Receiving a heartfelt letter from a patients family can be one of the most touching moments in our profession. During the pandemic, a patient well known to our unit was admitted and her condition quickly deteriorated to a point where it was no longer survivable. Despite the challenges, our hospital…
In this episode, we sit down with Jay Anders, a physician executive, to discuss the evolving landscape of health care. We explore his unique insights on leadership, the challenges facing today's medical professionals, and the critical role of technology in shaping the future of patient care. Tune in for an…
Loving what you do can sometimes become a challenge when the environment drastically changes. When I started in emergency medicine, the thrill of caring for patients during their most vulnerable moments was deeply fulfilling. At Carney, serving the diverse Dorchester neighborhood felt like the perfect fit for my career aspirations.…
Navigating workplace politics can be daunting, but understanding the dynamics is key to ensuring your safety and well-being at work. In this video, I highlight the importance of being mindful of how you present yourself and staying true to your values. I'll also discuss the significance of knowing your workplace…
In this episode, we sit down with Amaka Nnamani, a pediatrician who shares her powerful story of starting her residency while four months pregnant. Amaka discusses the unique challenges she faced balancing her medical training with motherhood, the shortcomings of maternal leave policies in the United States, and the broader…
Understanding the balance between joy and hardship in end-of-life situations is crucial in the medical field. When I speak to medical students, I emphasize that although these moments are challenging, they are also profoundly human. Contrary to popular belief, most of our pediatric patients actually recover, with a mortality rate…
In this episode, we explore the urgent need to redefine physician identity in today's health care landscape. Joined by health care executive Olivia Morris and physician advocate Kim Downey, we delve into the challenges physicians face in maintaining their well-being, the impact of systemic issues on their sense of self,…
Seeing agreements titled Specialty Residency Supervision Agreement is a surprising twist in the medical field. These agreements essentially pay physicians for supervising residents, which has traditionally been just another part of the job. Usually, physicians receive a salary that covers a range of duties including charting, teaching residents, and perhaps…
Witnessing the strain on emergency departments across the country has been eye-opening. From skyrocketing patient-to-nurse ratios to dangerous boarding levels, the challenges keep mounting. The pandemic only made things worse, with higher costs, infection rates, and mortality. Medicine has shifted from patient safety to profit-driven decisions, compromising care quality. Staff…
Join us in this episode as we dive into the powerful story of "Max," a patient who steadfastly refused all vaccines despite his well-controlled HIV infection. Through persistence, respect, and trust, our guest Janet A. Jokela, an internal medicine and infectious disease physician, shares how she gradually guided Max to…
Physicians interested in the intersection between clinical medicine and industry often wonder how to make the leap effectively. My biggest piece of advice is to be honest with the companies. Many think that if they don't say what the company wants to hear, they won't be considered. In reality, companies…
Microplastics are sneaking into our lives in ways we don't even realize. Take the synthetic fibers in our clothing, for example. Recent studies show that these fibers shed microplastics during washing. The government is now advocating for changes in washing machine filters to combat this. Have you thought about the…
Join us on this episode as we talk with Tod Stillson, a family physician and entrepreneur, who has successfully transitioned from traditional employment to becoming a high-earning independent contractor. Tod shares his journey, revealing the limitations of traditional employment models in primary care and how he broke free to thrive…
Imagine being just months away from completing your training, only to face an unexpected threat to your future. It's a new year, and out of nowhere, a serious issue arises, causing stress and uncertainty. This doesn't just happen to those in training; even high-level academics at top institutions, including multi-grant…
Healthcare facilities often serve our most vulnerable populations, especially people of color and low-income individuals. These communities frequently rely on these facilities due to limited access to primary services. Hospital buyouts and financialization of medicine are making the situation worse by affecting Medicaid and Medicare patients. This trend is exacerbating…
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of rituals and superstitions in surgery with Carmen Fong, a colorectal surgeon. Discover how these seemingly irrational practices impact surgeon performance, confidence, and patient outcomes. Carmen shares personal anecdotes and insights on the psychological mechanisms behind these rituals, balancing evidence-based practices…
When I first started writing about anorexia, I had so much information that I felt compelled to share. There was so much pain and misunderstanding around the topic that I couldn't stay silent. It began slowly, with incremental posts, but I knew the importance of sharing truthful stories. People called…
Is it possible to halt cancer-related lymphoedema, or is lifelong compression the only option? Our clinical trial suggested just four weeks of compression. If numbers improved or stabilized, no more compression was needed. However, chronic lymphoedema requires lifelong compression, which can be very uncomfortable, especially during heat waves. Yet, when…
We sit down with Scott Abramson, a retired neurologist with over 40 years of experience, to discuss the pervasive issue of physician burnout and moral injury. Scott shares his insights on the external pressures from EMR guidelines, hospital administration, and big pharma, as well as the internal myths that contribute…
Reducing your exposure to microplastics might be simpler than you think. In this video, I share some practical steps you can take to minimize your daily intake of these tiny particles. First, pay attention to the type of food you consume. Next, consider the fiber content in your clothing. Also,…
Feeling like I could die and not knowing where to turn, I was isolated and buried myself under a rock for five years, grappling with survivor's guilt. Then I wrote an article titled, I Risked My Career To Save My Life, which helped me begin to release the guilt and…
We sit down with Ellie Qian, a medical student, to discuss the profound experiences that shape the journey of becoming a compassionate health care professional. Ellie shares a transformative encounter from her first year in medical school, where she practiced medical interviewing with a standardized patient, Chris, who has stage…
Worried that exercise will make lymphoedema worse? It may actually help. In this video, I explore the early detection and treatment options for lymphoedema, starting with the basics like wearing a compression sleeve or glove for four weeks. We also discuss decongestive therapy, which can include massage and specialized machines.…
From serving in the army to rescuing farm animals, my husband and I have had quite the journey. After retiring in 2010, we started a nonprofit farm animal rescue, born from the community's need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Were also proud parents to 11 children, ranging from ages 3 to…