Ton La, Jr., MD, JD

Ton La, Jr. is a physician and can be reached on LinkedIn.

August 3, 2026Aug 3, 2026

Before my grandfather entered hospice, I believed it was where physicians sent patients to die. I saw it as the end of treatment, a quiet admission that medicine had given up. It was only through watching my grandfather’s final years that I came to understand hospice differently: not as the abandonment of care, but as one of its most compassionate forms.

A decade ago, Alzheimer’s disease slowly began taking that man …

Physicians

Pain and laughter for a veteran patient

Ton La, Jr., MD, JD

August 6, 2023Aug 6, 2023

Mr. Sampson, a 70-year-old man with a history of diabetes, was referred to us by his primary care physician for nerve conduction studies. He had been experiencing increasing numbness in his right hand for the past year and had recently started having trouble playing his beloved guitar. As a Vietnam War veteran, he had a fascinating story to tell.

As I approached him in the waiting room, he greeted me with …

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Pain and laughter for a veteran patient

Conditions

Unlock the secrets to aging gracefully: specialized care and support for elderly patients

Ton La, Jr., MD, JD

June 11, 2023Jun 11, 2023

She sat in the hospital bed, staring out the window as the nurse flitted in and out of the room, adjusting IV lines and checking her vitals. It had been a long time since she'd been in a hospital, but…

She sat in the hospital bed, staring out the window as the nurse flitted in and out of the room, adjusting IV lines and checking her vitals. It had been a long time since she’d been in a hospital, but at 75 years old, her health was beginning to fail. She knew that she was considered “elderly” now, but she didn’t feel old. She still had so much life left, …

Policy

Unveiling the global pandemic threat: insights into risk factors and urgent measures for prevention

Ton La, Jr., MD, JD

June 4, 2023Jun 4, 2023

As the current COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across the globe, many are left wondering when the next pandemic will occur. The reality is that pandemics are not a new phenomenon, and throughout history, we have seen numerous instances of…

While we cannot predict with certainty when the next pandemic will occur, there are certain circumstances under which they are more likely to occur.

One such circumstance …

Physicians

The meaning of death in medicine: the role of compassionate care in end-of-life patient care

Ton La, Jr., MD, JD

May 30, 2023May 30, 2023

Death is an inevitable part of life, and in medicine, it is a topic that is frequently encountered. As medical professionals, we see patients who are faced with terminal illnesses and inevitably nearing the end of their lives. Dealing with…

At the forefront of end-of-life care are the principles of compassionate care. It is about …

Physicians

Reflections on 500 patients, unique cases, and making a difference in health care

Ton La, Jr., MD, JD

May 23, 2023May 23, 2023

As I reflect on my first year of residency, it's hard to believe that I've cared for nearly 500 patients spanning across multiple departments; floor medicine, ICU, ER, neurology, cardiology, and surgery. I've had the opportunity to perform one central…

As I reflect on my first year of residency, it’s hard to believe that I’ve cared for nearly 500 patients spanning across multiple departments; floor medicine, ICU, ER, neurology, cardiology, and surgery. I’ve had the opportunity to perform one central line placement, three intubations, ran a code blue, and performed CPR in both the ICU and the ER. Though these procedures may seem daunting, I learned that confidence comes not …

Physicians

A glimpse into the fragile balance of life and death in the ICU

Ton La, Jr., MD, JD

May 8, 2023May 8, 20232

It was a calm and quiet night in the ICU during my rotation when suddenly, the piercing sound of a code blue alarm filled the air. An elderly female patient, 66 years old, had come in earlier with lung clots due to ovarian cancer. She was on the other side of the hospital, and as part of the ICU team, I was tasked along with my attending to immediately go …

Physicians

The underappreciated heroes of health care: a doctor’s appreciation for therapists

Ton La, Jr., MD, JD

May 3, 2023May 3, 2023

As a doctor who has cared for countless critically ill patients, I cannot stress enough how important therapists are for patient recovery. Whether it's occupational, physical, or speech therapists, these health care professionals play an integral role in helping patients…

As a doctor who has cared for countless critically ill patients, I cannot stress enough how important therapists are for patient recovery. Whether it’s occupational, physical, or speech therapists, these health care professionals play an integral role in helping patients regain their abilities and quality of life after an illness or injury.

In my experience, occupational therapists are especially crucial for patients who have experienced loss of motor function from a …

Conditions

Surviving monkeypox: a story of compassionate care and an emerging disease outbreak

Ton La, Jr., MD, JD

May 1, 2023May 1, 2023

Mr. Sanchez had been feeling unwell for days before he decided to visit the emergency room. When I walked into his room, I immediately noticed that he was scared and anxious. His sore throat had been persistent for five days and was now so severe that he couldn’t eat or drink anything. He had also developed a rash covering his entire body, which was only getting worse. The lymph nodes …

Conditions

A glimmer of hope for a child with suicidal ideations

Ton La, Jr., MD, JD

April 30, 2023Apr 30, 2023

Eleven-year-old Abby sat nervously in the emergency department, her eyes darting around the room as she clutched Patches, her beloved stuffed sheep. Her guardian sat beside her, anxiety etched on her face as she explained the situation to me. Abby had been diagnosed with depression at the tender age of nine after suffering years of abuse and neglect at the hands of her biological parents.

A few months ago, a loving …

Conditions

A veteran’s battle against possible lung cancer

Ton La, Jr., MD, JD

April 22, 2023Apr 22, 2023

During my night shift at the emergency department, I encountered a 72-year-old decorated war veteran named Mr. Sun. Accompanied by his concerned wife, he came to address a year-long struggle with fatigue and a non-productive cough he’d been experiencing in recent weeks. Initially resistant to seeking medical attention, Mr. Sun finally gave in to his wife’s insistence.

