The importance of “I statements” in health care settings

Conditions
September 16, 2023

Three nurses are at the nurses’ station. Two are talking about managing a patient’s pain, and a third, Donna, is reviewing a patient’s lab results and finding it difficult to concentrate.

Which is Donna’s best statement?

1) Shhh, stop talking!
2) I’m frustrated with your talking. It’s hard to concentrate, and I’d appreciate it if you would quiet down.

Answer: It depends on the relationships and Donna’s preferences. If Donna has a positive history …

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Chronic health issues and homelessness

Policy
September 16, 2023

In 2022, over 500,000 people in the United States found themselves homeless, without a permanent shelter to offer a sense of stability in their lives. This poses a far-reaching problem for the individuals who find themselves in this situation, but also for our society as a whole.

Homelessness can be caused by a combination of factors, such as poverty, unemployment, lack of affordable housing, mental and substance disorders, trauma,, and violence, …

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Transformative lessons from a pandemic experience [PODCAST]

Podcast
September 15, 2023
YouTube video

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Join Lee Scheinbart, a medical oncologist, as he shares his transformative experience during the height of the COVID pandemic. Discover the power of intrinsic motivation, advocacy, and empathy in health care. In this episode, we delve into the lessons learned from a …

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Balancing tension and kindness in medical education

Education
September 15, 2023

I recall a particularly tense interaction on my surgery rotation in medical school. The sub-intern on our team, a dedicated classmate of mine, was instructed to carry the call pager one Friday afternoon, to the undue chagrin of the team’s nurse practitioner. With an irritable toss of her blonde hair, eyes rolling with exasperation, the NP snappily handed off the pager to our sub-intern. “Ugh, this is going to slow …

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For newer doctors, avoid lifestyle inflation

Finance
September 15, 2023

Let me share a story about Dr. Sarah Mitchell.

Dr. Mitchell, like many of us, started her career with a resident’s salary, which was around $40,000 per year. After completing her residency, she received an enticing offer as an oncologist with an annual salary of $350,000.

However, instead of succumbing to lifestyle inflation, Dr. Mitchell made a financially savvy decision.

She committed to living on an annual budget of $60,000 for the first …

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Ethical considerations in medicine: unity and open discourse

Physician
September 15, 2023

Navigating the complexities of medical ethics in our modern world can present significant challenges. It’s worth considering a deeper examination of this issue. In the year 2023, the global landscape is rapidly evolving across various spheres. As a former pediatric resident physician in New York City, I had the opportunity to witness an extraordinary range of social diversity. The city is truly a melting pot, embodying a diverse tapestry of …

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Revelations about physician age [PODCAST]

Podcast
September 14, 2023
YouTube video

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We’re joined by Paul Pender, an ophthalmologist and author of Standing Up & Speaking Out for Patients & Doctors. Together, we explore the study’s revelations about physician age, patient outcomes, and the critical role of experience and skill in health care.

Paul …

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I want to be a doctor who can provide care for women: What states must I rule out for my medical education?

Education
September 14, 2023

The major implications of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, overturning Roe v. Wade, have centered on state-based rulings to remove a person’s right to abortion, thus preventing clinicians from supplying lifesaving health care and undermining an individual’s autonomy over their body. Further, as states eliminate this essential option in providing reproductive care, another important damaging impact of the Dobbs decision is beginning to be recognized. Namely, where …

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Man’s search for meaning is spiritual, and relevant to medicine

Physician
September 14, 2023

Viktor Frankl’s Holocaust memoir, Man’s Search for Meaning, is an extraordinary essay on resilience and spirituality, a reminder that human life, under any circumstances, never ceases to have meaning. At the risk of mentioning Bob Dylan in the same sentence as Viktor Frankl, it was Dylan who said: “When you ain’t got nothing, you got nothing to lose.” I suppose Bob Dylan read the book too, ranked …

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Change, accept or leave: wisdom for physicians who feel stuck

Physician
September 14, 2023

Often in coaching sessions, a client will bring to the session a problem or obstacle in their path forward. In life, challenging situations can make us feel stuck and unable to move. We find ourselves remaining in relationships, jobs, or patterns that no longer fulfill us.

