Anna Gaddy is a nephrologist.

A physician on the importance of taking pause

Conditions
August 31, 2020

“I’m one of the doctors taking care of your dad.”

As a resident, I made this call countless times.  Even more than breaking bad news to patients, I feared surprising their families at night by telephone.  Nearly always, though, people were calm and certain despite the circumstances, and their response was always the same:  “Do whatever you have to do.”  As a fellow, I looked forward to leaving those calls behind.  …

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A physician on the importance of taking pause

What COVID-19 taught me about autonomy

Conditions
March 10, 2020

I came back from a family vacation to Italy one day before the first case of novel coronavirus was reported there.  Two days later, the CDC issued a Level 3 travel warning for visitors to Italy.  Eight days later, and six days after returning to work, I got a fever.

I live in Indiana, where no cases have been diagnosed, and our protocols are still green. When I self-reported my symptoms to …

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What COVID-19 taught me about autonomy

Intelligence does not protect against the worst of life’s cruelties

Physician
February 15, 2020

Mr. O has a drinking problem. More specifically, Mr. O drinks far too much and far too often, and for reasons that can’t be addressed with the tool he’s chosen. I met him at what could be called the low point of his life, except I know better than to hope things will look up. On a night I covered the intensive care unit, this particular man ascended from the coma …

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Intelligence does not protect against the worst of life’s cruelties