Ensuring medication safety: a shocking incident that exposed a dangerous flaw

Meds
June 28, 2023

At six-week intervals, I replenish my supply of omeprazole. Initially, I took it for symptomatic relief of GERD, becoming symptomatic again within a week or two during periodic self-directed suspensions. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy, done for another reason, disclosed Barrett’s esophagus, shifting that daily pill of personal comfort to a more essential intervention. It falls within several Gastroenterology Society recommendations as a component of later malignancy prevention. My weekly pill case, set …

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The fight for reinstatement: Advocating for early opportunities for excluded health care professionals battling opioid use disorder

Policy
June 28, 2023

I’ll begin by saying that I have a diagnosis of opioid use disorder (OUD) secondary to PTSD. I began diverting Norco from a pharmacy with which my hospice company had a contract. At the time, I had access to various narcotics as an RN case manager, which was quite concerning. This environment became a breeding ground for nurses seeking to divert medication for their own substance abuse.

My battle with OUD …

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Overcoming limiting beliefs in a culture of growth

Physician
June 27, 2023

Limiting beliefs are thoughts that often hold us back from achieving a desired outcome. An example of this is internalizing negative criticism received. Instead of being an opportunity for growth, the dark side of criticism is that it can make us believe we are not talented enough, innovative enough, or qualified enough. That we are not enough. Often, this depends on how and when it is delivered.

According to the National …

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The impact of medical traumatic stress on families

Conditions
June 27, 2023

Jacob, a father from a low-income, rural background, has vivid flashbacks of seeing his newborn intubated. Confused at why his mind keeps replaying the scene, he struggles to concentrate at work and earn the paycheck he needs to make ends meet for his family. Whenever he makes the long drive to the hospital for his newborn’s follow-up visits, he feels the same intense panic he felt in the NICU and …

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The transformative power of volunteering at the science fair

Education
June 27, 2023

“Thank you so much for taking the time today and judging,” yet another person said as they approached me, smiling or shaking my hand.

“You are welcome,” I said, smiling. It was my pleasure—my genuine internal pleasure.

I have been volunteering for schools and children’s education for many years.

As I agreed yet again to be a judge, I thought I was helping them: schools, students, the school district… It turned out that, …

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Unlocking the secrets of medical practice success

Physician
June 27, 2023

“The cause of man’s problem is a lack of knowledge. It does not stem from a shortage of information but rather from the rejection of information.”
– Hosea 4:6

This event in medical history is one such lesson that describes the blinding of physicians to the realities of open-mindedness and the destructive potential that results from ignoring factual truth.

If it weren’t for the persistence and medical ingenuity of an early 1800s medical …

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Social inflation’s surge in medical malpractice insurance [PODCAST]

Podcast
June 26, 2023
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Join us on this insightful podcast episode as we delve into the complex issue of social inflation and its impact on the medical malpractice insurance industry. Our guest, Robert E. White, Jr., president of The Doctors Company, …

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From physician to survivor: My inspiring journey through burnout, mental illness, and triumph

Physician
June 26, 2023

I am a physician, specifically a urologist. However, what most people do not know about me is that I am a survivor of multiple suicide attempts. My essay attempts to tell my personal story—a story of burnout, mental illness, and suicide—and to discuss the shame that accompanied these experiences.

I completed my urologic residency in 1987 at Stanford University and began practicing with the Southern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Group in …

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More than skin deep: the importance of culturally competent care in medical education

Education
June 26, 2023

The very first patient I met in the rheumatology clinic at SUNY Downstate heard I was applying to medical school and pulled me close to her, saying, “I want you to feel the swelling in my hands.” She took great care to ensure I palpated each joint and appreciated the warmth, erythema, and “boggy” feeling imparted by the inflammation. She explained her medical history and was very specific with her …

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A touching tale of hope and uncertainty in the hospital

Education
June 26, 2023

Indeterminate. That’s the word we use when we’re unsure whether a patient will be able to survive without mechanical ventilation. We can’t say for certain that they have a good prognosis, but we can’t say they have a bad one either. A chaplain once said that those teetering between life and death can sense two things: sounds and smells. They also shared a story about a patient who woke up …

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From darkness to healing: a urologist’s journey through suicidal ideation [PODCAST]

Podcast
June 25, 2023
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In this poignant podcast episode, we welcome guest William Lynes, a urologist and survivor of physician burnout, who shares his personal journey through multiple suicide attempts. Join us as we delve into the four stages of suicidal …

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Unlocking the hidden potential of physician scientists: the key to research breakthroughs and health care innovation

Physician
June 25, 2023

Ten years ago, as a new graduate, I sought an academic job that would protect my time for research. I was surprised to find that I was “unqualified”: I had no research funding and few published manuscripts. With these deficits, no institution was willing to give me a research job. Eventually, I was offered a clinical job that would protect my time at 20 percent. With this time, I was …

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The Little Mermaid inspires a health care revolution: Breaking silos for equitable, accessible, and innovative solutions

Physician
June 25, 2023

The Little Mermaid remake was recently released, and I was excited to experience the film for a few reasons. First, it was my favorite animated Disney film of all time. It came out when I was three years old, and I watched the VHS tape until it didn’t work anymore. Yes, I’m dating myself. Second, there were updated lyrics and a Black Ariel. Although it was strangely controversial that Ariel …

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Treating substance use disorders in the criminal justice system [PODCAST]

Podcast
June 24, 2023
YouTube video

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In this thought-provoking podcast episode, we invite guest Casey Grover, an emergency physician, to explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding the treatment of substance use disorders in the criminal justice system. Join us as we examine two compelling …

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Unveiling the truth: How headlines shape our world and the urgent need for reliable news

Physician
June 24, 2023

This is a story of headlines and the power they wield for good and evil (apologies for the melodrama). Words matter, and I, for one, am frustrated with the words in headlines often doing more harm than good.

I am a family doctor whose passion in life is preventing disease. I don’t want to see my patients suffering from diabetes or heart failure, nor from a contagious disease that is preventable …

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From doubts to triumph: The inspiring journey of a nocturnist doctor

Physician
June 24, 2023

As I stood there, my mentor, Dr. S, spoke in his gentle, wise voice, “Congratulations! You have been selected as the hospital’s new nocturnist.” The news hit me like a wave of disbelief, and a surge of emotions rushed through me. The competition for this position had been intense, leaving me uncertain about my chances. But now, at this moment, all those doubts were swept away. A whirlwind of feelings …

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Powerful lessons from a tragic hospital incident: the importance of living wills and last goodbyes

Physician
June 24, 2023

As an emergency physician, I’m a strong proponent of living wills, POLST forms, and discussing uncomfortable topics with your loved ones. Even making decisions about your child being an organ donor, if, Heaven forbid, something happened. You never know when the “last time” might be.

A recent case I had served as a reminder of this. The patient and their spouse came to the hospital for what was supposed to be …

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