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Psychiatry

An alarming rise in military suicides: Unveiling hidden crisis and urgent need for action

Policy
June 23, 2023

During the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, suicides among active-duty troops were frequently reported. Since then, news reports have subsided but the suicides have not. In fact, a 2022 report from the Defense Suicide Prevention Office revealed that there were more suicides in 2021 than any other year since the September 11 attacks. According to Army Times, suicide deaths among active-duty troops in 2021 “climbed …

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Unveiling the mental health crisis in health care [PODCAST]

Podcast
June 19, 2023
YouTube video

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Join us for a thought-provoking podcast episode as we dive into the critical topic of mental health and suicide among health care providers. Our guests, Jessica Singh, an experienced emergency physician, and Lorenzo Norris, a psychiatrist, provide …

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The journey through loss: a personal reflection on healing and hope

Physician
June 14, 2023

Losing a loved one is an experience that leaves an indelible mark on your soul. It changes your world, shaking the foundations of what you once thought stable, leaving you to navigate an ocean of grief. For me, this was my reality when I lost someone dear to me. During my journey, I found solace and guidance in the themes of enduring love, nostalgia, resilience, and hope, beautifully depicted in …

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Unmasking the hidden mental health struggles of professionals: Breaking the silence for empowerment and healing

Physician
June 12, 2023

In the fast-paced and demanding world we live in, professionals often face immense pressure to portray strength, competence, and unwavering resilience. However, beneath the surface, many individuals silently battle their own mental health challenges. According to CDC, more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness.

One of the most difficult hurdles to overcome is the fear of admitting our struggles to others. In this compassionate article, …

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Unveiling the truth about medical cannabis [PODCAST]

Podcast
June 11, 2023
YouTube video

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Join us in this insightful episode as we welcome Peter Grinspoon, an internal medicine physician specializing in medical cannabis. Peter enlightens us on the current landscape of medical cannabis, focusing on its potential benefits for patients. We …

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The alarming epidemic of physician burnout and how we can combat it

Physician
June 8, 2023

Physician burnout is not a new issue, but it has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. According to the Medscape’s 2023 survey, 53 percent of physicians say they are burned out, compared to 42 percent in 2018.

Burnout among doctors can have disastrous consequences for individuals and society at large. Burnout can lead to reduced productivity, lower quality of care, and even medical errors. It affects not only the physician’s …

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Unlocking resilience: a powerful journey from trauma to transformation [PODCAST]

Podcast
June 5, 2023
YouTube video

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Join us for an inspiring podcast episode as we delve into the world of trauma, resilience, and personal transformation. Our guest, Rebecca Fogg, consultant and author of Beautiful Trauma: An Explosion, an Obsession, and a New Lease …

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Overcoming the lies of depression: Senator John Fetterman’s struggle with mental health

Conditions
June 5, 2023

In February, just a few months after being elected to the United States Senate, Pennsylvania politician John Fetterman entered into a treatment program for depression. In an interview with CBS News show Sunday Morning last month, he recounted suffering a stroke in May 2022, then fighting through a grueling Senate race that severely impacted his mental health. “You may have won,” he recalled thinking, “but depression can absolutely convince you …

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A mentor’s legacy in medicine, leadership, and embracing evidence-based care

Physician
June 5, 2023

As a graduate of Temple University’s medical school and psychiatric residency program, and as a current faculty member, I had the good fortune of studying under highly respected physicians who served not only as chairpersons, but also as presidents, CEOs, and chief medical officers. Anthony (Tony) F. Panzetta, MD, was one of them. Panzetta passed away in 2021 at age 87. As with all great mentors, he had multifaceted talents …

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The tragic story of Mr. G: a painful journey towards understanding suicide

Physician
June 3, 2023

A most memorable message awaited me on my desk one morning: a brief note from Mrs. G asking, “Why did my husband take his own life today?”

Startled, I reflected on Mr. G’s history as I had been treating him in my urology clinic for the past few months. It had recently come to my attention that his complaints were related to painful recurrent renal colic.

Anticipating a distressing phone call, I …

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Healing trauma and reconnecting: Unmasking the impact of dissociation [PODCAST]

Podcast
June 2, 2023
YouTube video

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Join us as we dive into a conversation with Christine Gibson, a family physician and trauma specialist. Christine shares her expertise on dissociation, trauma, and the profound impact they have on health care. Discover the importance of …

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Why allowing yourself to embrace discomfort is necessary for personal growth

Physician
June 1, 2023

Life coach and author Martha Beck’s 4-Phase Change Cycle begins with Phase 1: “Death and Rebirth.” Martha’s blog contains the Phase I Mantra: “I don’t know what the hell is going on … and that’s OK.”

Many of us try to skip Phase 1. It’s uncomfortable. It’s painful. And, it’s necessary.

I finally accepted the value of Phase 1 after years of trying to jump into Phase 3 of Martha Beck’s Change …

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Urgent innovation is needed to address the growing mental health crisis among children and families

Conditions
June 1, 2023

The growing mental health crisis affecting our children and families has reached a breaking point. As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I know well the current mental health crisis is dire and demands immediate attention. And I worry we are not moving fast enough to help those in need.

The number of kids and teens aged 3 to 17 diagnosed with depression or anxiety spiked by 30% from 2016 …

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Finding your ideal work-life balance: tips for prioritizing personal life and achieving professional success

Physician
May 31, 2023

Recently, someone mentioned that the whole work-life balance issue is overrated. They argue that they have enjoyed focusing on academics and work most of their life and feel very satisfied despite the lack of balance. There was also an assertion of a happy family life despite that so-called lack of balance.

That point is well taken, but the work-life balance is subjective, and everyone has their own preferences and priorities in …

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How can there be joy in medicine if there is no joy in Mudville?

Physician
May 29, 2023

The following article is part satire and part imagination.

The classic poem “Casey at the Bat” delves into the dashed dreams of 5,000 frenzied fans who gathered to watch the “Mudville Nine” play baseball, pinning their hopes on their star player, Casey. Do they have unrealistic expectations of Casey, or is his prowess over-hyped? And what implications does this time-honored poem have for medical practice?

Parables – short stories that teach a …

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Physician entrepreneurs offer hope for burned out doctors

Physician
May 29, 2023

As I leave a conference organized for a group of physician entrepreneurs, I have so many thoughts running through my head. Some of these thoughts revolve around making my small, fledgling medical practice run more smoothly, reaching more people (and serving them better), and always remembering my why. These are the “business mastermind” skills I signed up to learn at the conference. But I may have come out of this …

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Is the rise in mental illness due to greater awareness or a true increase in incidence?

Conditions
May 25, 2023

Someone asked me recently if there is a significant increase in the prevalence of mental illness since it seems everyone is in treatment somewhere. It was a good question and got me thinking.

The prevalence of mental illness has been increasing in recent years, but it is unclear if this is solely due to more people seeking treatment or if there is a true increase in the incidence of mental illness.

In …

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Integrating mental health services into primary care for children and adolescents [PODCAST]

Podcast
May 23, 2023
YouTube video

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Join us on this episode as we speak with Hilary M. Bowers, a pediatrician who shares with us the importance of integrating behavioral and mental health care within primary care practices. With one in five children and …

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