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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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 …
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 …
“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 …
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 …
It was at the very beginning of the fourth year of medical school that Kristen and I had our first kid. So, we decided to get life insurance. I didn’t know who to turn to at first, but then I was directed to an insurance agent at a well-known mutual fund company who happened to be my friend’s brother. As I sat down, he asked if I was healthy. To …
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 …
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 …
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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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 …
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 …
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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Exhausted. This is the word that comes to mind when asked how I am. Instead, it’s the usual “Good!” with a smile on my face. Not that this is unique per se. Many others work long hours. A friend who is an accountant will work 80-hour weeks in the month up to the tax filing deadline. Another who works in automotive design will sometimes work 60 to 80-hour weeks to …
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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, …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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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Join Kim Downey, a physical therapist, and Michael Hersh, a gastroenterologist, and discover how coaching can help physicians navigate challenges, change their lives, and find personal and professional growth. Don’t miss their insights on finding the right …
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