Physician

In journalism, the lede is the first part of a news story. A good lede will entice the reader to read more. It contains the key points and gives the general idea of the article. Ledes are also crucial in the field of medicine. As a graduate student in journalism and a general practitioner, I can appreciate the value of ledes in both fields. When health care professionals communicate with each ...

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For most of us, going to the doctor is not at the top of our favorite things-to-do list, but it may be one of the most important. Whether the visit is for a scheduled check-up or to deal with a new problem, there are ways you can make the visit less stressful and more useful. You must remember that things have changed. In the “good old days,” when I started in ...

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“When you start seeing your worth, you will find it harder to stay around people who don’t.” - Unknown After graduating from my residency a few years ago, I accepted a job within my organization as a staff psychiatrist and a medical director. The idea of familiarity was a big driver in my ambivalence towards pursuing alternate opportunities, even when they came knocking on my door. As the job started and progressed through ...

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Working in both the inpatient and outpatient setting, I have to frequently recommend my patients follow-up as soon as possible with their primary care doctors. I work in a couple of different locations, urban and rural, and I must say I have noticed a rather disturbing trend over the last few years. When I ask my patients who their primary care doctor is, I often get the reply: “My primary care ...

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Tuesday, getting ready for work. Standing in the shower, it hit me. I couldn't remember the last time I wanted a drink. I almost got a blob of conditioner in my mouth as I snorted out loud. “Mom, you OK?” "Yeah, baby, I'm great." Incredible, actually. Like so many, my habit of using external things to feel better was well ingrained. As a kid, I'd sneak ziplock bags of homemade cookies. In residency, stress eating ...

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As I lay there awaiting my shock, the doctors milled in and out of my room over the course of several hours. It was a normal but hectic morning in the emergency department with ambulances and code blues pulling my doctor away. Before pushing the Propofol and completing my cardioversion, the doctor flatly stated something I'd heard many times before. With a certain look in her eyes, she shared a personal ...

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It may seem odd that a gastroenterologist patronizes fast food establishments several times each week. I’m in one right now as I write this. I eschew the food items –though French fries will forever tempt me – and opt for a large-sized beverage. In truth, I am not primarily there for a thirst-quenching experience, but more to ‘rent a table’ so I can bury myself in some reading. Indeed, many ...

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I'm fascinated by the human body — the intricacies of it, the poetry of it. I am intrigued that a cell can come together with other cells to form tissues, those tissues, organs, and systems. The body is a powerful metaphor for unity: what happens when the one becomes the many, and the many, even more. It is a lesson in both individuality and community; how one sets out to create ...

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On Twitter recently, I saw a tweet that commented on the fact that there were too few black men who became doctors. I readily confess that I don’t know the reason why. I asked whether it is due to implicit bias or outright racism. Another doctor answered that both play a role. Although I have witnessed acts of racism and bias in the past, I can’t say I understand it ...

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