As a military physician, I often hear people asking what it's like on the "other side" - as if civilian life is somehow easier or better. But the truth is, the grass is not always greener on the other side. Both military and civilian life come with their own unique…
"The retreat offered me the opportunity to see that I want more time (don’t we all) to connect with quiet, peace, and loved ones. I want to embody love as well as the badass that I am. That’s what I got out of the retreat and what I brought home…
As a healthcare professional, it's important to be able to offer more than just medical treatment to our patients. Sometimes, all they need is someone to be present with them and listen to their concerns. That kind of companionship is crucial, especially for those who may not have strong social…
As a hospice volunteer, I have had the opportunity to witness the unique beauty of end-of-life care. In this setting, the focus shifts away from aggressive medical interventions and towards the interpersonal connections and support that can bring comfort to those in their final days. I have been able to…
"The finality of death is a powerful teacher. For some patients, being diagnosed with a terminal illness is an experience that lends a tremendous shift in perspective and newfound authenticity. This can be instructive to them and the people around them. As psychologist Charles Garfield says, 'The living have much…
Feeling burnt out? It might be because you're not feeling empowered in your profession. As doctors, it can often feel like we're losing control of how we're able to care for our patients due to all the red tape and bureaucracy surrounding EMRs. That's why it's so important to find…
Are you a writer with a passion for medicine? Do you have a knack for making engaging videos or a talent for creating memes? No matter your strengths, there's a platform on social media that can showcase your skills and help you share medical information with a wider audience. If…
Have you ever stopped to think about how important it is for healthcare companies to make life easier for clinicians? In my opinion, it's absolutely crucial. Unfortunately, doctors and other medical professionals often don't have much of a say in the systems and technologies that are implemented in their workplaces.…
Everywhere we look, people seem to be laser-focused on getting the right code for their visits. And we get it, accuracy is important, especially when it comes to Medicare Advantage. Proper coding ensures that scores can be calculated and payment can be processed smoothly through all the necessary channels. But…
"With the shift to value-based care models, it will be more important than ever to give clinicians a diagnostically focused view for each patient and each of their medical problems. Clinicians need these details instantly, without having to randomly search through unrelated sections of the clinically inert EHR. By empowering…
Why do we do this to ourselves? Going through the motions of borrowing money and deferring payment seems like a never-ending cycle. We become numb to the impact debt has on our lives and before we know it, we're drowning in a sea of financial obligations. It's no wonder so…
As a patient, there's nothing more important to me than making sure I fully understand my treatment plan and any information my doctor shares with me. That's why I believe it's so important for doctors to have their patients repeat back what they've heard in their own words - it…
"My father’s struggle to exist as a father after getting married was evident. But at the same time, the birth of his children changed his world forever. His march towards success through hard work, unmatched anger, and repression prevented him from rising out of his poverty mindset, even though he…
As a nurse, I learned that patients with the best attitude, determination, and enthusiasm for recovery often had the best outcomes. In my experience working with patients recovering from open heart surgery, I saw firsthand how a positive attitude can make a big difference. That's why I was impressed with…
Attention all healthcare professionals looking to make the switch to entrepreneurship! If we could give you one piece of advice, it would be this: learn how to sell. It's the key to success in business, and it's a skill that can be learned and improved upon. Take a sales course,…
"Hospitals and health systems should bolster the skills of care teams through education to improve patient outcomes by minimizing variations in obstetric care and being equipped to prevent, identify, and address any possible maternal emergency. Our obstetrics team provided invaluable care through communication, physical and emotional assistance, and reliable services.…
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…