As soon as my stethoscope makes contact with her chest wall, I can hear the wheezing. Not quite as loud as last time, but still there, persistently announcing itself with every exhale. I step back and look into her brown eyes, which are searching mine, filled with a mixture of hope and fear.
“How is your breathing?” I ask Greta (name changed).
“A little worse,” Greta admits. She goes on to tell …
Before delving into the heart of joy’s pursuit, it’s essential to grasp the complexities faced by medical professionals in today’s health care environment. The modern health care system, with all its advancements, presents unique challenges that can often overshadow the intrinsic joys of the profession.
The burden of bureaucracy. One of the significant hindrances to joy in medicine is the ever-increasing administrative demands. Doctors find themselves spending more time on paperwork and …
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We welcome Ryan McCarthy, an internal medicine physician, to delve into the multifaceted challenges of providing primary care in Appalachia. Ryan shares his firsthand experiences from Martinsburg, West Virginia, a region grappling with the invisible effects of …
The media is full of stories about providers’ influence on the patient experience. Less common are articles about how patient engagement influences provider satisfaction—and the vicious cycle generated by lack of patient engagement, provider dissatisfaction, and poor outcomes.
Consider these statistics:
As a child, I was a daydreamer, especially in algebra class. Picture this: my teacher, reminiscent of Droopy Dog but on a heavy dose of barbiturates, droned on from the textbook. And just like that, my mind would escape – soaring out of the window of my quaint Midwestern high school, wandering around the courtyard square.
Back then, several businesses on the square were small physician offices. You could spot white-coated …
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Join neurosurgeon Katrina Firlik as she delves into the world of health care data and the importance of citing sources. Explore her journey from treating patients to becoming an entrepreneur, and learn about the challenges of addressing …
As a West Virginia primary care doctor, I frequently—read: daily—find myself in uncomfortable situations. A few recent events, however, are out of the ordinary, even by the standards to which I am accustomed. Though unique to Martinsburg, WV, I expect similar themes in myriad offices across American health care. If your job resembles mine, I wonder if you feel as lost as I am, though I’m not sure where we …
Health care is constantly evolving, and it’s no secret that many hospitals are bleeding money when it comes to their primary care practices. On the low end, a hospital loses $127,000 per year on a primary care physician. Anecdotally, a rural hospital in Indiana expressed that they lose nearly $500,000 per year!
Headlines are filled with stories about rural hospitals (& many others) struggling to keep their …
In the Japanese tradition of kintsugi, broken things are repaired with gold joinery. The repaired object is even lovelier than the original. The breakage and repair become an acknowledged part of the object’s history. The scars and wounds are cherished rather than disguised. What a beautiful reminder to harness the powers of darkness and light that exist within us and the world.
In the book, Born for Love: Why Empathy …
If you ask nurse practitioners how they spend most of their time at work, their answer will be “charting!”
Not only do nurse practitioners (NPs) assess, diagnose, and treat patients, but they also have to document the findings. On top of that, nurse practitioners also have to analyze diagnostic data, review past medical documentation, and address the never-ending patient messages.
With so much to do in a day, it can feel impossible …
Concerns about conflicts of interest and stereotyping differ in their complexity. Resolving stereotyping-related concerns is relatively straightforward. Stereotyping should be dismantled immediately, regardless of the reasons for its creation, before it continues to perpetuate unchecked. However, merely dissolving stereotyping might not be enough if one form of stereotyping is replaced by another. Therefore, the ongoing effort to combat stereotyping must continue. When aiming to dissolve any stereotyping and ensure it …
Although the health care workforce has begun to normalize following the historic lows of the pandemic, according to Staffing Industry Analyst’s most recent Healthcare Staffing Report, health care employers across the board still struggle with a tight labor market, high turnover, and continued attrition.
In fact, the health care sector continues to rank last for overall employee satisfaction, with low scores in areas such as engagement, intent-to-stay, and employee experience …
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During a recent conversation with Dr. Dawn Sears, I mentioned that I was working on a presentation I wish to give locally, speaking on “How caring for your doctor gets you better care.”
Our discussion revealed some important insights all patients should be aware of, which we share here:
1. Let the pilot fly the plane. Passengers generally don’t walk onto an airplane and start complaining to the pilot about their seat …
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Listen to conversations that uncover the unique perspectives of health care professionals and the transformative power of their work. Tamara Beckford, an emergency physician, reveals her remarkable journey from the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic to …
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Join Dhruva Gulur, a family physician, to explore his journey from burnout, addiction, and self-hatred to emotional freedom and personal growth. Discover the unique concept of “Empower ACES” and “Disregard FACES” that helped him turn his life …
As the year draws to a close, many doctors receive year-end bonuses. However, with these bonuses come potential tax implications that can impact the overall financial picture.
Understanding the tax landscape
Before diving into strategies, it’s essential to grasp the tax landscape. Different types of income, including bonuses, may be taxed at varying rates. Knowing the tax implications helps doctors make informed decisions. Seek a financial advisor who understands your situation if …
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Join Heather Finlay-Morreale, a pediatrician. We’ll delve into the uncomfortable reality of doctors’ attitudes towards disabled patients, drawing from her personal experiences and the broader efforts to create positive change in medical education and practice. Discover how …
In the high-pressure health care environment, finding purpose and fulfillment is a significant challenge. The Japanese concept of ikigai offers a unique perspective, helping health care professionals discover deeper meaning in their work and personal lives. This article explores ikigai’s essence, its benefits and challenges in health care, and practical steps for embarking on this transformative journey.
Understanding ikigai
Ikigai is a Japanese term …
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