Unlocking the hidden potential of physician scientists: the key to research breakthroughs and health care innovation
Ten years ago, as a new graduate, I sought an academic job that would protect my time for research. I was surprised to find that I was “unqualified”: I had no research funding and few published manuscripts. With these deficits, no institution was willing to give me a research job. Eventually, I was offered a clinical job that would protect my time at 20 percent. With this time, I was …
Embracing life’s unexpected turns and finding contentment along the way
I sometimes grieve the life I left behind … and that’s OK. Necessary, even.
I wonder if I got in my own way, if I tried hard enough, if I fought hard enough. What would have happened if I believed in myself? Trusted that I could accomplish what I set out to do? Accepted love …
The Little Mermaid inspires a health care revolution: Breaking silos for equitable, accessible, and innovative solutions
The Little Mermaid remake was recently released, and I was excited to experience the film for a few reasons. First, it was my favorite animated Disney film of all time. It came out when I was three years old, and I watched the VHS tape until it didn’t work anymore. Yes, I’m dating myself. Second, there were updated lyrics and a Black Ariel. Although it was strangely controversial that Ariel …
Treating substance use disorders in the criminal justice system [PODCAST]
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In this thought-provoking podcast episode, we invite guest Casey Grover, an emergency physician, to explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding the treatment of substance use disorders in the criminal justice system. Join us as we examine two compelling …
Unveiling the truth: How headlines shape our world and the urgent need for reliable news
This is a story of headlines and the power they wield for good and evil (apologies for the melodrama). Words matter, and I, for one, am frustrated with the words in headlines often doing more harm than good.
I am a family doctor whose passion in life is preventing disease. I don’t want to see my patients suffering from diabetes or heart failure, nor from a contagious disease that is preventable …
From doubts to triumph: The inspiring journey of a nocturnist doctor
As I stood there, my mentor, Dr. S, spoke in his gentle, wise voice, “Congratulations! You have been selected as the hospital’s new nocturnist.” The news hit me like a wave of disbelief, and a surge of emotions rushed through me. The competition for this position had been intense, leaving me uncertain about my chances. But now, at this moment, all those doubts were swept away. A whirlwind of feelings …
Powerful lessons from a tragic hospital incident: the importance of living wills and last goodbyes
As an emergency physician, I’m a strong proponent of living wills, POLST forms, and discussing uncomfortable topics with your loved ones. Even making decisions about your child being an organ donor, if, Heaven forbid, something happened. You never know when the “last time” might be.
A recent case I had served as a reminder of this. The patient and their spouse came to the hospital for what was supposed to be …
Understanding pelvic congestion syndrome: insights and treatments [PODCAST]
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In this insightful podcast episode, we sit down with guest Gloria Salazar, a radiologist, to shed light on a common yet often misunderstood condition affecting women: pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). Join us as we explore the challenges …
Unveiling the remarkable journey of a doctor turned singing sensation
When I was six years old, I made a public declaration that I would become a singing doctor. I knew I wanted to be a doctor, influenced by my pediatrician, and I also loved singing. So, at that time, it made perfect sense to me that I should be able to do both when I grew up. I had a vivid vision of singing to children while taking care of …
The power of liquid biopsies and the challenge of health care disparities
Laura Nuttall was diagnosed with deadly brain cancer at the age of 18 after going for a routine eye exam. She completed an incredible bucket list, which included meeting Michelle Obama, driving a monster truck, and commanding a Royal Navy warship before ultimately succumbing to her cancer this past Monday at the age of 23.
What if her cancer had been discovered earlier through a simple blood test? Could it …
An alarming rise in military suicides: Unveiling hidden crisis and urgent need for action
During the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, suicides among active-duty troops were frequently reported. Since then, news reports have subsided but the suicides have not. In fact, a 2022 report from the Defense Suicide Prevention Office revealed that there were more suicides in 2021 than any other year since the September 11 attacks. According to Army Times, suicide deaths among active-duty troops in 2021 “climbed …
Cracking the code of physician contracts: Mastering letters of intent [PODCAST]
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From failure to success: How a nurse overcame challenges and thrived in the medical field
I remember the day clearly – sitting in a convenience store parking lot after buying a pack of pencils on my way to my first day of nursing school. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Or, perhaps more realistically, I had no idea how ill-prepared I really was. As a mediocre high school student who got by with the bare minimum, I was rudely awakened when …
How one liver disease patient found hope and overcame adversity
The first day I came to the liver service, I met Mr. S, who was struggling with complications of liver disease. In the long term, he required a TIPS procedure that would better distribute his abdominal pressure and eventually a liver transplant. He was at high risk for the procedure and was struggling to maintain the fluid restriction necessary to prepare him for it.
