Andrew Wilner, MD

Andrew Wilner is a neurologist who can be reached at this self-titled site, Andrew Wilner, MD. He is the author of The Locum Life: A Physician's Guide to Locum Tenens.

July 13, 2026Jul 13, 2026

His words took my breath away. I was performing a routine task, but my seven-year-old son, Jack, could see I was struggling. "You can do it, Dad!" he cheered. Jack could have watched and said nothing. He could have walked…

His words took my breath away. I was performing a routine task, but my seven-year-old son, Jack, could see I was struggling. “You can do it, Dad!” he cheered.

Jack could have watched and said nothing. He could have walked away. He could have made a disparaging comment. Instead, he offered enthusiastic encouragement. His words warmed my heart and fueled my efforts, and I succeeded.

My son Jack has always seemed exceptional, …

Tech

Will artificial intelligence replace physicians?

Andrew Wilner, MD

July 6, 2023Jul 6, 2023

A recent Goldman Sachs report determined that artificial intelligence (AI) may wipe out 300 million jobs. Jobs that require advanced education, like mine, are particularly vulnerable. This isn't welcome news for those of us who have invested a lifetime mastering…

A recent Goldman Sachs report determined that artificial intelligence (AI) may wipe out 300 million jobs. Jobs that require advanced education, like mine, are particularly vulnerable. This isn’t welcome news for those of us who have invested a lifetime mastering our crafts and must work for a living.

Until recently, the primary goal of medical students has been to master the science of medicine. Students spend thousands of …

Conditions

An unexpected COVID-19 vaccine side effect

Andrew Wilner, MD

January 13, 2021Jan 13, 2021

Introduction Today, I had my second shot of the Pfizer vaccine and suffered an unexpected and unreported side effect. That’s the problem with a new medical treatment; you never know what might happen. Transformation Just a few seconds after the…

Introduction

Today, I had my second shot of the Pfizer vaccine and suffered an unexpected and unreported side effect. That’s the problem with a new medical treatment; you never know what might happen.

Transformation

Just a few seconds after the needle penetrated my arm, I felt a mild soreness, kind of like a flu shot. But as I sat for the required 15 minutes of observation time, a wave of something engulfed my …

Physicians

Life hacks from a 9-month-old infant

Andrew Wilner, MD

August 29, 2019Aug 29, 2019

The problem Sometimes, you reach a stage in life where each day has become predictable. Despite success, you slide into a rut. The status quo doesn’t cut it. Your patients are interesting, but not stimulating enough. Your staff is well-trained,…

The problem

Sometimes, you reach a stage in life where each day has become predictable. Despite success, you slide into a rut. The status quo doesn’t cut it. Your patients are interesting, but not stimulating enough. Your staff is well-trained, but not helpful enough. You make a good living, but you’re not earning enough.

The ennui extends beyond the clinic and hospital. You live in a comfortable house, but it isn’t big …

Read more…

Life hacks from a 9-month-old infant

Tech

The day the earth stood still: EMR edition

Andrew Wilner, MD

November 20, 2015Nov 20, 2015

In Hollywood In the classic film, The Day the Earth Stood Still, an alien spaceship lands in Washington, DC, and delivers an alarming message; people of the earth must cease their internecine hostilities or face total annihilation. To prove their…

In Hollywood

In the classic film, The Day the Earth Stood Still, an alien spaceship lands in Washington, DC, and delivers an alarming message; people of the earth must cease their internecine hostilities or face total annihilation. To prove their power, the aliens cause all electrical devices on the planet to stop working for 30 minutes. It’s a pretty impressive show of force.

In the office

At 8:45 a.m. yesterday, despite the absence …

Conditions

Baseball players’ heads finally getting the attention they deserve

Andrew Wilner, MD

March 23, 2014Mar 23, 2014

The smell of the grass, the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd ... baseball season is back. As spring training gets into full swing, a new Major League baseball rule takes effect. Though contact will still…

The smell of the grass, the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd … baseball season is back. As spring training gets into full swing, a new Major League baseball rule takes effect. Though contact will still be allowed at home plate, base runners will no longer be allowed to intentionally run into a catcher.

The rule is intended to protect players from injuries, especially head injuries. Concussions …