ASH Clinical News April 2016 | Page 69

BACK OF THE BOOK PASHions PASHions will highlight what ASH Clinical News readers do creatively outside of practice. If you have a creative skill in the arts you’d like to share with ACN, we invite you to submit your work. Whether it’s photography, essays, poetry, or paintings, we want to provide an outlet for creative pursuits. Please send your submission to ashclinicalnews@ hematology.org. In this edition, Elizabeth Brem, MD, discusses her love of dance – both teaching and performing. Dr. Brem is a fellow in the Division of Hematology/ Oncology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Brem rehearsing with OnStage Dance Company. Staying En Pointe When did you start dancing? I started dancing when I was about five years old. My parents were looking for an outlet for my energy, but I was not athletically inclined. My mom took me to observe a ballet class to make sure I was interested (which of course I was!), and I started taking classes soon after. What attracted you to it? I can’t tell you exactly what drew me to it back then, but I’m sure the ballet skirts and shoes had something to do with it. What I love about being in the studio today is that I get to combine fantastic exercise with self-expression. There is a unique sense of accomplishment and energy release that I feel after a dance class. v