As healthcare professionals, we have the ability to make a difference not only in the exam room, but also through our writing and communication with patients. I recently had a light bulb moment when a patient told me that they found comfort in reading a blog post I wrote about…
As healthcare professionals, we often have to tackle difficult conversations with our patients. And discussing trauma is no exception. It's important to remember that trauma affects not just the mind, but also the body. By asking about and acknowledging trauma, we can provide much-needed support and care for our patients.…
Mentors can be incredibly helpful in guiding us in our careers and helping us navigate our next steps. But there's another type of support that can be just as valuable: a coach. A coach is someone who isn't necessarily in your field, but they will be there for you and…
As a physician, I've always been taught to strive for perfection in everything I do. But as I've progressed in my career, I've learned that sometimes, done is better than perfect. This lesson has been especially useful when working on research projects with my residents and fellows. We often have…
"Over the years, I have mentored a lot of trainees. After discovering coaching and seeing my career transform after I started working with a coach, I have become a coach myself. I definitely use coaching techniques with my mentees, but the relationship I have with them is different from the…
It's time for a real talk about the unnecessary and ridiculous tasks we often find ourselves doing on electronic medical records. And let's not forget about the restrictions on prescribing the best medications for our patients. It's time to remember that our patients are more than just revenue numbers -…
Looking for a way to improve your overall health and wellness? Remember the words of Hippocrates - "let food be thy medicine." Proper nutrition can play a huge role in maintaining good health and preventing various problems. Don't neglect the power of a healthy diet. Ronald Halweil is an otolaryngologist.…
As a physician, it's important to consider the restrictions of a restrictive covenant before accepting a new job. But what is a reasonable distance to agree to? It really depends on your specialty and location. In a bustling city like Manhattan, a covenant of just a few blocks may be…
As a physician, it's shocking to see how little some of my colleagues understand their worth in the industry. Just yesterday, I was speaking with someone who has been practicing for six years and they were surprised to learn that they should be compensated for supervising mid-level practitioners and taking…
"As a physicians’ attorney who focuses his practice on physician contract review, I have seen some truly horrendous results after physicians have signed agreements they did not understand. Here are just a few of the 'war stories' I have experienced." Dennis Hursh is a physician contract lawyer. He blogs at…
Anticipatory grief is a powerful and often misunderstood emotion. It's important to talk about it and to communicate with the people who are important to you. Visiting with loved ones who are ill can be a difficult but incredibly healing experience. It's a chance to make things right, to say…
We're grateful to be a part of such a wonderful patient community! From sharing poetry to discussing college football, there's never a dull moment in our clinic. And we're always here to listen and provide support, no matter what our patients need. We're proud to be part of the primary…
![When doctors develop [patient] portal hypertension](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/r3SItIEACV8/maxresdefault.jpg "When doctors develop [patient] portal hypertension")
"Physicians today are confronting yet another epidemic, one that affects doctors directly and is not caused by a virus. It is the result of the 'patient portal' through which patients send typed messages directly to their physicians. Though the portal has benefits, anecdotal experience suggests that high message volume is…
As physicians, we are often thought of as being fragile and in need of support. However, many studies have shown that physicians are actually incredibly resilient and on average, more resilient than the general workforce. This means that the problem is not a lack of resilience among physicians, but rather,…
As a primary care physician, I am dedicated to providing comprehensive care for my patients and their families. From the earliest stages of life to the critical end, I am there to support and advocate for my patients. I take pride in being able to manage complex medical issues and…
"When my colleagues and I visited high-performing primary care clinics across the country, we sought insights to inform a new model for providing the most efficient and high-quality care. Here’s how we’re practicing in Primary Care 2.0." Megan Mahoney is a family physician and member, board of governors, The Doctors…
If you're struggling with your mental health, don't be afraid to reach out for help. Trust me, it's worth it. You never know how close you are to drowning in your own thoughts. Just go see a doctor or nurse and they'll help you out. Together, we can break the…
In this episode, we speak with Ariane Marie-Mitchell, a preventive medicine physician who discusses the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on health and development. She discusses the challenges of using a clinical tool to diagnose patients with high ACEs, and the limitations of the current policy approach in addressing…
Opening up about my eating disorder during medical school was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But seeking help turned out to be so much easier than I thought. Now I'm sharing my story to encourage others to do the same and not be afraid to ask for…
"Doctors with mental illness don’t need more suicide awareness — we’re aware. And we don’t need confidential treatment opportunities. What we need is assurance from all invested parties — our employers, credentialing bodies, and licensing officials — that it will be OK if we need help, we can get what…
Being an ally isn't always easy, but it's so important for creating a more inclusive and equitable society. It takes listening, not making assumptions, and always being willing to support and uplift marginalized voices. How can we all be better allies? Let's start by having open and honest conversations about…
Why is having an ally so important? Well, when you're going through difficult times, it's nice to have someone by your side who understands what you're going through and is willing to speak up for you. Whether you're facing discrimination, oppression, or just general struggles in life, having an ally…
Exercise doesn't have to be a daunting task. In fact, it can be part of your daily routine without even feeling like "exercise." The key is to find ways to incorporate movement and physical activity into your everyday activities. For example, you can do squats while brushing your teeth in…
"We can all work to improve our empathy towards those who differ from us. Please continue to keep an open mind and consider true allyship." Nkem Asianua is a physician assistant student. She shares her story and discusses the KevinMD article, "What does it mean to truly be an ally?"…