We are often faced with difficult decisions about withholding or withdrawing care for our patients. It can be a tough and emotionally charged situation, but I believe it's important to have open and honest conversations with patients and their loved ones about their options and what they want. I remember…
We often encounter patients who have already been through a lot in their lives, particularly those who come to us from nursing homes. Their quality of life may already be compromised and they may face difficult care decisions. In these situations, it can be easy to default to standard procedures…
End-of-life care is a crucial and often overlooked aspect of health care. In this episode, we speak with Kevin Haselhorst, an emergency physician and author who shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities in this area. He discusses the limitations of the current Medicare system and the importance of…
Today, I choose to celebrate life like it's my birthday every single day. Because, let's be real, life is precious and should be cherished every moment. It's not just about celebrating one day out of the year, it's about celebrating every day and making the most of every single moment.…
I couldn't help but notice the striking similarities between a life-changing diagnosis and a life-changing storm. Both can be incredibly difficult to navigate and can leave you feeling lost and alone. But just like how a storm can bring out the best in people and bring a community together, a…
When disaster strikes, it can change our perspectives and priorities in life. In this episode, we speak with Linda Munroe, a nurse practitioner who shares her experiences and insights on the challenges and rewards of being a health care worker. She discusses the impact of natural disasters on her community…
As a healthcare professional, I often find myself thinking about ways to improve the workflows that physicians face on a daily basis. In my ideal world, one of the things I would love to see happen is the implementation of offloaded scribes. From what I've seen in other institutions, scribes…
My days are filled with taking care of patients and talking to their families. But, as you may have noticed, not all of my time is spent on these tasks. In fact, several other important responsibilities come with being a healthcare professional. One of the most important of these is…
In this episode, Susan Walker, a pediatrician, shares her experiences and insights into the demands placed on doctors, and how these demands can sometimes interfere with their ability to provide the best care for their patients. Susan discusses the importance of prioritizing patient care, and why it's crucial for doctors…
Many entities play a role in shaping healthcare policies, from insurance plans and state and federal governments, to name a few. While it's important to consider these factors, I believe it's equally important to partner with the people who will be directly impacted by the policies we are trying to…
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is a term that refers to the various types of childhood trauma and family-level risk factors that can have a negative impact on a child's physical, emotional, and mental health. These experiences include child maltreatment, abuse, neglect, as well as household risk factors such as parental…
We are trained to work hard and to do everything in our power to help our patients. But what happens when the work becomes too much? What happens when the weight of the responsibilities feels too heavy to bear? I think of a surgeon I once had in my clinic…
We are trained to do everything in our power to help our patients heal and recover. And while this drive to make a difference is commendable, it's important to recognize that sometimes the outcome is beyond our control and that can be hard to accept. That's why learning how to…
In this episode, we speak with Elizabeth LaRusso, a psychiatrist who shares her experiences and insights on the importance of cultivating meaningful connections and holding space for others. She discusses the challenges of learning to hold space for oneself in the face of suffering and offers advice for fellow doctors…
We have a lot of knowledge and experience under our belts, which can be a great asset in helping us diagnose and treat our patients. But it can also lead to a tendency to jump to conclusions, particularly when it comes to assessing a patient's condition. That's why one of…
We all want to have a say in the way healthcare is delivered and administered. But for many of us, the road to having more of a voice in these issues can seem daunting. So what kind of advice do I have for fellow physicians who want to follow in…
In this episode, we speak with David Danhauer, a seasoned pediatrician and former CMIO. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to gain a wealth of experience and knowledge, and as he approaches retirement, he reflects on his journey with gratitude. He shares his insights on what it takes…
It's important that we take the time to address our patients' spiritual needs, in addition to their physical health. But where do we start? One way to begin is by simply asking the patient about what brings them joy and where they find strength in life. This allows for an…
We are often trained to focus solely on the physical aspects of a patient's well-being. But what many in the medical community may not realize is that neglecting the spiritual dimension of a person's health can actually lead to poorer outcomes. When individuals of faith become actively involved in issues…
In this episode, we speak with G. Scott Morris, a physician and ordained minister who has dedicated his career to treating patients with chronic conditions at Church Health. He shares his experiences working with individuals to improve their health through better nutrition and physical activity, and discusses the potential for…
As a radiologist, I have the unique opportunity to not only analyze medical images, but also interact with patients and their families. And it's not just during business hours - often times, I find myself scanning children at night, when they're most likely to be asleep and still. During these…
As a radiologist, my job is to diagnose and interpret medical images to help physicians make informed treatment decisions for their patients. But in order to do this effectively, communication and collaboration with other members of the healthcare team is crucial. That's why we don't just sit in silence, staring…
In this episode, we follow Houda Bouhmam, a radiology resident, as she struggles to deliver the devastating news to a patient that there is no cure for their disease. Despite the emotional toll it takes on her, Houda perseveres and shares the difficult news, shining a light on the strength…
When it comes to negotiating employment contracts, it's essential to prioritize your battles and choose your fights wisely. As a doctor, I understand the temptation to want to make changes to every single word and section, but it's important to focus on the most crucial aspects and stand your ground…