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Intravenous immunoglobulin for gastroparesis: What happened to me

Maria Jay

Conditions

December 4, 2023

Six months after being diagnosed with gastroparesis, I underwent experimental intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. What is often considered a wonder drug, with the ability to treat hundreds of rare illnesses, resulted in the worst experience of my life. I suspect that I developed aseptic meningitis, feeling like I had brain-damaged myself.

What is intravenous immunoglobulin?

Immunoglobulin is found in plasma, which is a part of your blood. It contains antibodies that help you …

Physicians turn feelings of frustration and powerlessness into purpose and hope

Kim Downey, PT

Physician

December 4, 2023

Every physician has a story to tell, about their medical training, about their clinical work. Every story is unique. Simultaneously, there are common shared themes about the joys and the difficulties. These experiences are universal, regardless of gender, specialty, or geographic location.

I asked two physicians, a female ER doctor on the East Coast in the U.S., and a male trauma-informed physician-coach in the U.K., to tell us how their experiences …

AI and the patient-physician relationship [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

December 3, 2023

Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes!

We sit down with guest Andrew Wilner, a neurologist, to explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on medicine. Join us as we discuss how AI is changing the role of health care professionals, the tasks it …

From fishing licenses to gun control

Mitch Bruss, MD

Policy

December 3, 2023

My son’s favorite thing to do is fish. I bought him a brand-new Mickey the Mouse fishing pole and a tackle box for his birthday. His favorite spot was on a small inland lake in a state park. On the bank of the lake, we would fish underneath a large cottonwood tree decorated with bobbers and lures that had become snagged in the branches.

The tree was tall and old and …

Read more…

From fishing licenses to gun control

3 key things to do before year end to reduce taxes

Amarish Dave, DO

Finance

December 3, 2023

As the year draws to a close, it is important that we maximize our opportunities to reduce our taxes. Let’s explore three essential moves that doctors should consider before the tax year concludes to reduce their tax liabilities.

1. Contribute to tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

One of the most effective ways for doctors to reduce their taxable income is by contributing to tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Not only does this help build a secure …

How the NFL offers a window into health care solutions for our country

Renee Hsia, MD

Policy

December 3, 2023

The NFL season is now in full swing, with TV screens ablaze in households across the nation, eyes glued to an elliptically-shaped ball being thrown and kicked far distances. This reminds me of an incredibly rare case that happened to a male patient I saw in the ER many years ago, whose right testicle had jumped into his abdomen after he lost control of his motorcycle on the highway. My …

How generative AI will upend the doctor-patient relationship

Robert Pearl, MD

Tech

December 3, 2023

After decades of “doctor knows best,” the traditional physician-patient relationship is on the verge of a monumental shift. Generative AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Bard, and Microsoft’s Bing are poised to give people significantly more power and control—not just over their personal lives and professional tasks but over their own medical health, as well.

As these tools become exponentially smarter, safer, and more reliable (an estimated Read more…

How generative AI will upend the doctor-patient relationship

Intensive caring in palliative care [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

December 2, 2023

Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes!

Join guest Harvey Max Chochinov, a psychiatrist, as he delves into the profound concept of “intensive caring” in palliative care. Inspired by Dame Cicely Saunders’ powerful quote, “You matter because you are you,” Harvey discusses how this …

Narcan: Widening access to overcome opioid overdoses

Greg Smith, MD

Meds

December 2, 2023

I often recommend books or podcasts for you when they address timely topics in mental health. The May 4, 2023, episode of The Daily podcast was one such episode that I think you should listen to. On that episode, Jan Hoffman, a health law and affairs reporter for The New York Times, was interviewed about Narcan, its history, current and future use, and how we might all take advantage of …

Decoding AI hallucinations in health care: Embracing a new era of medical innovation

Harvey Castro, MD, MBA

Tech

December 2, 2023

The health care landscape is rapidly evolving with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). While AI brings transformative power, it also demands great responsibility, especially in understanding and managing AI hallucinations—a new challenge in health care.

