Dear Reader, 

For our sixth issue of the Apothecary, we invited contributors to think about what Reflections mean to them. Milestones in time often make us reflect on events passed and on those to come. Reflecting can help us understand how we view ourselves, and how we view people and spaces around and beyond us. But reflections are also more common, everyday occurrences. In a literal sense, when we look at ourselves in the mirror, or take a walk through the city and see glinting buildings reflected in water surfaces.

The works in this issue - a combination of visual art, stories and poetry - are reflections and musings on a multitude of experiences. From doctors and medical students reflecting on patient interactions and the meaning of care. From patients, on dealing with illnesses and loss. Beyond the hospital, on living in New York City - perspectives and learnings on little, everyday instances. Reflecting on emotions that go beyond physical spaces - familial bonds, friendship, grief. On dreams left behind and what it takes to go forward and make new ones. Reflecting isn’t always easy or healing, but it is necessary. Every piece is special and makes you realize that reflections can come from moments, people, and places expected and unexpected.

Imagine holding up a mirror to the world and catching emotions, memories, dreams and stories from people everywhere that you resonate with deeply. The mirrors others hold catch all that you send out into the world. We hope this issue is your mirror. 

With care,
The Editors
Mike Auten, Ariana Chriss, Maren Cukor, Ashley Guo, Natalie Hackman, Lily Huo, Charu Jain, Jonathan Joasil, Martha MacDonald, Medhini Mankale, Anna Martens, Kathleen Meininger, Anagha Menon, Subah Nasir, Tracy Okine, Jeff Paik, Arvind Sommi, Kristina Villanti

Thank you to Dr. Jacob Appel and Tracy Okine for this issue’s theme.