Mr. S was entirely despondent when I …
Breaking the chains of medical burnout: How physicians are reclaiming their well-being and transforming patient care
When I was an OB/GYN intern, I made the mistake of admitting that I was able to get a short nap during my night shift. I was immediately met with comments that made it clear that rest during downtime was not something to be proud of. I felt so ashamed that once I became an attending, I was always afraid to admit when I had a relatively “easy” call shift …
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Breaking barriers in health care: the power of cultural competency training [PODCAST]
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Join us for an insightful podcast episode as we delve into the significance of cultural competency training for physicians in providing health care for LGBTQ+ individuals. Our guest, Michael Pessman, a gerontologist, shares his expertise on the …
The inspirational journey of an 82-year-old WWII veteran battling cancer
He was 82 years old when he came into our ER, writhing in excruciating abdominal pain. After an ultrasound and a subsequent CT scan, the devastating diagnosis was revealed—end stage pancreatic and liver cancer.
Despite enduring a pain level of 10, he managed to maintain his sense of humor, joking about “biting the bullet.” However, he admitted that the pain had become unbearable.
This resilient individual was not just any patient; he …
Patients with chest numbness following mastectomy may experience lower quality of life
Imagine not being able to fully feel a hug from your loved ones.
Not being able to feel your baby’s head nuzzled against your chest.
Feeling like a part of your body doesn’t belong to you.
These side effects are common following a mastectomy—and often permanent. Chest numbness is the result of nerves being cut during a mastectomy. When the severed nerves are not reconnected, they cannot transmit a signal to the brain, …
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Surviving multiple cancers: a tale of blessings and exceptional doctors
Although it could be said that I’ve been very “unlucky” over the past couple of years due to surgeries and treatments for three separate cancers, I feel blessed by how “lucky” I have been to have had a combination of outstanding doctors.
Dealing with ongoing medical issues, as a health care professional, I fully appreciate the challenges facing patients and physicians alike in the current health care climate.
Thank you, doctors, for …
Past Week
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Internal Medicine 2025: inspiration at the annual meeting
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Are quotas a solution to physician shortages?
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How smartphones are stealing your focus—and what you can do about it
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Learning to trust your body again: Healing the hidden wounds of medical training
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The hidden bias in how we treat chronic pain
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Why patients and doctors are ditching insurance for personalized care
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Past 6 Months
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How trade wars could destroy the U.S. health care system
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Internal Medicine 2025: inspiration at the annual meeting
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Doctors don’t need yoga, they need time to smoke
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What happened to real care in health care?
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The silent crisis hurting pain patients and their doctors
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Flatline: Our nation is dying, and we’re ignoring the signs
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Recent Posts
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Doctors speak out: Why we’re saying no to burnout
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When doctors die in silence: Confronting the epidemic of violence against physicians
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When asking one more question can change everything
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The geriatrician who prescribes matzah and meaning in Miami Beach
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Understanding the ADHD brain: support, empowerment, and managing challenges [PODCAST]
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Why it’s time for doctors to become performance coaches
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Past Week
-
Internal Medicine 2025: inspiration at the annual meeting
-
Are quotas a solution to physician shortages?
-
How smartphones are stealing your focus—and what you can do about it
-
Learning to trust your body again: Healing the hidden wounds of medical training
-
The hidden bias in how we treat chronic pain
-
Why patients and doctors are ditching insurance for personalized care
-
Past 6 Months
-
How trade wars could destroy the U.S. health care system
-
Internal Medicine 2025: inspiration at the annual meeting
-
Doctors don’t need yoga, they need time to smoke
-
What happened to real care in health care?
-
The silent crisis hurting pain patients and their doctors
-
Flatline: Our nation is dying, and we’re ignoring the signs
-
Recent Posts
-
Doctors speak out: Why we’re saying no to burnout
-
When doctors die in silence: Confronting the epidemic of violence against physicians
-
When asking one more question can change everything
-
The geriatrician who prescribes matzah and meaning in Miami Beach
-
Understanding the ADHD brain: support, empowerment, and managing challenges [PODCAST]
-
Why it’s time for doctors to become performance coaches
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