OB/GYN
Menopause and chronic disease [PODCAST]
Redefining postpartum support [PODCAST]
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Join Theresa Mahon, an obstetrician-gynecologist, as she discusses her transformative journey in prioritizing postpartum care and the critical importance of the often-overlooked fourth trimester. Theresa shares her experiences and insights into improving the postpartum experience for new …
Navigating miscarriage: support and healing insights [PODCAST]
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Nurse practitioner Maria Petty shares her experience with miscarriage in March 2023. She discusses the support she received from an early pregnancy assessment clinic, the importance of self-compassion, and practical tips for coping. Maria also touches on …
Understanding reproductive rights: complex considerations
A phrase commonly heard is “reproductive rights,” and while there is some variability in what this entails, in most cases, this includes a woman’s right to choose not to be sexually active, to say no to unwanted sex, to access contraception, to receive appropriate and adequate care during pregnancy, and to seek abortion. By definition, rights are “a moral or legal entitlement to have or obtain something or to act …
Utilizing AI may reduce maternal and infant mortality
The United States health care system is in the midst of a crisis. Despite being among the richest nations in the world, it consistently ranks among the lowest for maternal health outcomes—and that’s before you begin digging into the health disparities women of color face in this nation.
Pregnancy-related complications kill Black mothers three times as often as white and Hispanic women. Not to mention, more than half …
U.S. maternal mortality crisis: a deep dive
Our increasing maternal mortality rate is gathering attention both nationally and internationally. The U.S. is 33rd among developed nations, and the rate is increasing. Indeed, as Neel Shah notes:
Americans today are 50 percent more likely to die in the period surrounding childbirth than their own mothers.
In 1974, the U.S. maternal mortality rate was 9 per 100,000 live births. By 1980, the rate was 8 maternal deaths per 100,000 births. …
I’m a doctor, and I almost died during childbirth
There is an alarming health crisis happening in the U.S.–– Black women are dying at a disproportionate rate during pregnancy and childbirth.
According to the CDC, Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. Though childbirth complications are not exclusive to Black women, these shocking statistics underscore systemic challenges and distinct issues that other racial groups may not encounter. These …
Unthinkable choices in childbirth emergencies
Firefighters and doctors stand beside you on your worst days. On our best days, we help you sidestep disaster. On our worst days, we make gruesome decisions, so you don’t have to.
Andrea’s family barely survived the pandemic. Her husband lost his job and her beloved grandmother lost her life. But after years of setbacks, today was move-in day.
The seaside bungalow was not as big as she’d hoped, but still perfect. …
I want to be a doctor who can provide care for women: What states must I rule out for my medical education?
The major implications of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, overturning Roe v. Wade, have centered on state-based rulings to remove a person’s right to abortion, thus preventing clinicians from supplying lifesaving health care and undermining an individual’s autonomy over their body. Further, as states eliminate this essential option in providing reproductive care, another important damaging impact of the Dobbs decision is beginning to be recognized. Namely, where …
Navigating chronic diseases and menopause: healthier habits for aging
An excerpt from The Menopause Menu.
Whether it’s heart disease or cognitive decline, arthritis or diabetes, getting older is linked to an increased incidence of many different chronic diseases. The menopausal journey adds an extra layer of health risks to some of them but is also an opportunity to fine-tune healthy …
Balancing medical guidelines and personalized care [PODCAST]
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Join Alan Lindemann, an obstetrics-gynecology physician, as we explore the fascinating interplay between evidence-based medicine and the invaluable insights gained from individual patient stories. Alan shares his insights on navigating rigid medical guidelines, the art of personalized …
Zurzuvae: a beacon of hope for postpartum depression or a superficial solution?
The FDA approval of Zurzuvae (zuranolone), the first oral medication, has offered new hope to mothers who have exhausted all other treatment options to cope with their postpartum depression. This is a milestone in recognizing the maternal mental health crisis that plagues our country. The benefit of this drug is that it offers a new approach to treating postpartum depression and brings postpartum health into the spotlight. With Zurzuvae …
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5 things that are helping us through a miscarriage
In March 2023, I had a miscarriage when I was 10.5 weeks pregnant. I am blessed to have a wonderful husband and loving family, two healthy sons, and supportive friends, though I still grieve at times. I share what is helping us below, in the hope of helping others:
1. Early pregnancy assessment clinic (EPAC) and caring providers at my OB office. My obstetric office has an EPAC (also called Pregnancy …
Essential postpartum care: lessons from 30 years in OB/GYN
Almost 30 years ago, as an OB/GYN intern at a large urban medical center, I was privileged to learn from exemplary doctors and midwives. After 4:30 a.m. postpartum rounds one day, a midwife said, “I saw your note. You listened for bowel sounds and examined her abdomen.” I replied, “I did.” She asked, “Did you also check her bottom?” I responded, “No. Why?” She explained, “She delivered the baby through …
The harm of the “just do it” culture in medicine: a story of postpartum depression
“There’s no such thing as postpartum depression.”
