Jeffrey Knuppel, MD

Physicians should be involved in health care decisions

Physician

April 2, 2010

As physicians progress through medical training and acquire new knowledge and skills, something interesting happens. They also develop a new and increasing awareness of not only how much they didn’t previously know but also how much they still don’t know. This process sounds paradoxical but has been consistent with my personal experience: The more I learn, the less I think I know.

Any seasoned clinician knows that in order for one …

Professionalism matters in correctional health care

Jeffrey Knuppel, MD

Physician

March 19, 2010

As correctional health care professionals, there may be times when we are tempted to conduct ourselves in a less than professional manner simply because we can.

We may be able to get away with speaking to our patients rudely, using profanity profusely, or wearing inappropriate clothing. After all, we work in jails and prisons. This culture is far from prim and proper. And, our patients are inmates. Many may tolerate misbehavior …

7 ways inmates can receive quality medical care from doctors

Jeffrey Knuppel, MD

Patient

March 12, 2010

Many non-correctional health care providers will also treat inmates from time to time. This may occur in the office or hospital. How can one best approach the challenges of working with the incarcerated in order to deliver the best possible care while simultaneously managing risk?

1. Treat the patient with respect. Not submissive respect, but mutual respect — the way we all want to be treated. I believe that this principle …

Transgender patients face significant challenges in prison

Jeffrey Knuppel, MD

Patient

March 2, 2010

Imagine that as a child you thought you had been born in the body of the wrong gender. If you were biologically male, in your mind you really thought of yourself as female. Likewise, if you were born in a girl’s body, you thought that you were actually a boy.

Yes, you were probably more interested in children’s role-playing games more often associated with the opposite gender as well, but the …