"EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy kicked off my personal transformation from a self-absorbed workaholic in an industry of (what I now view as) questionable merit into a human being making a positive contribution to the world and focused on helping others. EMDR helped me discover that my psychological…
As someone who has experience negotiating hospital contracts, I can tell you that it's all about finding the right fit. It doesn't matter how much a hospital may need a certain doctor if the contract doesn't meet their needs and expectations. Take, for example, the female interventional cardiologist I'm presenting…
As someone who has been very proactive in getting myself and my family vaccinated, I understand the importance of protecting ourselves and those around us from COVID-19. When I talk to people who are hesitant about getting vaccinated, I often point out the fact that getting vaccinated not only helps…
As a doctor, building a trusting relationship with my patients is of the utmost importance. I understand that seeking medical care can be stressful and emotional, and it is my job to provide comfort and support throughout the process. I strive to listen carefully to my patients and understand their…
"It seems too good to be true, but it is: physical activity improves every health outcome we can name. Note that some of those benefits arrive in the long term, some in the short. It’s critically important to remember that although the mortality benefits of exercise fade out at a…
Meal planning can be tough, especially when we have good intentions but end up wasting food and resources. I know I'm guilty of buying too much produce, like romaine lettuce and tomatoes, with the intention of eating a salad every day, but then ending up throwing it out because I…
As I reflect on the word "hunger," I am reminded that this is not just a problem in third world countries, but it is a reality for many people in our own country as well. Food insecurity is a major issue, with people going to bed hungry every night. It…
"I acknowledge that many problems currently plague our country. However, hunger, food insecurity, and poor health are national priorities that require an immediate and robust response. The Biden-Harris Administration’s hunger, nutrition, and health strategy answers the call for a multisector, concerted, and committed approach to improving the nation’s health. I…
As women in the workforce, especially in fields like medicine, we often feel pressure to go above and beyond and prove ourselves in order to be seen as equal to our male counterparts. But it's important to remember that it's okay to have limitations and to recognize the physiological processes…
Going through a mental illness, whether it's postpartum depression or something else, can be an isolating and confusing experience. When people try to tell us that our behavior is not normal, we may shut them out and believe that they don't understand what we're going through. But the reality is…
"I may be practicing the art of repression and washing myself of any speck of contamination that would take me back to the state from which I have come very far. My suffering of the past, today, is a mere jumble of words devoid of any color or feeling. It…
For aspiring physician entrepreneurs out there, my biggest piece of advice is to be patient. Medicine is a field where you can often see immediate results, but business is a different beast. You have to put things out there and let them take their course, even if it's not a…
The key to building individual health equity is empowering patients to take control of their own healthcare. By setting aside some of their premium in a health savings account, individuals can be prepared for unexpected medical expenses, such as those caused by inherited health conditions. At the same time, we…
"Building individual health equity starts with a commitment to price transparency. The current system favors a broader, value-based model that does not require individual fees for services. Resources are allocated based on outcomes and are dependent on complex and expensive data acquisition. In a direct pay model, the physician is…
As healthcare professionals, it's important to remember that almost all patients come to us with their own self-diagnosis. While some may be accurate, others may not be. It's our responsibility to carefully listen to our patients and try to uncover their true concerns, as they may be afraid of a…
As we move through life, it's crucial to take time for reflection. Not only does it give us a chance to rest and recharge, it also allows us to self-analyze and think about how we can make positive changes in our lives. When we sit down and really think about…
"As we continue this journey as a family in what will likely be an even more challenging six months ahead, the last six months have provided lifelong lessons. Equipped with these learnings, a new exciting professional opportunity to build the type of care my father would be proud of, and…
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.…