These were the unsolicited words from my obstetrician in the third trimester of my first pregnancy.
“It’s only sleep deprivation,” she explained.
As an MD, I’d been taught there was indeed such a thing as postpartum depression. But as the patient in that interaction, a pregnant woman, I didn’t feel in any position to challenge her words. They would, however, stick in my brain forever. Even …
Personalized hypertension care in pregnancy: Beyond evidence-based thresholds
There has always been a research bias against the case of one. A success story that isn’t part of a research pool is called “anecdotal.” The implication is that no doctor should base treatment on a story of one. Then we devised the term “evidence-based” to reinforce the notion that physician decisions should be based entirely on numbers in research studies. However, the physician’s prerogative has always been to read …
Understanding nipple discomfort in breastfeeding [PODCAST]
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Join Cindy Rubin, a pediatrician and breastfeeding medicine specialist, as she discusses the common challenges of nipple discomfort during breastfeeding and the controversial use of all-purpose nipple ointment (APNO). Learn about evidence-based approaches to diagnose and treat …
The surprising power of lifestyle and diet changes to prevent infertility
An excerpt from What to Eat When You Want to Get Pregnant.
I know firsthand how hard infertility can be to talk about. Personally, I struggled conceiving my second daughter, and I am an advocate for taking control of your own fertility through lifestyle and diet changes. Infertility has been seen …
Navigating the abortion debate: How physicians foster healing and bridge societal divides
Weighing in on abortion invites scorn and derision from all sides. However, physicians should help frame the medical context with the aim of therapeutically healing the gaping societal wounds that the abortion debate has opened.
Our Declaration of Independence identifies an individual’s unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The question arises: Who defines when a human life begins? At what point does a fetus become an “individual” …
Past Week
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The human case for preserving the nipple after mastectomy
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Nuclear verdicts and rising costs: How inflation is reshaping medical malpractice claims
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How new loan caps could destroy diversity in medical education
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IMGs are the future of U.S. primary care
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From nurse practitioner to leader in quality improvement [PODCAST]
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The crushing bureaucracy that’s driving independent physicians to extinction
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Past 6 Months
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Health equity in Inland Southern California requires urgent action
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How restrictive opioid policies worsen the crisis
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Why primary care needs better dermatology training
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New student loan caps could shut low-income students out of medicine
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Why pain doctors face unfair scrutiny and harsh penalties in California
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Love, birds, and fries: a story of innocence and connection
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Recent Posts
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Healing from medical training by learning to trust your body again [PODCAST]
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How tragedy shaped a medical career
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A doctor’s guide to preparing for your death
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Coconut oil’s role in Alzheimer’s and depression
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How policy and stigma block addiction treatment
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Unused IV catheters cost U.S. hospitals billions
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Past Week
-
The human case for preserving the nipple after mastectomy
-
Nuclear verdicts and rising costs: How inflation is reshaping medical malpractice claims
-
How new loan caps could destroy diversity in medical education
-
IMGs are the future of U.S. primary care
-
From nurse practitioner to leader in quality improvement [PODCAST]
-
The crushing bureaucracy that’s driving independent physicians to extinction
-
Past 6 Months
-
Health equity in Inland Southern California requires urgent action
-
How restrictive opioid policies worsen the crisis
-
Why primary care needs better dermatology training
-
New student loan caps could shut low-income students out of medicine
-
Why pain doctors face unfair scrutiny and harsh penalties in California
-
Love, birds, and fries: a story of innocence and connection
-
Recent Posts
-
Healing from medical training by learning to trust your body again [PODCAST]
-
How tragedy shaped a medical career
-
A doctor’s guide to preparing for your death
-
Coconut oil’s role in Alzheimer’s and depression
-
How policy and stigma block addiction treatment
-
Unused IV catheters cost U.S. hospitals billions
-
