My March in New York mainly focused on science. Early in the month, I delivered a talk at the Endometriosis Foundation of America Medical Conference in Times Square, discussing why pain frequently continues even after a âsuccessfulâ endometriosis surgery, and exploring potential solutions from both the patientâs and the physicianâs perspectives.
I also gave a talk, or more precisely took part in a panel discussion at the Neumann Series: The New Frontiers at Columbia University, inside the stunning Pupin Hall, and I had the opportunity to give an interview in the Rabi Room, where the lingering spirit of Nobel Prizeâwinning scientists was almost viscerally inspiringâbut what fascinated me the most was witnessing real life unfolding there, because although we were there on the weekend, the blackboards were still covered everywhere with equations, with what to me looked like chaotic and random combinations of letters and numbers, but our physicist assured us that they were, in fact, very much meaningful.
After two rounds of peer review, my latest paper was accepted by JMIR Medical Education. They really challenged me, but I always believed this article would be a significant milestoneânot only in my PhD journey but also in the contribution my work makes to scienceâbecause with this, Iâve established a foundation for how medical education needs to evolve in the hopefully near future, so that universities can graduate well-prepared, motivated physicians who understand how to avoid burnout, how to utilize modern technologies in service of that goal, and how to collaborate effectively with empowered patients.
I read, studied, and wrote endlessly while managing my online clinical psychology practice, paying close attention to my Hungarian patientsâwhether dealing with endometriosis, fertility issues, or fear of driving. My second live group course on endometriosis and hormonal contraceptives also concluded, and I loved this group as well. They asked incredible questions, stayed active and engaged. I cherish those moments when I see firsthand how my knowledge can make someoneâs life easier, clarify their decisions, and improve their quality of life. There is no greater motivation than that.
I aim to lead by example in my lifestyle, paying close attention to my habits. In a world dominated by quick comfort foods, this can be challenging. Recently, Iâve focused on eating more raw vegan foods, being cautiousâlike checking if the âwashedâ carrots I buy have added sugar. Besides maintaining a healthy diet, I also make an effort to go out, meet people, and engage with life beyond my desk.
This month, I attended a shared book-reading evening at a cozy wine bar. We also tried a new vegan sushi spot with friends, although I still can’t master using chopsticks, but the sushi was tasty anywayâeven if Iâm not much of a sushi lover. Additionally, with Hungarian friends, we hosted a proper celebration on March 15th, our national holiday. Overall, the month felt more like cooking at my friendsâ home than dining out. In fact, sushi was the only restaurant I visited. Iâm fortunate I have friends who cook well, because as you can see from Eliottâs slightly anxious face on the photo, my fridge mainly contains fruit, plant milk, coffee, and adaptogenic drinksâsince I rarely cook here (meaning: never), I simply lack the time and motivation.
BarabĂĄs LĆrinc performed at a remarkably hidden venue, accessible after walking several minutes through dimly lit basement corridors past doors labeled with names like âsalt mineâ and similar. Despite the difficulty of the journey, the experience was absolutely worth it and truly amazing.
I also attended a community somatic meditation event, and itâs surreal how confidently I now navigate the city alone. While late-night subway rides in New York aren’t always enjoyable, the community experiences are valuable. Despite being more introverted, socializing here is essential, so Iâve become somewhat of a social butterfly. Honestly, these events often leave me drained rather than energized. I come home totally exhausted from all the interaction, but I keep a promise to myself that I will attend because so much truly depends on networking here.
I went to an Unmuted event, where we listened to a debate between Tim Wu and Dr. Allison Schrager about the regulation of Big Tech companies like Meta and Amazon, moderated by Kate Farmerâwith her contribution being my favoriteâand finally, I stopped by a Podcast Club, where we talked about why everyone feels so lonely, which, to me, is actually quite obvious: Everyone here works tirelessly day and night, with no one taking time off due to financial constraints that threaten their income or ability to pay rent. Relationships tend to be short-lived, and dating often favors immediacy over depth. People rarely venture into neighboring boroughs for someone because time is so limited, which naturally leads to loneliness slowly developing in this environment.
What was interesting, though, was how many people seemed to describe Europe almost as an island of calm, where life moves more slowly, food quality is superior, the air is cleaner, people tend to live longer, and social bonds are stronger. At the same time, their knowledge about specific countries like Hungary is often limited and fragmented, which is understandable given the continent’s size and diversity. While some idealize Europe, others criticize its economic path, and both views coexist in intriguing ways.
We also attended a performance of The Bat, which depicts Hungarian life through the story of a missing toy batâdefinitely impactfulâand in terms of networking and social events, I was invited to a formal dinner at the Hungarian Embassy. There was nothing vegan on the menu, but the atmosphere was truly enjoyable. I admit I arrived with a negative preconception, expecting it to be stiff and overly formal, thinking I would just endure it, smile, and leave. However, I ended up having a really good timeâeveryone was friendly and welcoming, and conversations were interesting, even inspiring. Honestly, Iâm looking forward to returning; it will be for the Hungarian elections, and Iâm holding on to a very real, very stubborn hope that meaningful change is possible for Hungary after 16 years of a corrupt, dictatorial system.
And thenâOMG, I almost forgot one of the best parts of the entire month, e-Patient Dave came to visit, and there was this immediate, electric alignment in how we think about patients, about agency, about what medicine should become, and somewhere between conversations that spiraled into ideas faster than we could even finish our sentences, we kind of just looked at each other and said, okay, weâre doing something together for patientsâso stay tuned, because this is going to happenâand also, we had Bryant Park moments in between, which I loved.
So this is how the balance between work and life came together this monthâtake a look at the photos in the gallery. I mailed my first U.S. tax return, and walking out of the post office I got unexpectedly emotionalâbecause it hit me that exactly a year ago, around this time, I was hiding my wounds, terrified, running, and now, even if the PTSD still shows up, so do I, and Iâm here, inside a system I once couldnât even imagine Iâd understand, let alone find my place in.
