Adding 'Gen Z' to the Differential Diagnosis
Adding 'Gen Z' to the Differential DiagnosisGlen Ellyn's Andrew Tran, a DCMS student member at Tulane, and his younger sister, Kaitlyn Tran, share thoughts on generational difference in this Member Pulse. All views are those of the authors.
ANDREW: I was looking at an odd rash – or something that looked like a rash – during a virtual conference. The speaker displayed a peculiar, rhomboid plaque with central pallor and surrounding erythema. Even more unusual, this diamond-shaped lesion repeated down the forearm. I was stumped; I had no clue what caused the strange plaque.
Eventually the presenter revealed that the rash or lesion was due to applying salt and ice to the forearm. I'll be honest, that was definitely not on my differential. I even Googled "diamond rash on forearm" and pictures of psoriasis and allergic reactions popped up – not salt and ice.
Interestingly, when I showed my sister the image she immediately diagnosed it as the "Salt and Ice Challenge" from TikTok. My sister is in high school and has had no medical training. But she does have expertise as a Gen-Zer – the generation of Americans similar to Millennials, like me, but according to the Pew Research Center, also the most educated, technologically savvy, and ethnically diverse generation yet. This combination of traits adds to and challenges our collective conversation and identity and in some cases like mine, offers valuable knowledge for our profession.
Although unexpected, my sister now joins the group of professors, colleagues, and patients that have offered their unique experiences to help shape my education. Given my learning experience, I encourage others to welcome our younger peers to the table and listen to what they have to say.
KAITLYN: Born as the first digital natives, Gen Zers take full advantage of it in becoming modern-day innovators, educators, and reformers. The internet and social media support our worldwide connection and collaboration with others. Gen Zers exhibit great courage to go beyond the norms established by previous generations.
Gen Zers make great experimenters, testing one trend after another – each one leaving a unique impact. However, a downside to some influential trends is the hidden underlying danger behind them. Is this risky? What are the consequences? Those concerns are seldom raised and tend to go unnoticed by Gen Z.
Unintended consequences occur from time to time, but one positive takeaway could be a potential lesson to be learned and taught to others. To my surprise, I found myself having to explain the popular “Salt and Ice Challenge” to my clueless older brother – a Millennial.
Gen Z is the future. Curious, we strive to be educated and continue to investigate answers to the unknown. I hope the trends we explore or the new measures we create can ultimately help make the world a better place.