If I had a dollar for every time I’ve typed out a broken heart emoji in response to yet another tragedy, I’d probably be able to take a break from work for a while. But here I am—because I love what I do despite it all.
There are many days my heart breaks.
Not in the cliché, romance-gone-wrong kind of way. It’s deeper than that. It’s …
A chilling incident from a past summer camp at Achimota School still resonates: A young woman collapsed with her life hanging in the balance. The male Red Cross prefect, attempting to administer potentially life-saving CPR, was quickly stopped by concerned students. The bystanders’ focus was on protecting her from exposure, and it overshadowed the urgency of the situation. This experience, now viewed through the lens of my medical training, reveals …
In 2025, I celebrated a monumental milestone: I saw a patient within 20 miles of my home. While this may be a daily occurrence for most physicians, it was something I could not do for 18 months due to a non-compete clause from my previous job.
When I left my position as an academic cardiologist, I was bound by a non-compete clause that prevented me from practicing cardiology within …
During the session, my partner leading the discussion asked, “What is your purpose?” One of the physician owners confidently replied, “To replace hips and knees.” The facilitator then asked everyone in the room, “How many of you see this as your main purpose?” Two more people raised their hands, both of whom were also physician owners of the practice.
We had been invited to work with a local orthopedic …
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Cardiology and preventive medicine fellow Anand Shah discusses his article, “The role generative AI can play in cardiovascular education for patients,” exploring how artificial intelligence can revolutionize patient education and prevention strategies. …
On a seemingly ordinary Sunday evening, a casual conversation with my mother took a terrifying turn. She mentioned a sudden, excruciating headache that had woken her from a nap. My medical training immediately raised red flags. Despite no prior history of such severe headaches, I recalled an isolated incident of elevated blood pressure. Instinctively, I insisted on checking her blood pressure again. Within 15 minutes, the readings soared from 182/120 …
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic in health care, capturing headlines for its ability to solve diagnostic mysteries and even outperform trained physicians in specific tasks. While we are still far from going to your local AI “doctor” for diagnosis and treatment, generative AI is already capable of intervening in meaningful ways—particularly in cardiovascular education for patients. This potential remains underutilized despite the significant public health need for …
Recently, while contemplating the AAPA-AMA scope creep debate, I encountered a quote about GLP1-RAs for obesity: “We need to just really think about it as a chronic disease … to make sure that we try to keep that patient in [ongoing] treatment.” Another obesity medicine specialist reinforced this view: “These drugs are indicated by the FDA so that you could be on it for the rest of your life.”
This …
It is heartbreaking to recount the journey my husband and I have been through. My husband, an award-winning triathlete, and I had a rich and vibrant life together. We traveled extensively, taking nine trips in 2014 alone, including attending the World Triathlon Finals in London, visiting Paris, cruising the Hawaiian Islands, and enjoying a helicopter tour. Even in his late 80s, he had a strong spirit, shaped by years of …
Every year, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) claims the lives of thousands of students and student-athletes in the United States, making it one of the leading causes of death. The condition is particularly insidious as it often strikes without warning, leaving schools and communities grappling with preventable tragedies. While student-athletes are at a higher risk due to the physical demands of sports, SCA can affect any student, highlighting the urgent need …
The cries of a newborn baby are usually a sign of life and hope, but for many families in low and middle-income countries, these cries can signal the beginning of a long and arduous journey. Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are a significant health burden, particularly in these regions, where they account for the highest years of disability. Despite advancements in medical science, the incidence of CHDs remains constant or may …
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Join critical care physician Jon Marinaro as we explore the transformative potential of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in revolutionizing cardiac arrest outcomes. Discover why traditional CPR’s limitations demand a paradigm shift and how …
Longevity can be a polarizing topic. For some of us, it conjures images of a grandparent’s final years, filled with chronic diseases and prolonged suffering. Understandably, we would not want any part of that.
However, longevity science is not only about extending lifespan but also healthspan — the period of life spent in good health, free from debilitating conditions. While medicine has not yet eradicated such age-related diseases, research shows that …
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I’m a semi-retired cardiologist. I currently volunteer at a free community health clinic for individuals who do not have health insurance. Many of these individuals are undocumented foreign workers, yet we care for them seamlessly, without the restraints of our bureaucratic billing system and the burdens and restrictions promoted by the insurance industry.
As I age, to my chagrin and utter dismay, I have also unfortunately become a patient. I have …
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Cardiologist P. Albert Chan shares critical insights into the importance of preventive care and a holistic approach to longevity and happiness. Drawing on decades of experience across continents, he discusses the prevention and …
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As a fellow cardiology practitioner, I am compelled to share some critical insights on the importance of preventive care and holistic approaches to longevity and happiness. Our profession constantly reminds us of these aspects, and it is time we take a more comprehensive approach to our patients’ well-being.
Throughout my career, spanning several decades and continents—from Hong Kong to New York, Singapore, and Shanghai—I have encountered a myriad of health challenges. …
An excerpt from Get What’s Yours for Medicare: Maximize Your Coverage, Minimize Your Costs.
Carmella Mason has been a caregiver since her husband, Frank, had a heart attack fifty years ago. They were in their 80s when we spoke. Frank likely owes his survival to her efforts. When he developed diabetes, circulatory complications necessitated the amputation of a big toe in 2022. Things did not go well. He underwent more …
Since its inception in the 1960s, traditional CPR has been heralded as a revolutionary life-saving technique. However, the limitations of CPR are becoming increasingly apparent, particularly in cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Currently, the survival rate for OHCA patients with good neurological function at discharge stands at a mere 7.5 percent. This raises important questions about the efficacy …
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In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Fisher, a cardiologist, mindfulness teacher, and expert in holistic heart health. Drawing from his personal journey through anxiety and burnout, Jonathan shares insights from his …
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