Lyme Disease, Scalpels, and Jazz Hands | Thérèse Weidenkopf | TEDxVCU

After being diagnosed with Lyme disease, Thérèse Weidenkopf worried that she had lost her future to a debilitating diagnosis. It was during this time she found comfort through theater and the study of body language. Tess is now a first year medical student merging the lessons of biology and acting to inspire physicians, clinicians, and even patients during the path to healing. She uses this talk to unite two different spheres art and medicine into a blend that acts as a vessel to better understand vulnerability and connections between humans. Thérèse (Tess) Weidenkopf is currently a first-year medical student at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Roanoke College in 2022 with Honors in a Theatre Major and Biochemistry Major. She is deeply thankful for the physician who stood by her side during treatment, family, her theatre directors, and pre-med mentors who encouraged her in every light and dark moment she endured. She hopes this TEDx talk inspires all to take up a theatre class and begin to understand the complexities underlying all human stories. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@Whentii]

Only 500 views, it deserves much more. If only all the physicians were like that, it would save the world a lot of suffering. Thank you Thérèse, keep sharing the good word.

[@kacybradford4342]

Well said. I have no words really to even tell you how great this was. Just felt emotions. I am a current med student who is suffering neurological Lyme. It took a physician who was able to literally be there with me and understand. I went years of suffering migraines, worsening fatigue, mood disorders that changed. I suffered POTS. I started to get chronic pain in places that didn’t even make sense as I had no history of msk trauma, other traumas, no major illnesses besides asthma. Got to the point where cognitive decline set in- memory issues, brain fog, slowness. My tests were negative but showing something was up as there were lots of antibodies and specific proteins only on Lyme bacteria. I’m currently going through treatment. So bad that I’m in a year off trying to get better. Starting iv rocephin currently and it’s not fun… like I understand you 100. I also recently got hooked onto surgery after my rotation but having Lyme in the I have it rn makes even envisioning myself becoming a physician completing med school really hard. I hope you have recovered and continue to pursue your dreams. You will be not just an amazing doctor but a kind human to actually heal meaningfully. Keep on going. The road is sooo worth it.

[@sandracrocker6143]

Beautiful. Your experience with Lyme and chronic illness has shaped you into a health care provider that will change lives! 💚

[@faiqnet923]

Superb information close to the facts . Good 💯