Thawing Hearts, Emerging Springs

February 2026 | Vol. 70, No. 1
By Porsche Lee, LECOM OMS-III

As winter loosens its icy hold and February’s final days whisper toward spring, we enter a quiet season of change. The early months often bring long clinical days, full schedules, and, for many students and residents, the anticipation of Match and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. These months can feel heavy, yet they invite reflection — a reminder that growth often occurs quietly, beneath the surface, even when unseen.

February marks American Heart Month, a moment not only to raise awareness about cardiovascular health but also to honor the heart as a symbol of warmth, empathy, and human connection. For osteopathic physicians, it is a reminder that our work extends beyond organs and diagnoses. We care for whole people, guided by presence, understanding, and the belief in the body’s capacity to heal. The heart is more than an organ; it reflects why many of us chose medicine, serving as a symbol of the attentiveness, compassion, and care that define our work. Each day, we are entrusted with moments of vulnerability, and that trust calls not only for skill but for humanity.

The season’s frosty storms can still test our endurance. Patient volumes rise, illnesses surge, and the weight of caring for others can feel heavy. Students and residents face the added pressures of exams, evaluations, and career transitions. In such moments, it is easy to focus solely on tasks and outcomes. Even amid these demands, however, we are invited to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the deeper purpose of our work. Resilience in medicine is not merely endurance. It is nurtured through mentorship, collaboration, and the quiet gratitude of patients. It grows when we support one another, extend grace to ourselves, and recognize that periods of intensity often lay the foundation for renewal and new opportunities.

As spring approaches, bringing new rotations, roles, and milestones, we are reminded that change is inherent to our profession, just as flowers begin to sprout and grow, quietly reaching toward the light. Careers evolve, responsibilities shift, and communities expand, yet what endures is the heart of osteopathic medicine: a commitment to holistic care, prevention, and compassionate service. This February, as we reflect on both literal and symbolic hearts, may we carry warmth, hope, and purpose forward.

Equally vital is caring for ourselves. Spending time with friends and family, those who have supported us along the way, and allowing ourselves rest and sleep are essential not only for our well-being but also for the care we provide to others. Small daily practices, such as offering a word of encouragement, taking a walk outside, or stepping away from screens and books, can help us stay grounded. By nurturing mind and body, we strengthen our capacity to serve our patients and communities in the work ahead.

Winter will soon yield to spring. The work we do now, in steady commitment, quiet care, and mindful growth, prepares us for what lies ahead. In every season, it is empathy, presence, and the holistic approach to healing that sustain us. These principles give life to our practice and purpose.