As a third-year medical student pursuing both an MD and an MS in public policy, I am often asked, “Why add another graduate degree when medicine is already so demanding?” Wrapping up my first semester of policy graduate school, I’ve been reflecting on that choice. For those considering applying to dual-degree programs, this is a time to ask not only where you want to go but how you can make …
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Fertility specialist Oluyemisi Famuyiwa discusses her KevinMD article, “The rise of at-home hormone tests: a double-edged sword for patients.” In this episode, Yemi explores the surge in popularity of at-home hormone testing …
As a pathology resident, much of my time is spent looking down a microscope, searching for clues that will guide a final diagnosis. Some diseases, however, cannot be seen at 100x magnification. Mental illness is one such disease. Its impact is profound, yet it often remains invisible to the naked eye. In fact, the National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that one in five adults in the U.S. lives with …
Introduction
Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease affecting approximately 10 percent of reproductive-age women and is a leading cause of infertility. Despite its significant impact, it remains underdiagnosed and inadequately managed. This review examines the pathophysiological mechanisms linking endometriosis and infertility, current treatment strategies, and the role of dietary and lifestyle interventions in optimizing reproductive outcomes.
Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the …
After the world watched a health care CEO get murdered on the street, the views of the public became intriguing. Although there are more current health care concerns on our minds, the murder of the United Health Care CEO should and will continue to be reviewed and examined. The U.S. health care system is broken, and the right individuals need to learn how to fix it early in their education, …
Childhood medical challenges can leave lasting imprints, not only on the child but also on those inspired to turn their personal struggles into a path of healing. This narrative explores the transformative journey of a pediatric neurologist whose early encounters with debilitating pain shaped a career rooted in empathy and innovation. Three key themes define this journey: The influence of personal adversity on career choice, the role of resilience in …
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Orthopedic surgeon Yoshihiro Katsuura discusses his KevinMD article, “It’s not a normal job, folks: How 3 elemental forces of reality shape the profession of medicine.” In this episode, Yoshihiro, …
The United States health care system is plagued by inefficiencies that drive up costs and limit access to care. The Department of Government Efficiency has a crucial role to play in addressing this challenge. As a physician, I often strive to practice cost-conscious care whenever possible. Three common-sense broad reforms—repealing Certificate of Need (CON) laws, implementing universal physician licensing, and advocating for site-neutral payment reform—offer significant opportunities to reduce health …
What sets great physician leaders apart? How do they ensure their leadership remains sharp, effective, and impactful?
Physicians often recognize the need to refine their leadership skills when they notice breakdowns in communication, delays in response times, or a lack of team cohesion. If you’re experiencing these challenges, it may be time to evaluate how you’re engaging with your team.
A common leadership misstep
Imagine …
The most difficult transport I have ever encountered was during my pediatric critical care fellowship. I traveled to an outside hospital with a fully equipped pediatric critical care transport team, including a critical care nurse, respiratory therapist, and myself—a third-year pediatric critical care fellow—to pick up a toddler ejected from a vehicle during a high-speed collision. Upon arrival, we found a child who had undergone an open laparotomy, open clamshell …
A large number of physicians are addicted to unhappiness. Practicing medicine is no longer fun, and they are frustrated working in an environment where they do not feel valued and appreciated. Forty percent of all physicians are looking to change their employment venue over the next two years, according to a recent survey by the AMA.
Physicians’ unhappiness is understandable.
Reimbursement by Medicare and other payors is declining, while the costs of …
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Dermatologist Michael Sherling discusses his KevinMD article, “Where physicians need to implement AI first.” In this episode, Michael examines the potential of artificial intelligence to alleviate administrative burdens in health care, such …
A 90-year-old gentleman has been admitted to our ward under the care of a neurologist. He was diagnosed with an ischemic stroke after experiencing weakness in his left upper limb and slurred speech. His mental status is fluctuating, and the stroke has impacted his memory. However, it has not affected his ability to walk and move around.
He and his wife had been living independently for the past 20 years. They …
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In 2004, the AMA declared a “medical malpractice crisis.” At that time, 34 percent of all physicians in the United States had been sued. The practice of medicine was at risk. Hospitals were closing. Coverage for certain high-risk specialties was unaffordable. Medical services were unavailable. Some malpractice carriers were on the verge of insolvency.
This has been the case since the mid-1970s. Coincidentally, so has a political initiative for national health …
In 2019, a mother in the U.S. stood in a hospital, clutching her feverish toddler, tears streaming down her face. Just months earlier, she had declined the routine vaccination after reading an article claiming it was “full of toxins” and linked to developmental disorders. That article, shared widely on social media, was based on no credible evidence. Now, her child was fighting for their life against a disease that vaccines …
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Pediatrician Christina Suh discusses the KevinMD article, “More than just the flu: Helping families and doctors prepare for pan-respiratory viruses.” In this episode, Christina addresses the challenges of the current pan-respiratory season, …
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As a rising developmental pediatrician, I often become a small part of a life-changing moment in my patients’ lives. I help them navigate the challenges of autism, ADHD, and other developmental disabilities. I celebrate their successes and offer support during their struggles.
Like myself, most of the patients I serve come from immigrant backgrounds, and English is not their first language. We work through tears and frustrations but also hang onto …
As I navigate this world, I often feel overwhelmed by its harshness, making peace and harmony seem elusive.
Today, the atmosphere feels particularly heavy with distrust and anger, leaving me caught in a constant “me” versus “you” mindset. At times, it feels as though a corrosive glue has enveloped the workings of my heart, preventing me from experiencing emotions and diminishing my willingness to seek the truth or ensure my story …
I recently came across an ongoing “discussion,” or rather aggressive bantering, in an online physician platform regarding the old guard versus the alleged newer, more entitled, and lazy generation of doctors. Years ago, I would have more staunchly fallen on the side of the old guard. Though I am a solid elder millennial, my “bootstrap” upbringing and Navy career fully encouraged the concept of medicine as a calling vice a …
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Emergency physician Drew Remignanti discusses his KevinMD article, “High tech should not replace high talk and high touch in health care.” In this episode, Drew examines the limitations of artificial intelligence and …
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