Primary Care

Achieving happiness: practical strategies for physicians

Physician

October 14, 2023

Happiness is a widely discussed and sought-after topic. This dream, or the ideal world of happiness, is something many people claim they want but struggle to find. So, what exactly is happiness? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, happiness is a state of well-being and contentment.

Do you remember your happiest moments? As I write this, I reflect on my happiest moments—such as the birth of my first child. Then, as I …

How writing can elevate your health care career [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

October 11, 2023

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Join Harrison Reed, a physician assistant, as he shares his journey of discovering the superpower of writing. From defying childhood tasks to leveraging words to open doors to Yale and beyond, Harrison’s story demonstrates how writing can …

When physicians are disrespected [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

October 3, 2023

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Join Sarah Samaan, a retired cardiologist and Master Certified Physician Development Coach. We’ll delve into the pressing issue of physician dignity, discussing the challenges physicians face in today’s health care landscape and Sarah’s strategies to combat disrespect …

Discover the power of patience

Diane W. Shannon, MD, MPH

Physician

October 3, 2023

This summer, my cousin Cindy has been raising Monarch butterflies. Two weeks ago, when I was visiting her for the weekend, she gave me a chrysalis to bring home. She’d already done the bulk of the work, feeding and caring for the caterpillar. I left with a mesh-sided carrier and an expected due date of 7 days. I was instructed on how to determine the gender and that I needed …

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Discover the power of patience

Doctors rediscover joy in practicing medicine, on their own terms

Kim Downey, PT

Physician

October 3, 2023

Challenging and frustrating are two words describing what it feels like to be a doctor today. Yet numerous physicians are sharing their journeys as to how they moved through difficult times and have been able to find joy again by practicing medicine on their own terms.

The following doctors describe how they have continued seeing patients while incorporating additional pursuits that help them feel balanced and fulfilled.

Be sure to watch their …

How my patients’ Zoom backgrounds made me a better doctor

Joseph Barrera, MD

Physician

October 2, 2023

In May 2020, I wrote a piece published on this very website titled, “Remembering the art of medicine during virtual visits.” In that article, I wondered how telemedicine could possibly allow us to make the humanistic connection that occurs more organically during in-person office visits. Now, more than three years later, and after hundreds of telehealth visits, my patients have shown me how.

In December 2020, one of the bleakest …

Assertiveness in health care [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

September 28, 2023

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We’re joined by Beth Boynton, a nurse consultant and author, to discuss the critical role of assertiveness in health care. Explore how assertive communication influences patient safety, workforce well-being, and more. Join us for actionable insights and …

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Assertiveness in health care [PODCAST]

Transforming primary care for physician well-being [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

September 27, 2023

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We sit down with physician executive Christopher Crow to discuss the pressing issue of physician burnout and the need for transformative changes in the primary care model. Join us as we explore the history, causes, and potential …

Physicians have no autonomy. Here’s how to change that.

Diane W. Shannon, MD, MPH

Physician

September 27, 2023

“Physicians have no autonomy.” I read and hear versions of this every day, expressed with anger, resignation, or both. It’s also called agency, control, and power (as in feeling empowered).

I’m the first one to admit that physicians have way less autonomy than in the ten decades that preceded this one. Moving from private practice to employed models, heightened focus on productivity, compensation via RVUs, and mergers have shifted the power …

Understanding intersex health care [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

September 26, 2023

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Join Rosemary Eseh-Logue, an internal medicine physician, as we delve into the often-overlooked topic of intersex variations in sexual development. We explore the importance of understanding intersex identities, breaking down misconceptions, and improving health care experiences for …

The erosion of patient care

Laura de la Torre, MD

Physician

September 26, 2023

The Black Eyed Peas asked, “Where is the love?” and that’s what I wonder, too. As medicine – oops, I’m supposed to say “health care” – has become more and more corporate, what has been slipping away is the love. What do I mean by that? There were specific ways we old docs were trained to care for patients.

Let’s start with bedside manner. We were trained to sit with the …

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The erosion of patient care

Using the language of art to create work-life balance

Sarah Samaan, MD

Physician

September 25, 2023

Most physicians cite work-life balance as a top priority. Yet there is little clarity on what exactly work-life balance means.

Some prefer the term work-life integration, suggesting that work and personal life should be intertwined. Work-life integration is a common buzzword in managerial circles. However, for most physicians, this way of life is already a reality. Taking calls, working late, and keeping up with CME and recertification already mean that much …

Physician autonomy and patient interactions in corporate health care

Michele Luckenbaugh

Conditions

September 25, 2023

Have you noticed that when you try to make an appointment with your primary care physician, you have to wait much longer these days to be seen? And when you do finally walk into the exam room for the appointment, it seems the countdown clock is already in motion. Have you also noticed that the face you last saw opposite you for your previous check-up is not necessarily the same …

Lively communication in the service industry

Deepak Gupta, MD

Physician

September 24, 2023

Gaining insight into the customer’s perspective often occurs when one steps into the customer’s shoes, even if it’s in a different service industry. However, it’s crucial to remember that employees are individuals with their own needs. This brings us to a significant question: Should employees engage in lively and perhaps even boisterous conversations while confined to their workplace, where they might be the only sources of human interaction in an …

Balancing efficiency and compassion [PODCAST]

The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

September 23, 2023

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Join Scott Abramson, a neurologist, as he explores the delicate balance between medical efficiency and genuine compassion in the fast-paced world of health care. Discover practical insights and strategies to nurture empathy, enhance patient care, and find …

Reigniting after burnout: 3 physician stories

Kim Downey, PT

Physician

September 23, 2023

What is working?

I often encounter variations of this question on social media. The response is frequently met with silence or lackluster positivity.

I’ve engaged in conversations with numerous inspirational physicians who have shared their tales of burnout and recovery.

As part of their healing journeys, in addition to their active medical practices, the physicians below have all obtained coaching certifications. These doctors are now even busier than before, but they find fulfillment …

Why patients write: stress relief, self-care, and sharing experiences

R. Lynn Barnett

Conditions

September 23, 2023

To compliment and complement the KevinMD article “Why physicians need to write,” by Dr. Louise Aronson, I’ll share why patients, at least this patient, write. I wrote What Patients Want: Anecdotes and Advice because I had been “adrift in a draft, if you get my drift,” in doctors’ offices, and I thought I could share the perspective of the patient in the white paper sack, with health care …

Samuel Shem on 50 years of American medicine [PODCAST]

Samuel Shem, MD, PhD & The Podcast by KevinMD

Podcast

September 18, 2023

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Join Samuel Shem, a renowned novelist, playwright, activist, Rhodes Scholar, and professor in medical humanities at NYU School of Medicine. We’ll dive into his latest novel, Our Hospital, which marks the culmination of The Healing Quartet, spanning …

A message of hope for physicians

Kim Downey, PT

Physician

September 17, 2023

Physicians are struggling with challenges navigating the health care system while trying to provide the best possible care for their patients. Sometimes, struggles at work are compounded by struggles at home as we all face stressors during our travel through life; doctors are no exception.

Many physicians who went through a period of burnout have sought and are seeking help. They are feeling hope for the future. I asked three physicians …

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A message of hope for physicians

From aversion to office politics to embracing independence

Osmund Agbo, MD

Physician

September 17, 2023

Though often described as friendly and a great team player, I sometimes find myself harboring strong opinions. When pushed, my personality occasionally veers towards the rebellious. I disdain formal meetings, struggle with office politics, and lack the art of flattery. These qualities collectively render me less than an ideal candidate for any conventional employment, or so I surmise.

Antecedent to the culmination of my residency and fellowship, a pivotal decision crystallized …