As I entered the room to assess Mr. Sun, it was immediately apparent how …

Conditions

A tale of two patients: one journey, two stories of courage

Ton La, Jr., MD, JD

April 21, 2023Apr 21, 2023

It was a busy night in the emergency department, as usual. I rushed from one patient to the next, trying to keep up with the constant stream of people coming in with various ailments and injuries. One patient, in particular,…

It was a busy night in the emergency department, as usual. I rushed from one patient to the next, trying to keep up with the constant stream of people coming in with various ailments and injuries.

One patient, in particular, stood out to me that night. He was an older man, probably in his early 70s, who had come in complaining of severe back pain. After a thorough examination and some …

Conditions

From uncertainty to certainty: Finding the cause of seizures in a young patient

Ton La, Jr., MD, JD

April 19, 2023Apr 19, 2023

It was a Tuesday evening when I received a call from the emergency room that a young lady had been brought in after experiencing seizures. I quickly walked over to the ER, preparing myself for what was to come. As I walked through the entrance, I could see the family of the patient huddled together, whispering to each other. The patient was lying on the hospital bed with wires attached …

Conditions

Fighting for life: inside an emergency room during a medical crisis

Ton La, Jr., MD, JD

April 16, 2023Apr 16, 2023

The emergency room was bustling with activity as the medical staff worked to stabilize the patient, who was lying unconscious on a hospital bed. His wife sat anxiously by his side, tears streaming down her face. It wasn't the first…

It wasn’t the first time 70-year-old Mr. Smith had been to the emergency room. His past medical history included high blood pressure and cholesterol, but his non-compliant attitude towards medication had put him at risk. …

Conditions

From hope to heartbreak: a story of loss in the ICU

Ton La, Jr., MD, JD

March 31, 2023Mar 31, 2023

Ms. Laura was a vibrant and feisty lady with a personality that filled the room. She had been my patient two months ago when she was admitted for an irregular heartbeat and COPD exacerbation. She was a smoker, and despite her heart issues, she had a strong will to live. I had advised her to quit smoking, but it was a habit that was hard to break.

When I saw her …

Conditions

My patient with an aortic dissection almost died

Ton La, Jr., MD, JD

September 25, 2022Sep 25, 20224

"I just moved here from Portland two weeks ago," said Ms. Shelly in a weak voice. When I walked into the room, I immediately noticed her blood pressure was 224/108. The patient was mostly sleeping, but when I started speaking…

“I just moved here from Portland two weeks ago,” said Ms. Shelly in a weak voice.

When I walked into the room, I immediately noticed her blood pressure was 224/108. The patient was mostly sleeping, but when I started speaking with her, it was apparent to me something was wrong.

“Do you have a history of any heart problems?” I asked Ms. Shelly.

“I had aorta surgery two times…” she murmured before falling …

Physicians

The nicest patient I’ve ever met

Ton La, Jr., MD, JD

September 21, 2022Sep 21, 2022

The nicest patient I've ever met was Mr. Harris. I first met him in the ED with his son and daughter by his side, noticing a foley bag filled with bright red blood. He was an elderly gentleman with ALS…

The nicest patient I’ve ever met was Mr. Harris.

I first met him in the ED with his son and daughter by his side, noticing a foley bag filled with bright red blood.

He was an elderly gentleman with ALS and was brought by his children for hematuria and blood clots overnight. Never happened before, and we were all unsure of the cause. Urinalysis soon showed likely UTI, so we started antibiotics. …

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The nicest patient I’ve ever met

Physicians

Death is what gives life meaning

Ton La, Jr., MD, JD

September 15, 2022Sep 15, 2022

"He knew it was his time a month ago. We were sitting at the kitchen table, and he told me he couldn't feel half his face. He kept tapping the left side and saying he couldn't feel anything. I knew…

“He knew it was his time a month ago. We were sitting at the kitchen table, and he told me he couldn’t feel half his face. He kept tapping the left side and saying he couldn’t feel anything. I knew he had a stroke because my daughter had one. He was stubborn, didn’t want to go to the doctor.”

One week ago, I saw Mr. Samson for the first time in …

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Death is what gives life meaning

Conditions

A friendly battle with a patient’s potassium

Ton La, Jr., MD, JD

September 14, 2022Sep 14, 20222

"By God's grace, Dr. Sal!" "Yes, T.J.! What's the good news?" "Guess what Mr. Thompson's potassium is now?" "3.1 …" "Wrong! 4.1!" We high-fived each other immediately and breathed a huge sigh of relief. For six days straight, we've been…

“By God’s grace, Dr. Sal!”

“Yes, T.J.! What’s the good news?”

“Guess what Mr. Thompson’s potassium is now?”

“3.1 …”

“Wrong! 4.1!”

We high-fived each other immediately and breathed a huge sigh of relief. For six days straight, we’ve been giving Mr. T potassium through an IV and by mouth with little to no change in his potassium level.

He came to the hospital after being found passed out in his home. Very low initial blood …

Physicians

My patient left against medical advice

Ton La, Jr., MD, JD

September 3, 2022Sep 3, 2022

"Mr. Stenson left AMA ..." "Why?" I said out loud to my attending. "He left with his IVs in ..." said his nurse in disbelief. An hour earlier, before rounds, I sat down with Mr. S to talk about his…

“Mr. Stenson left AMA …”

“Why?” I said out loud to my attending.

“He left with his IVs in …” said his nurse in disbelief.

An hour earlier, before rounds, I sat down with Mr. S to talk about his anxiety attack.

Ten years ago, he was shot ten times in the chest, which left him with PTSD and depression. Not long after, he started having unprovoked panic attacks. What started as once or …

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My patient left against medical advice