Little-known facts doctors should be aware of when purchasing the right class of mutual funds

Finance
August 16, 2023

Investing in mutual funds can be a great investment choice for doctors who often have little time to analyze individual stocks. This is especially true for financial planning for early-career physicians. Mutual funds immediately provide diversification. But have you ever wondered what the letters after the mutual fund mean: A, B, C, or I? Well, picking the right class of a mutual fund can have a big impact on …

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The struggle of a computer-based doctor

Physician
August 16, 2023

I saw shocking photos from Northern Italy and New York City, reviewed my life insurance, and thought about my three kids. I didn’t chicken out, but I thought about it long and hard as I sat, sipping tea through trembling lips, preparing—whatever that meant. In the end, I got COVID twice while working the frontlines. A few scars, disorders of my hearing, smelling, and tasting. I am dealing. Today, COVID …

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Building a fulfilling research career as a physician [PODCAST]

Podcast
August 15, 2023
YouTube video

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We join hematologist Toyosi Onwuemene who shares her transformative journey from clinician to scientist. A decade ago, she faced obstacles trying to build a research career without support, funding, or training. Now, she sheds light on the …

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Leaving medicine behind: a quest for purpose and well-being

Physician
August 15, 2023

In April of 2022, I decided to leave medicine after 18 years of practice, 13 of which were spent working with electronic medical records. During my final visit with a patient and her husband, as I informed them of my decision to retire from medicine, I noticed a peculiar look on the husband’s face. He was a quiet man who rarely said much during their visits, but I could tell …

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The harm of the “just do it” culture in medicine: a story of postpartum depression

Physician
August 15, 2023

“There’s no such thing as postpartum depression.”

These were the unsolicited words from my obstetrician in the third trimester of my first pregnancy.

“It’s only sleep deprivation,” she explained.

As an MD, I’d been taught there was indeed such a thing as postpartum depression. But as the patient in that interaction, a pregnant woman, I didn’t feel in any position to challenge her words. They would, however, stick in my brain forever. Even …

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It takes a village to strengthen patient-provider relationships

Physician
August 15, 2023

A recent study in Annals of Family Medicine confirms what many providers have long believed: stronger patient-provider relationships can yield better patient health outcomes.

It only stands to reason. Patients and providers can better understand and manage health conditions when communicating regularly and sharing information openly. This is especially beneficial when patients have multiple chronic conditions.

Enhanced relationships and communication also help providers identify barriers to care, so they can serve …

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Trauma-informed care in pediatrics [PODCAST]

Podcast
August 14, 2023
YouTube video

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Join Wendy L. Hunter, a pediatrician, as she shares a powerful story about a teenage girl found alone, having a seizure outside her clinic’s front door. This incident prompted Wendy to explore trauma-informed care in her practice. …

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Understanding migraine symptoms in children

Conditions
August 14, 2023

If you’ve experienced a migraine headache before, the sensation is often very distinct: throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and loud noise, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. Migraine symptoms can be uncomfortable and distressing.

Equally concerning is when a migraine sufferer recognizes these symptoms in their child. Migraines typically emerge during early adolescence, particularly when females reach menarche (their first menstrual period). However, as many as half of the children can experience …

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Bully nurse in ICU: a shattered moment for a dying patient

Conditions
August 14, 2023

She was oil, and I was vinegar. We didn’t mix. Ever. Even though we wanted the best outcome for our ICU patients, we stood on opposite poles of the earth. Sometimes, there’s only room for one alpha dog, one ultimate bully. And that person wasn’t me.

Mr. Williams, 68 years old, received the tragic news from his physician. He was experiencing strange and unusual symptoms: slurred speech, muscle weakness, lack of …

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Heart disease in the shadows: a closer look at cardiac sarcoidosis

Conditions
August 14, 2023

My new internist began my annual checkup with a nervous confession: “You are my first patient with cardiac sarcoidosis.” Even during an urgent care visit for potential cellulitis, I was met with raised eyebrows from the treating physician who reviewed my chart: “Very interesting, I’ve never seen a case of this heart disease.” With over 7000 rare diseases affecting more than 25 million people in the United States alone, patients …

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Exploring the neuroprotective power of spirituality [PODCAST]

Podcast
August 13, 2023
YouTube video

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Join clinical psychologist Lisa Miller and neurosurgeon Philip E. Stieg as he discusses how the human brain is hard-wired for connection and the neuroprotective effects of spirituality. Discover practical ways to cultivate a sense of community, enhance …

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Embrace an expanded identity: Become more than just a doctor

Physician
August 13, 2023

You have undoubtedly invested countless hours in honing your medical expertise to become great at helping others. Your commitment to the well-being of your patients is commendable, but sometimes, when you give too much of yourself, you can experience that dreaded burnout. That overwhelming sinking feeling, like you’re constantly spinning your wheels but not going anywhere. So today, I want to emphasize the importance of embracing your expanded identity and …

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Equitable health care guidelines for minority populations

Physician
August 13, 2023

Health care data analysis has shed light on significant disparities in health care across various locations. To address these inequalities, institutions, payers, and regulators have distinct options at their disposal, both socially and economically. Concurrently, individual health care providers can take their own initiatives while collaborative efforts are made to establish checks and balances to tackle these disparities. Exploring the potential avenues available to providers in resolving these issues is …

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A surgeon’s inspiring journey [PODCAST]

Podcast
August 12, 2023
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Join Maria Iliakova, a bariatric and general surgeon, as she shares her challenging yet transformative journey through surgical residency, where she faced overwhelming pressures and doubts. Discover how she found solace and fulfillment in the operating room, …

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Navigating mental health challenges in medical education

Education
August 12, 2023

Medical education is a rigorous journey that demands dedication, resilience, and compassion. However, as medical students, we often find ourselves navigating through the pressures of this journey while silently grappling with our mental health. By sharing personal experiences and insights, I aim to initiate a candid conversation about mental health and advocate for positive changes within the medical community.

The weight of the white coat

The iconic white coat symbolizes not only …

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How to build a financial safety net without sacrificing your lifestyle

Finance
August 12, 2023

Do your friends assume you are a “rich doctor,” and thus you feel pressure to meet that expectation?

Do you want to reward yourself after all the years of training and stress with some nice luxury toys?

Doctors often find themselves caught between two choices: living a luxury lifestyle and securing their financial future. It’s a delicate balance that requires careful planning and strategic decisions. But it doesn’t have to be an …

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The future of medicine: Advancements and greed collide

Tech
August 12, 2023

In the future, I foresee a world without pandemics, cancer becoming a thing of the past, and advancements that enable bionic adaptations to our bodies, leading to a life expectancy of easily over one hundred years.

While some of these advancements may seem distant, we are on the cusp of making them a reality within the next few decades. However, it’s essential to question whether human greed could hinder technological progress, …

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Teaching moments in medicine: Balancing autonomy and comfort

Physician
August 12, 2023

Late last year, I decided I needed to get my health checked up on. I went through the motions, trying to make an appointment with the doctor that was assigned to me. Nothing was available for months. I called every other day, asking about cancellations that would fit into my schedule for days I already had off. It was a pain and difficult as well to switch a single workday …

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