Understanding AI hallucinations

AI hallucinations occur when AI systems produce incorrect or misleading information. These errors can have dire consequences in health care. For instance, imagine an AI …

Save time with these 4 charting tips

Erica Dorn, FNP

Conditions

December 2, 2023

If you ask nurse practitioners how they spend most of their time at work, their answer will be “charting!”

Not only do nurse practitioners (NPs) assess, diagnose, and treat patients, but they also have to document the findings. On top of that, nurse practitioners also have to analyze diagnostic data, review past medical documentation, and address the never-ending patient messages.

With so much to do in a day, it can feel impossible …

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Save time with these 4 charting tips

Tackling health care conflicts and stereotyping

Deepak Gupta, MD

Physician

December 2, 2023

Concerns about conflicts of interest and stereotyping differ in their complexity. Resolving stereotyping-related concerns is relatively straightforward. Stereotyping should be dismantled immediately, regardless of the reasons for its creation, before it continues to perpetuate unchecked. However, merely dissolving stereotyping might not be enough if one form of stereotyping is replaced by another. Therefore, the ongoing effort to combat stereotyping must continue. When aiming to dissolve any stereotyping and ensure it …

Navigating challenges in modern medicine through storytelling [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

December 1, 2023

Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes!

Join Arthur Lazarus, an adjunct professor of psychiatry and the author of Every Story Counts: Exploring Contemporary Practice Through Narrative Medicine. In this episode, we delve into the profound significance of storytelling and narrative in the medical …

Lessons from historical drug prohibitions

L. Joseph Parker, MD

Conditions

December 1, 2023

New Zealand just rescinded its ban on tobacco smoking at the same time that Donald Trump just suggested the death penalty could cure the drug problem. What did New Zealand learn? And how has drug prohibition worked out in the past?

In 1511, the governor of Mecca, Khair Beg, had a serious problem. A powerful stimulant was coming into common use and was spreading throughout the city. This stimulant was clearly …

World AIDS Day 2023: Remember and commit

Toyin M. Falusi, MD

Conditions

December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023, marks the 35th anniversary of World AIDS Day (WAD), first commemorated in 1988. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Remember and commit,” a truly impactful theme because through remembrance, we acknowledge those who have lost their lives and those who have inspired us to get to where we are. We acknowledge the journey we have been on, and through commitment, we commit to a healthier future …

Lacertus syndrome and the quest for diagnosis

Dinaaz Lentin

Conditions

December 1, 2023

An excerpt from BATTLE SCARS: A courageous memoir of one person’s life experience within our health care system.

The main part of my memoir focuses on the journey which led to my eventual recovery from Lacertus syndrome. I now have a name for my condition but am yet to understand why I’ve …

The role of emotions in therapist growth

Maire Daugharty, MD

Conditions

December 1, 2023

It was some time into practice before I understood how being a therapist contributes to one’s own growth. I found this assurance from my best mentors rather mysterious. Sure, I’m a better listener, but what did they really mean? From my vantage point now, it seems obvious, and it is more than being attuned. On the surface, it is about being able to hear stories of suffering and watch someone …

Ketamine myths and facts: What PCPs need to know [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

November 30, 2023

Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes!

Join Carlene MacMillan, chief medical officer at Osmind, to explore the evolving role of primary care physicians in addressing mental health challenges, particularly in the context of emerging therapies like ketamine. We delve into misconceptions surrounding ketamine …

Embracing the Huntington’s disease community

Erin Paterson

Conditions

November 30, 2023

I had chosen a seat towards the back of the conference room because I noticed the legendary Jimmy Pollard sitting there. I didn’t want to miss the chance to sit next to this Huntington’s disease (HD) advocate and all-around amazing person.

I was at the Help4HD conference in Detroit, Michigan. It was my first time attending an event like this on my own. In the years past, I wouldn’t have had …

Unlocking the potential of allied health roles for a thriving health care system

Eric Stastny, MHA

Policy

November 30, 2023

In the complex world of health care, doctors and nurses often take center stage. But behind them is a much larger team supporting the delivery of exceptional care. Allied health professionals – like radiology and surgery technicians – play an essential role in health care, and it’s time we shine a brighter light on the importance of these roles and the tremendous opportunities they present for those seeking a career …

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