“Oh, I didn’t know you’re a writer,” my neighbor said as I handed her a complimentary copy of my recently published book.
“Not really,” I replied. “I’m just a physician who likes to write.”
The conversation ended, but later, I began to think: What’s the difference between a physician writer and a writer who is a physician? What should I say to somebody else who makes a comment like my neighbor? I …
In the high-pressure health care environment, finding purpose and fulfillment is a significant challenge. The Japanese concept of ikigai offers a unique perspective, helping health care professionals discover deeper meaning in their work and personal lives. This article explores ikigai’s essence, its benefits and challenges in health care, and practical steps for embarking on this transformative journey.
Understanding ikigai
Ikigai is a Japanese term …
I regretfully told my 65-year-old patient in the preoperative area, “I’m going to have to cancel your case.” We both knew this was coming. He suffered from a large inguinoscrotal hernia that was symptomatic but not dangerous, a condition that had threatened his welfare for the past several months. Given his education level and social issues, his career prospects were limited to manual labor. I sensed his desperation to return …
I have a friend. He is non-medical, just a person who knows a lot of people. He grew up on the rough side of town.
He has lost five friends or relatives this past year, he tells me. All to Fentanyl overdoses.
Most were young, in their twenties or thirties. Two were friends of his son, who is in his early thirties.
Most had been on prescribed opioids for a confirmed back injury—a …
The unfolding events in Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank present a complex and deeply concerning situation. The entire area is smaller than the state of Vermont. My experiences in the West Bank, supported by a U.S. Scholar Fulbright award, have given me firsthand insight into the disruptions faced by individuals in these regions. The war may be focused in Gaza, but routine life is also disrupted in the West …
An excerpt from Mars Hospital: A Doctor’s Novel.
“Patient’s ready. This one will be interesting,” Sally said with a smirk. “Mom brought her nineteen-year-old son in, and she says he’s the devil.” I rolled my eyes.
Terrific. I entered the room with trepidation and saw the patient sitting quietly on the exam …
“Fine lines” in medicine often refer to situations where decisions are not clear-cut and require careful judgment. Perhaps the most tenuous of lines is the one between “real” childhood illnesses and those caused by Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP), also known as factitious disorder imposed on another (FDIA), refers to a specific form of child abuse in which a caregiver, typically a parent or guardian, fabricates, exaggerates, …
Have you ever wondered why some people always seem to be in pain? Or why someone can receive a prescription for a minor procedure and immediately feel drawn to drug use?
Scientists may have recently figured out one of the reasons for these behaviors, and they may start early in life. The developing neuron is remarkably similar to a tree. The branches are the dendrites that receive electrochemical signals from the …
In the modern world, physicians are respected and highly regarded for their compassion, dedication, skill, and knowledge. People value the effort physicians put into taking care of others often before taking care of themselves. While this noble profession was once lucrative, many now find it challenging to make ends meet, given falling reimbursements, lack of independence, and exorbitant student loans. Achieving financial independence is not just a personal goal; it …
“I am no longer a physician. I have become the typist.”
This is a sentiment echoing in the hallways of medical practices across the nation. This transformation encapsulates the growing disillusionment among doctors, particularly those in primary care. As a resident physician in family medicine, I am acutely aware of the escalating rates of physician burnout, exacerbated by the expectation to see between 18 and 24 patients daily. One must …
A mere week following the events of October 7, I heeded the call to volunteer at a medical facility nestled on the shores of the Dead Sea. As a medical practitioner, my sense of duty compelled me to extend my expertise to those in need. What made this mission truly distinctive was the presence of my 15-year-old daughter, Hadar, who had taken on the role of clinic administrator. An exceptional …
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Meditation is a hot topic with deep roots, but sometimes it feels like it’s being pushed as a modern-day version of snake oil for what ails the spirit. Often touted as an antidote to burnout, many of us know that a meditation app won’t solve the systemic issues plaguing health care today, leading some physicians to be skeptical.
I was introduced to mindfulness meditation years ago while practicing yoga. Initially, making …
Since Ozempic entered the cultural zeitgeist, I have been overwhelmed with requests from my patients – both those who meet criteria to start the medication and those who do not – for this new class of “miracle” drug. While it does work like a miracle for some, there are also those for whom the promise rings hollow – those who are unable to tolerate the medications due to side effects, …
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We’re joined by Andrew Norden, a physician executive, to dive into the world of digital transformation in oncology. We explore why oncology has been slower to adopt digital innovations compared to other health care fields, debunking myths …
In recent years, there has been an exponential growth in global awareness surrounding the subject of mental health. As it becomes increasingly evident that mental well-being is just as crucial as physical health, community interventions such as Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) have gained prominence. Originally conceived in Australia in 2000, MHFA has since been adopted in various countries and tailored to meet the specific mental health needs of different …
The practice of medicine has always been difficult. In the best of times, physicians must make fast decisions under very stressful conditions. Every time a doctor navigates a crisis, they reflect on what decisions they made and how they might improve. At least the good ones do. This soul-searching often involves discussions with colleagues and staff on the events and decisions made.
Mortality and morbidity discussions, M&M as we say, are …
I met Dr. David Zylneck through a mutual friend when he was in the final year of his pediatrics residency. Even as a trainee, he was heavily involved in international relief work and had made several trips to Southern Africa. Over time, Dr. Zylneck and I lost contact as our careers took us in different directions. Several years later, as I was about to move to a new location to …
Considering that the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) primarily evaluates candidates’ general medical knowledge, there is a growing need to introduce specialty-specific pre-training examinations (PTEs). This is because the USMLE’s focus on overall medical knowledge may not accurately predict the performance of applicants in their specialty-specific in-training examinations (ITEs). The introduction of PTEs could serve as a more reliable indicator of applicants’ commitment and aptitude for their chosen specialties. …
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