Uchenna O. Njiaju is a hematologist-oncologist and can be reached on Twitter @drucheoncology.
In early 2020 the COVID-19 virus descended upon all of us in the U.S. No longer something we would anxiously read about in the news from outside our shores, this new public health dilemma had touched down close to home. Before long, the WHO would proclaim it to be a worldwide global viral pandemic, emphasizing the magnitude of the problem and the urgent need for all nations to work in concert …
Read more…
COVID-19 is a crucial part of our individual medical career stories
Dear patient,
I meet people several like you on a daily basis. It is always a pleasure to meet you since you come much more prepared compared to the average patient. I have seen you with several sheets of paper or even a notebook, a list of questions and an extra sheet of paper on which to write recommendations. You may even have printed research papers and articles off the Internet.
I …
Read more…
Dos and don’ts for patients who consult Dr. Google
I remember one sunny day in Chicago, in June 2011, when my husband and I packed up our two young children, aged 2 and 5 months. Professional movers had collected our belongings and had driven off a day prior. We were headed out of state, to my first job at an academic hospital. It had been a rather hectic few months for me, having just had a baby 5 months …
Read more…
Before my first job, I wish someone had told me a few things
So, how do you do it all?
It’s a Monday morning. After a flurry of activities, I am walking into the office at 8:00 a.m. I think back to the past 2 to 3 hours. I was up at 5:30 a.m., and in my workout clothes soon after. I managed to squeeze in a 20-minute workout, thanks to a video on YouTube. I then reviewed my schedule and patient charts for …
Read more…
How do physician-mothers do it all?
Dear doctor mom,
I’ve been a physician for 13 years. For the past 7 years, I have also been a mom. A growing number of experiences made me decide to write this letter. I hope other moms don’t attack me. I do not mean to downplay their struggles, or to insinuate that doctor moms necessarily all have a harder time compared to other moms. I only focus on you, because I …
Read more…
Doctor mom, remember that it is all worth it
