduate specializing largely in biomedical writing and editing. I coordinate the Texas A&M graduate program in science communication, teach medical humanities, and participate in projects to help researchers in developing countries to write about and publish their work. In my free time (what's that?), I like to cook, bake, read, travel, attend concerts and plays—and do more writing and editing.
Dr. Karen Wakefield, Faculty Consultant
Soon after its creation, I was honored to become the Synapse Faculty Editor. The Synapse is a medium for medical students and others in the College of Medicine to express their individual creativity in a format that can be read and revisited over time. Each article, poem, or picture opens a window for us to see into the humanity of medicine. In my free time, I enjoy reading, learning about history, cooking, and quilting.