Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles, which are responsible for breathing and moving parts of the body, including the arms and legs. The weakness occurs because the immune system produces antibodies that attack and destroy the receptors for acetylcholine, a chemical…
I just wanted to share my experience with rare diseases and how they're often misdiagnosed. It's important to remember that just because something is rare, doesn't mean it's not out there. As a patient, it's important to advocate for yourself and seek out multiple opinions if you feel like something…
"If patients had an accurate diagnosis and their physicians knew the root of their illness and could treat it effectively, then the medical care costs would go down. The effect on patients of being diagnosed years earlier and having a shorter diagnostic odyssey is impossible to quantify. We need more…
As healthcare professionals, we are driven by a calling to care for others and make a positive impact on their lives. But at the heart of effective caregiving is the art of teaching. It's not just about imparting information or skills, but about building a connection and fostering a sense…
I've learned that the idea or product at the center of a business venture is often the least important factor for success. I've known many physician scientists who have incredible ideas, but struggle to make them practically useful or relevant in the healthcare space. That's why, when I approach product…
"In many ways, internet of things (IoT) is a double-edged sword: connected devices are capturing huge volumes and varieties of data that can be mined for everything from potentially life-saving health care information to guidance toward peak athletic performance, but it is incredibly difficult to convert that raw data into…
As clinicians, we are fortunate to have a vast network of colleagues and mentors that we can draw upon for guidance and support throughout our careers. From medical school and residency to fellowship and beyond, we have the opportunity to meet and work with countless talented individuals who can help…
As a clinician, I have the unique opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible journey of healing and growth that my patients undertake. It's an experience unlike any other, and I highly recommend that anyone considering a career in healthcare make the most of it by completing clinical practice, whether that…
"Health care has changed dramatically in the last decades, from the introduction of electronic medical records to the COVID-19 pandemic serving as a catalyst for telehealth and virtual care options to the increased familiarity with digital therapeutics, etc. Just as the industry has transformed over time, the physician’s role has…
"Passion is an essential part of life, but it's important to remember that it needs to be nourished and nurtured in order to thrive. Our passions can sometimes fade, and this isn't always due to our own actions. There can be external factors that contribute to the waning of our…
I can confidently say that bringing new life into the world is truly a beautiful and fulfilling experience. Despite the challenges of scheduling and training, the personal and human rewards of this practice are immeasurable. In a world that can often seem ugly, sad, and stressful, the joy and innocence…
"As trainees, we have unpredictable schedules. Sometimes we work days; others, we work long nights. As the weekends come by, my best friend inevitably asks me: “Who’s showing up this week at work, Batman or Bruce Wayne? This week Batman is showing up to catch babies. And frankly, there’s nothing…
Just wanted to share a little lesson I learned from my backyard garden. Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, certain things just don't thrive in certain spaces. That's when it's time to look for a new garden to plant those seeds. And sometimes, that means finding a new place…
As a physician, I have learned the importance of identifying areas that are not functioning optimally and stepping up as a leader to address them. While it can be uncomfortable to take on these leadership roles, it allows me to have a larger impact by helping not just one patient…
"In the emergency department I treat patients based upon my expert judgment. I can explain to you the sensitivities and specificities of the tests I order, I can detail the physiology and pathology involved in my differential diagnoses, and I can explain the rationale for each part of my treatment…
TikTok is currently similar to what Facebook was about five to seven years ago. The platform has a powerful algorithm, and it is possible for users who have only been on TikTok for a short time to create viral content that gets hundreds of thousands or even millions of views.…
I recently had a moment of realization while walking down the hospital hallway. I was chatting with a patient about the pre-surgery process and mentioned that verifying insurance is one of the first things we do. Little did I know, that conversation would be caught on camera and end up…
On this special episode, I'm on the other side of the microphone. It's an honor to be interviewed by Cory Calendine, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with a tremendous social media presence. Visit him on Instagram and TikTok @corycalendinemd. We have a conversation on the explosive growth of TikTok, its impact…
EMDR therapy is a memory-based therapy that aims to resolve unresolved traumatic memories that may be causing mental health issues. It is based on the idea that these unprocessed memories can lead to a range of physical and emotional symptoms. If you're struggling with mental health challenges and want to…
"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…