As medical professionals, we all entered this field with the goal of helping patients. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, we encounter patients who struggle with conditions that seem impossible to manage. These can be frustrating experiences for both the patient and the doctor. For me, it was the realization…
In this episode, we speak with Christopher Sayed, a dermatologist who has dedicated his career to studying and treating hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). HS is a condition that causes painful boils in areas like the underarms, groin, and around the breasts, and it can be a nightmare for those living with…
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, one thing has become clear: science is constantly evolving. What was once considered true and accurate information can quickly become outdated and misleading. As physicians, it can be overwhelming to sort through the vast amounts of data and studies…
Navigating the complexities of palliative care can be overwhelming. As we shared our journey with my loved one, we encountered a well-informed doctor with great suggestions, but ultimately they were not the right fit for our unique situation. It's important to remember that every individual and their needs are different.…
In this episode, Nancie Wiseman Attwater discusses her husband Bill's struggle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Despite the doctor's advice to change his diet, Nancie realized that it was probably too late for that to make a difference. Instead, she focuses on making him comfortable in his remaining days and encourages…
It's important to be aware of the contracts you sign and the terms that they contain. I learned from my father, who is also a surgeon, that you must review every contract and understand every paragraph to ensure that you are getting the best deal possible. It's also important to…
You may think that you have job security, that you will always be able to find work in this field. However, in reality, many factors can impact our job security, such as pandemics like COVID-19 or changes in facility administration. This can be a worrying thought, but it's important to…
In the world of medicine, job security is not a given. In this episode, we speak with Aaron Morgenstein, an orthopedic surgeon who discusses the challenges and uncertainties of being an employed physician. He explains the implications of the 90-day notice provision in most employment contracts and the risks and…
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…