Years ago, I came upon a powerful mantra: “change, accept, or leave.” This wisdom shifted my focus from my problems to the possible solutions for …

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Physician mental health: a guide for BIPOC physicians

Conditions
September 14, 2023

In the world of medicine, the challenges faced by BIPOC physicians are multifaceted. Not only do they contend with the rigor and demands of the profession, but they also navigate unique societal pressures and systemic inequalities. Prioritizing mental health, fostering a strong sense of purpose, and nurturing empowerment become essential tools for maintaining well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the distinct challenges encountered by BIPOC physicians and provide …

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Balancing pain management and legal realities [PODCAST]

Podcast
September 13, 2023
YouTube video

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Join L. Joseph Parker, a research physician, as we dive into the intricate world of medical practice and legal challenges faced by health care professionals treating patients with pain and addiction. Joseph sheds light on the complexities of opioid prescriptions, the impact …

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Unlocking emotional freedom and empathic communication

Physician
September 13, 2023

Has there ever been a time you judged yourself? Or that one time you resented yourself and repeatedly went over that event, thinking, “Gee, I wish I could’ve changed that one thing.” Has there ever been a time where you’ve said, “I’ll never be able to forgive myself”? Then, you begin to complain incessantly and blame others. “I see too many patients. There’s too much paperwork. Can you believe that …

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Want more investment control? A self-directed brokerage account may be right for you.

Finance
September 13, 2023

For most doctors, hiring a financial advisor who understands their needs is important when making investment decisions. We are all busy, and most don’t have the knowledge to make good investment decisions.

However, some have the time, and get educated about investing, and prefer to be more involved in making their investments.

A self-directed brokerage account may be one good option for you if you wish to get more involved in your …

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Bridging attorneys and doctors: the role of medical/legal consultants

Physician
September 13, 2023

Engaging in medical/legal consulting offers a valuable opportunity to apply your medical training in a non-clinical capacity that genuinely benefits people. Physicians across the nation are increasingly embracing medical/legal consulting as a rewarding part-time endeavor.

Among the array of services that medical/legal consultants offer, one prominent role is that of a liaison between attorneys and treating doctors. Additionally, we occasionally serve as intermediaries between attorneys and families, and more frequently between …

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Balancing opioid medication in chronic pain

Conditions
September 13, 2023

She walked in with a cane, bent over like a question mark. She was in her seventies and as sweet as people in that age group tend to be. I think most of the cranky ones don’t make it that far. She was something of an emergency because her doctor had just passed away, and it was time to refill her medications. It would not be safe for her to …

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From academic medicine to private practice [PODCAST]

Podcast
September 12, 2023
YouTube video

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Join Carmen Fong, a colorectal surgeon, as she shares her journey through the world of medicine. Carmen’s experiences highlight the challenges women face in academic medicine, from gender disparities to work-life balance. We delve into her decision to transition to private practice, …

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Physicians have a hidden addiction treatment superpower

Conditions
September 12, 2023

When it comes to addiction treatment, doctors have a superpower. Even if you’re not board certified in addiction (most of us are not), you possess knowledge and skills uniquely suited to caring for patients with addiction. Many professions purport to treat patients with substance use disorder, but the physician’s toolkit makes us uniquely effective at treating people with addiction. I can teach you how to unlock this hidden power if …

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The need for adaptability is imperative in the era of artificial intelligence

Tech
September 12, 2023

In a world increasingly dominated by technology and artificial intelligence (AI), adaptability is no longer just a desirable trait—it’s a necessity. Leon C. Megginson’s insightful quote, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change,” serves as a timely reminder of this reality. This article explores why adaptability is crucial, especially in the …

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