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Join us for a thought-provoking podcast episode with guest William Lynes, a urologist, as we delve into the depths of a poignant message that left a lasting impact. Explore the story of Mr. G, a patient who …
A urologist’s reflection on suicide and emotional anguish [PODCAST]
During my fellowship in palliative medicine, I have learned the value of home visits. I learn more about my patients’ lives in two minutes of seeing their homes than I could in a lifetime of clinic visits. During home visits, I get to pet dogs, touch quilts, study photos, and admire charming heirlooms that would fetch only a few dollars in a garage sale, but that in these homes are …
Embracing compassion: a physician’s journey in overcoming prejudice
Kindness is a quality of being considerate, compassionate, and generous towards others. It is a virtue that has always been valued throughout human history and remains an essential quality for creating a harmonious and compassionate society. In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, kindness holds even greater significance. It has the power to transform lives, build stronger communities, and foster understanding and empathy among people.
In a society where stress, anxiety, and …
Over the past five years, the term “burnout” has become closely associated with the health care field. It has reached the point where more than 60 percent of surveyed physicians reported experiencing burnout in 2021, indicating that it has become an epidemic within our profession.
It’s important to understand that burnout is not a personal flaw or a psychological disorder; rather, it is a response to chronic stress in the workplace. …
Burnout and compassion fatigue: chronic workplace stress and emotional withdrawal
Jacob, a father from a low-income, rural background, has vivid flashbacks of seeing his newborn intubated. Confused at why his mind keeps replaying the scene, he struggles to concentrate at work and earn the paycheck he needs to make ends meet for his family. Whenever he makes the long drive to the hospital for his newborn’s follow-up visits, he feels the same intense panic he felt in the NICU and …
The impact of medical traumatic stress on families
I am a physician, specifically a urologist. However, what most people do not know about me is that I am a survivor of multiple suicide attempts. My essay attempts to tell my personal story—a story of burnout, mental illness, and suicide—and to discuss the shame that accompanied these experiences.
I completed my urologic residency in 1987 at Stanford University and began practicing with the Southern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Group in …
From physician to survivor: My inspiring journey through burnout, mental illness, and triumph
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In this poignant podcast episode, we welcome guest William Lynes, a urologist and survivor of physician burnout, who shares his personal journey through multiple suicide attempts. Join us as we delve into the four stages of suicidal …
From darkness to healing: a urologist’s journey through suicidal ideation [PODCAST]
During the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, suicides among active-duty troops were frequently reported. Since then, news reports have subsided but the suicides have not. In fact, a 2022 report from the Defense Suicide Prevention Office revealed that there were more suicides in 2021 than any other year since the September 11 attacks. According to Army Times, suicide deaths among active-duty troops in 2021 “climbed …
An alarming rise in military suicides: Unveiling hidden crisis and urgent need for action
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Join us for a thought-provoking podcast episode as we dive into the critical topic of mental health and suicide among health care providers. Our guests, Jessica Singh, an experienced emergency physician, and Lorenzo Norris, a psychiatrist, provide …
Unveiling the mental health crisis in health care [PODCAST]
An excerpt from Mindful MD: 6 Ways Mindfulness Restores Your Autonomy and Cures Healthcare Burnout.
For Mira, the inner chatter started when her alarm buzzed at 5:15 a.m.—and it was anything but calm and friendly. When she didn’t get out of bed to exercise: I’m such a slug. Why …
Unlocking physician resilience: the mindfulness cure for health care burnout
You are called by the bedside nurse that your patient arrived on the floor from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). The nurse tells you that the patient was delirious and agitated after anesthesia, pulled out their IVs, and was sedated by the PACU team. They are …
Advice for the hospitalist caring for a patient after delirium in the post-anesthesia care unit
Losing a loved one is an experience that leaves an indelible mark on your soul. It changes your world, shaking the foundations of what you once thought stable, leaving you to navigate an ocean of grief. For me, this was my reality when I lost someone dear to me. During my journey, I found solace and guidance in the themes of enduring love, nostalgia, resilience, and hope, beautifully depicted in …
The journey through loss: a personal reflection on healing and hope
In the fast-paced and demanding world we live in, professionals often face immense pressure to portray strength, competence, and unwavering resilience. However, beneath the surface, many individuals silently battle their own mental health challenges. According to CDC, more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness.
One of the most difficult hurdles to overcome is the fear of admitting our struggles to others. In this compassionate article, …
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Join us in this insightful episode as we welcome Peter Grinspoon, an internal medicine physician specializing in medical cannabis. Peter enlightens us on the current landscape of medical cannabis, focusing on its potential benefits for patients. We …
Unveiling the truth about medical cannabis [PODCAST]
Physician burnout is not a new issue, but it has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. According to the Medscape’s 2023 survey, 53 percent of physicians say they are burned out, compared to 42 percent in 2018.
Burnout among doctors can have disastrous consequences for individuals and society at large. Burnout can lead to reduced productivity, lower quality of care, and even medical errors. It affects not only the physician’s …
The alarming epidemic of physician burnout and how we can combat it
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Join us for an inspiring podcast episode as we delve into the world of trauma, resilience, and personal transformation. Our guest, Rebecca Fogg, consultant and author of Beautiful Trauma: An Explosion, an Obsession, and a New Lease …
Unlocking resilience: a powerful journey from trauma to transformation [PODCAST]
In February, just a few months after being elected to the United States Senate, Pennsylvania politician John Fetterman entered into a treatment program for depression. In an interview with CBS News show Sunday Morning last month, he recounted suffering a stroke in May 2022, then fighting through a grueling Senate race that severely impacted his mental health. “You may have won,” he recalled thinking, “but depression can absolutely convince you …
Overcoming the lies of depression: Senator John Fetterman’s struggle with mental health
As a graduate of Temple University’s medical school and psychiatric residency program, and as a current faculty member, I had the good fortune of studying under highly respected physicians who served not only as chairpersons, but also as presidents, CEOs, and chief medical officers. Anthony (Tony) F. Panzetta, MD, was one of them. Panzetta passed away in 2021 at age 87. As with all great mentors, he had multifaceted talents …
A mentor’s legacy in medicine, leadership, and embracing evidence-based care
A most memorable message awaited me on my desk one morning: a brief note from Mrs. G asking, “Why did my husband take his own life today?”
Startled, I reflected on Mr. G’s history as I had been treating him in my urology clinic for the past few months. It had recently come to my attention that his complaints were related to painful recurrent renal colic.
Anticipating a distressing phone call, I …
The tragic story of Mr. G: a painful journey towards understanding suicide
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Join us as we dive into a conversation with Christine Gibson, a family physician and trauma specialist. Christine shares her expertise on dissociation, trauma, and the profound impact they have on health care. Discover the importance of …
Healing trauma and reconnecting: Unmasking the impact of dissociation [PODCAST]
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