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Beyond chemotherapy: a story of resilience, faith, and quality of life

Rita Assi, MD

Physician

February 24, 2025

In 2023, Peggy, a vibrant 63-year-old woman, entered my life under the most challenging of circumstances. She was diagnosed with inv(3) acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive and relentless disease, and faced a grim prognosis. From our very first conversation, I knew Peggy was different. She exuded strength, determination, and an unyielding zest for life.

AML with inv(3) is a rare and particularly life-threatening subtype of acute leukemia associated with primary …

Why are only physicians prosecuted under HIPAA? [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

February 23, 2025

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Practicing internist and psychiatrist Muhamad Aly Rifai discusses his KevinMD article, “The criminal enforcement of HIPAA.” In this episode, Muhamad delves into the escalating electronic breaches of protected health information and the lack of accountability for large organizations responsible for these violations. He highlights several high-profile cases where physicians …

Advancing health care through physician leadership: 5 skills for changing health care

Susannah Eastwick

Finance

February 23, 2025

No one knows for sure what’s coming in health care in the months ahead, but one thing is clear: The landscape in 2025 will undoubtedly be changing—and challenging. For physicians and others working in such fields, this is not new but an acceleration of recent trends. External factors, like the COVID-19 pandemic, and internal, more systemic ones have increasingly taken power away from doctors—impacting everything from patient care to physician …

Why pursue a dual degree in medicine and policy?

Sydney Sharp

Education

February 23, 2025

As a third-year medical student pursuing both an MD and an MS in public policy, I am often asked, “Why add another graduate degree when medicine is already so demanding?” Wrapping up my first semester of policy graduate school, I’ve been reflecting on that choice. For those considering applying to dual-degree programs, this is a time to ask not only where you want to go but how you can make …

Navigating the complexities of at-home hormone tests [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

February 22, 2025

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Fertility specialist Oluyemisi Famuyiwa discusses her KevinMD article, “The rise of at-home hormone tests: a double-edged sword for patients.” In this episode, Yemi explores the surge in popularity of at-home hormone testing …

First, do no harm: Now is the time to fight mental health stigma and advocate for residency reform

Claire Bise, MD, MPH

Physician

February 22, 2025

As a pathology resident, much of my time is spent looking down a microscope, searching for clues that will guide a final diagnosis. Some diseases, however, cannot be seen at 100x magnification. Mental illness is one such disease. Its impact is profound, yet it often remains invisible to the naked eye. In fact, the National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that one in five adults in the U.S. lives with …

Endometriosis and fertility: What every woman should know

Oluyemisi Famuyiwa, MD

Conditions

February 22, 2025

Introduction

Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease affecting approximately 10 percent of reproductive-age women and is a leading cause of infertility. Despite its significant impact, it remains underdiagnosed and inadequately managed. This review examines the pathophysiological mechanisms linking endometriosis and infertility, current treatment strategies, and the role of dietary and lifestyle interventions in optimizing reproductive outcomes.

Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the …

The missing piece in medical education: Why health systems science matters

Janet Lieto, DO

Education

February 22, 2025

After the world watched a health care CEO get murdered on the street, the views of the public became intriguing. Although there are more current health care concerns on our minds, the murder of the United Health Care CEO should and will continue to be reviewed and examined. The U.S. health care system is broken, and the right individuals need to learn how to fix it early in their education, …

How childhood pain shaped a neurologist’s path to healing

Dr. Wafaa Al-Shehhi

Physician

February 22, 2025

Childhood medical challenges can leave lasting imprints, not only on the child but also on those inspired to turn their personal struggles into a path of healing. This narrative explores the transformative journey of a pediatric neurologist whose early encounters with debilitating pain shaped a career rooted in empathy and innovation. Three key themes define this journey: The influence of personal adversity on career choice, the role of resilience in …

Innovative training strategies to reduce physician burnout [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

February 21, 2025

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Orthopedic surgeon Yoshihiro Katsuura discusses his KevinMD article, “It’s not a normal job, folks: How 3 elemental forces of reality shape the profession of medicine.” In this episode, Yoshihiro, …

Curbing health care costs: 3 reforms for a more efficient system

Aamir Hussain, MD

Policy

February 21, 2025

The United States health care system is plagued by inefficiencies that drive up costs and limit access to care. The Department of Government Efficiency has a crucial role to play in addressing this challenge. As a physician, I often strive to practice cost-conscious care whenever possible. Three common-sense broad reforms—repealing Certificate of Need (CON) laws, implementing universal physician licensing, and advocating for site-neutral payment reform—offer significant opportunities to reduce health …

How to know if your leadership is effective

Stephanie Wellington, MD

Physician

February 21, 2025

What sets great physician leaders apart? How do they ensure their leadership remains sharp, effective, and impactful?

