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Surgeon suicides: Unveiling a silent crisis

Physician

October 28, 2023

When I read The Guardian article, “US surgeons are killing themselves at an alarming rate. One decided to speak out,” I felt like throwing up.

I’m sickened so many surgeons are dying. I’m grateful Dr. Cunningham is speaking out. I’m relieved she is alive.

But I felt nauseated that Carrie Cunningham’s pain is being used to tout physician “health” programs (PHPs) as the solution to physician suicide while these programs have actually led …

Reflections on human suffering

Arthur Lazarus, MD, MBA

Physician

October 28, 2023

I was in my upstairs office when I heard the doorbell ring. I ran downstairs to open the door, unable to see through the opaque window who was on the other side. I opened the door, and there stood an elderly Black man and woman, well dressed, with leaflets and literature. I immediately recognized that this was an unsolicited proselytization.

“Can I help you,” I inquired. The woman handed me a …

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Reflections on human suffering

We got the new COVID vaccine. It was a whopping $191 per shot.

Michelle Finkel, MD

Conditions

October 28, 2023

As emergency physicians, my husband and I were determined to protect ourselves, our teenagers, and society at-large with the latest, monovalent COVID vaccine, which the CDC recently recommended for every American 6 months and older.

I realized, though, we were in for turbulence when my 78-year-old mother arrived for her appointment at a national pharmacy chain only to be told they did not yet have the vaccine. …

Unlocking value-based care: challenges and incentives

Anna Gladstone, DO

Policy

October 28, 2023

Value-based care is everywhere. It is really having a moment right now. It has taken on many forms, from the Medicare Advantage home care models to the employer-based direct primary care, but certain aspects of it remain consistent across all delivery forms. Physicians or physician organizations are expected to meet certain expectations and patient outcomes in order to show the value of the care they provide.

In theory, pinning reimbursement rates …

Empathy meets efficiency: a health care transformation [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

October 27, 2023

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

Join Matthew Troup, a physician assistant and health care executive, as we explore the critical issue of balancing empathy and efficiency in modern medicine. Matthew shares his personal journey and the challenges he faced during his clinical …

Clinicians unite for health care reform

Leslie Gregory, PA-C

Policy

October 27, 2023

One thing that contributes to burnout in medicine is the inefficient and cumbersome nature of the systems in which we practice. This is particularly true for compassionate, trauma-informed clinicians who must watch their patients suffer under a system that clearly has built-in historical and current harms. In 2008, when I started my nonprofit organization, the disparities had already cost this country millions of dollars and untold numbers of lives. We …

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Clinicians unite for health care reform

Why emotional intelligence is critical for safe nurse staffing

Beth Boynton, RN, MS, CP

Conditions

October 27, 2023

In Daniel Goleman’s model of emotional intelligence (EQ), there are two main competencies: Personal competency, which includes self-awareness, self-regulation, and motivation; and social competency, which includes social skills and empathy.

We can think of both competencies in terms of communication. Personal competency relates to our abilities to identify and value our needs, wants, limits, etc., and to express them respectfully, i.e., speaking up. Social competency refers to our ability to observe, …

Decoding doctor designations: the crucial need to ditch the “provider” label

Austin Miller

Education

October 27, 2023

Health care terminology has evolved significantly over the years, with the term “provider” becoming a standard reference for various health care professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. While the term includes many health care professionals in current medical practice, it’s important to discuss why “provider” was initially used and should not be used interchangeably with “physician.”

A brief history of the term “provider”

The term “provider” in health care began …

Combating physician burnout: the case for subsidized vacations

Angel Garcia Otano, MD

Policy

October 27, 2023

Physician burnout is a pressing issue in the health care industry, with detrimental effects on both health care providers and the American public. Family physicians, in particular, play a crucial role in the well-being of individuals and communities. This essay explores the mental health benefits that family physicians derive from enjoying time away from the office and argues for government subsidization of their vacation time as a measure to mitigate …

Revolutionizing health care ops: data connectivity and AI insights [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

October 26, 2023

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

Join nurse executives Linda Knodel and Karlene Kerfoot as they share their 45 years of experience in health care administration. In this insightful podcast, they discuss the urgent challenges facing health care organizations, the power of data …

The connection between organ systems and skin health in Chinese medicine

Jinguan Yang, MD

Conditions

October 26, 2023

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), health is perceived as a holistic concept that encompasses not only the physical aspects of our bodies but also the emotional and spiritual dimensions.

Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have long held the belief that there is a deep connection between our organ systems and the appearance of our face.

This profound link sheds light on how our internal well-being and emotions can be reflected in our facial …

Reevaluating beliefs: the role of real doctors

Jennifer Shaer, MD

Physician

October 26, 2023

Real doctors see patients. For years, I have held this thought as a truth. But it’s not a fact; it’s a belief, and it is no longer serving me.

I’ve been questioning this belief for a while, but this weekend at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition, I gained some clarity. There, I met, heard from, and spoke with so many fascinating physicians—physicians who are doing all sorts …

Tomb of the unknown emergency physician

Yogin Patel, MD, MBA

Physician

October 26, 2023

An overly familiar alarm buzzes at 4:20 a.m. My first thought was, “I should have slept more.” I lazily brush my teeth with the combination of spearmint and reflux mixing in the back of my throat. With heavy arms and legs, I wearily climb into scrubs in the dark and carefully exit the house – a thief in my own night. The pitch-black drive is less interesting this morning. News …

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Tomb of the unknown emergency physician

Life-changing surgery: Embracing my true self

Miles Borrero

Conditions

October 26, 2023

An excerpt from Beautiful Monster: A Becoming.

The day of the surgery we show up early to the small clinic. After a brief wait we are taken into the back, where the doctor draws a map of my body-to-be on my now-body, detailing the road to my new life. The anesthesiologist …

Opioid regulations: a patient advocate’s insights [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

October 25, 2023

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

Join Richard A. Lawhern, a patient advocate. We delve into the critical issues surrounding U.S. policy for the regulation of prescription opioid pain relievers and the challenges faced by clinicians managing chronic pain patients. Explore the controversial …

The Djokovic saga: Vaccination policies revisited

Dinesh Arab, MD

Conditions

October 25, 2023

No matter your politics or judgment on the COVID-19 vaccine, we can agree that the visuals of the world’s number one tennis player being detained and treated like a criminal when he went to the Australian Open last year were unsettling, and the Australian government should have better handled his case. To recap, Mr. Djokovic flew to Australia in January 2022 on a vaccine exemption as he had a COVID-19 …

Are you taking advantage of all of your tax deferred investment options?

Amarish Dave, DO

Finance

October 25, 2023

Given the tax bracket most doctors are in, reducing their tax burden is a key factor in their investment success and long-term retirement plan. At this time of year, many doctors may not have maximized all of their retirement tax-deferred options. Here is a summary of different options to consider.

Traditional 401(k) plans

Benefits

Tax deductions. Contributions to a Traditional 401(k) are tax-deductible, reducing an individual’s taxable income for the year in which …

Nature’s role in relieving physician burnout

Michele Luckenbaugh

Conditions

October 25, 2023

In today’s corporate health care world, physicians are exposed to high levels of stress in the course of carrying out the duties of their profession, making them susceptible to experiencing burnout. Burnout has far-reaching implications not only for doctors but also for patients and the health care system that employs them. Burnout among doctors increases the risk of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, fatigue, alcohol and drug misuse, premature retirement, and …

Conquering fear: Embracing possibilities beyond the horizon

Sogol Pahlavan, MD

Physician

October 25, 2023

When you think about a beach vacation, what comes to mind? What do you picture?

Fish, seaweed, sharks, sea foam, water bugs, or clear sunny skies? The sound of surfing waves, the feeling of soft sand, or the desire for a perfect tan?

My daughter possesses a meticulous, organized, and clean nature. She finds solace in predictability and dislikes the uncertainty of nature. Consequently, she rarely enjoys hiking, dismissing it as “too …

Metric shaming in medicine and 3 ways to overcome it

Archana Reddy Shrestha, MD

Physician

October 25, 2023

Looking back at my career as an emergency physician, I remember how my first year out of residency was a roller coaster ride with many ups and downs, practicing as an emergency physician in a semi-rural town in Illinois. But once I found my stride and confidence as an attending physician, I recall distinctly knowing to my core that I was a good doctor. I was strong in my clinical …

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