Physicians often recognize the need to refine their leadership skills when they notice breakdowns in communication, delays in response times, or a lack of team cohesion. If you’re experiencing these challenges, it may be time to evaluate how you’re engaging with your team.

A common leadership misstep

Imagine …

When every second counts: the evolving challenges of pediatric transport

Kyle Willsey, DO

Physician

February 21, 2025

The most difficult transport I have ever encountered was during my pediatric critical care fellowship. I traveled to an outside hospital with a fully equipped pediatric critical care transport team, including a critical care nurse, respiratory therapist, and myself—a third-year pediatric critical care fellow—to pick up a toddler ejected from a vehicle during a high-speed collision. Upon arrival, we found a child who had undergone an open laparotomy, open clamshell …

Ending physicians’ addiction to unhappiness

Jeffry A. Peters, MBA

Conditions

February 21, 2025

A large number of physicians are addicted to unhappiness. Practicing medicine is no longer fun, and they are frustrated working in an environment where they do not feel valued and appreciated. Forty percent of all physicians are looking to change their employment venue over the next two years, according to a recent survey by the AMA.

Physicians’ unhappiness is understandable.

Reimbursement by Medicare and other payors is declining, while the costs of …

Enhancing physician practice with strategic AI tools [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

February 20, 2025

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Dermatologist Michael Sherling discusses his KevinMD article, “Where physicians need to implement AI first.” In this episode, Michael examines the potential of artificial intelligence to alleviate administrative burdens in health care, such …

A stroke patient’s unwavering love: Caring for his wife amidst his illness

Dr. Damane Zehra

Conditions

February 20, 2025

A 90-year-old gentleman has been admitted to our ward under the care of a neurologist. He was diagnosed with an ischemic stroke after experiencing weakness in his left upper limb and slurred speech. His mental status is fluctuating, and the stroke has impacted his memory. However, it has not affected his ability to walk and move around.

He and his wife had been living independently for the past 20 years. They …

My personal experience in medical malpractice litigation

Howard Smith, MD

Physician

February 20, 2025

In 2004, the AMA declared a “medical malpractice crisis.” At that time, 34 percent of all physicians in the United States had been sued. The practice of medicine was at risk. Hospitals were closing. Coverage for certain high-risk specialties was unaffordable. Medical services were unavailable. Some malpractice carriers were on the verge of insolvency.

This has been the case since the mid-1970s. Coincidentally, so has a political initiative for national health …

How physicians can fight medical misinformation in the digital age

Lujain Mattar

Conditions

February 20, 2025

In 2019, a mother in the U.S. stood in a hospital, clutching her feverish toddler, tears streaming down her face. Just months earlier, she had declined the routine vaccination after reading an article claiming it was “full of toxins” and linked to developmental disorders. That article, shared widely on social media, was based on no credible evidence. Now, her child was fighting for their life against a disease that vaccines …

Enhancing vaccine uptake for pan-respiratory viruses [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

February 19, 2025

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Pediatrician Christina Suh discusses the KevinMD article, “More than just the flu: Helping families and doctors prepare for pan-respiratory viruses.” In this episode, Christina addresses the challenges of the current pan-respiratory season, …

Advocating for immigrant children: a doctor’s perspective

Fiorella Castillo, MD, MSPH

Physician

February 19, 2025

As a rising developmental pediatrician, I often become a small part of a life-changing moment in my patients’ lives. I help them navigate the challenges of autism, ADHD, and other developmental disabilities. I celebrate their successes and offer support during their struggles.

Like myself, most of the patients I serve come from immigrant backgrounds, and English is not their first language. We work through tears and frustrations but also hang onto …

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