More than skin deep: the importance of culturally competent care in medical education

Education
June 26, 2023

The very first patient I met in the rheumatology clinic at SUNY Downstate heard I was applying to medical school and pulled me close to her, saying, “I want you to feel the swelling in my hands.” She took great care to ensure I palpated each joint and appreciated the warmth, erythema, and “boggy” feeling imparted by the inflammation. She explained her medical history and was very specific with her …

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More than skin deep: the importance of culturally competent care in medical education

A touching tale of hope and uncertainty in the hospital

Education
June 26, 2023

Indeterminate. That’s the word we use when we’re unsure whether a patient will be able to survive without mechanical ventilation. We can’t say for certain that they have a good prognosis, but we can’t say they have a bad one either. A chaplain once said that those teetering between life and death can sense two things: sounds and smells. They also shared a story about a patient who woke up …

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A touching tale of hope and uncertainty in the hospital

From darkness to healing: a urologist’s journey through suicidal ideation [PODCAST]

Podcast
June 25, 2023
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In this poignant podcast episode, we welcome guest William Lynes, a urologist and survivor of physician burnout, who shares his personal journey through multiple suicide attempts. Join us as we delve into the four stages of suicidal …

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From darkness to healing: a urologist’s journey through suicidal ideation [PODCAST]

Unlocking the hidden potential of physician scientists: the key to research breakthroughs and health care innovation

Physician
June 25, 2023

Ten years ago, as a new graduate, I sought an academic job that would protect my time for research. I was surprised to find that I was “unqualified”: I had no research funding and few published manuscripts. With these deficits, no institution was willing to give me a research job. Eventually, I was offered a clinical job that would protect my time at 20 percent. With this time, I was …

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Unlocking the hidden potential of physician scientists: the key to research breakthroughs and health care innovation

The Little Mermaid inspires a health care revolution: Breaking silos for equitable, accessible, and innovative solutions

Physician
June 25, 2023

The Little Mermaid remake was recently released, and I was excited to experience the film for a few reasons. First, it was my favorite animated Disney film of all time. It came out when I was three years old, and I watched the VHS tape until it didn’t work anymore. Yes, I’m dating myself. Second, there were updated lyrics and a Black Ariel. Although it was strangely controversial that Ariel …

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The Little Mermaid inspires a health care revolution: Breaking silos for equitable, accessible, and innovative solutions

Treating substance use disorders in the criminal justice system [PODCAST]

Podcast
June 24, 2023
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In this thought-provoking podcast episode, we invite guest Casey Grover, an emergency physician, to explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding the treatment of substance use disorders in the criminal justice system. Join us as we examine two compelling …

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Treating substance use disorders in the criminal justice system [PODCAST]

Unveiling the truth: How headlines shape our world and the urgent need for reliable news

Physician
June 24, 2023

This is a story of headlines and the power they wield for good and evil (apologies for the melodrama). Words matter, and I, for one, am frustrated with the words in headlines often doing more harm than good.

I am a family doctor whose passion in life is preventing disease. I don’t want to see my patients suffering from diabetes or heart failure, nor from a contagious disease that is preventable …

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Unveiling the truth: How headlines shape our world and the urgent need for reliable news

From doubts to triumph: The inspiring journey of a nocturnist doctor

Physician
June 24, 2023

As I stood there, my mentor, Dr. S, spoke in his gentle, wise voice, “Congratulations! You have been selected as the hospital’s new nocturnist.” The news hit me like a wave of disbelief, and a surge of emotions rushed through me. The competition for this position had been intense, leaving me uncertain about my chances. But now, at this moment, all those doubts were swept away. A whirlwind of feelings …

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From doubts to triumph: The inspiring journey of a nocturnist doctor

Powerful lessons from a tragic hospital incident: the importance of living wills and last goodbyes

Physician
June 24, 2023

As an emergency physician, I’m a strong proponent of living wills, POLST forms, and discussing uncomfortable topics with your loved ones. Even making decisions about your child being an organ donor, if, Heaven forbid, something happened. You never know when the “last time” might be.

A recent case I had served as a reminder of this. The patient and their spouse came to the hospital for what was supposed to be …

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Powerful lessons from a tragic hospital incident: the importance of living wills and last goodbyes

Understanding pelvic congestion syndrome: insights and treatments [PODCAST]

Podcast
June 23, 2023
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In this insightful podcast episode, we sit down with guest Gloria Salazar, a radiologist, to shed light on a common yet often misunderstood condition affecting women: pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). Join us as we explore the challenges …

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Understanding pelvic congestion syndrome: insights and treatments [PODCAST]

Unveiling the remarkable journey of a doctor turned singing sensation

Physician
June 23, 2023

When I was six years old, I made a public declaration that I would become a singing doctor. I knew I wanted to be a doctor, influenced by my pediatrician, and I also loved singing. So, at that time, it made perfect sense to me that I should be able to do both when I grew up. I had a vivid vision of singing to children while taking care of …

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Unveiling the remarkable journey of a doctor turned singing sensation

The power of liquid biopsies and the challenge of health care disparities

Conditions
June 23, 2023

Laura Nuttall was diagnosed with deadly brain cancer at the age of 18 after going for a routine eye exam. She completed an incredible bucket list, which included meeting Michelle Obama, driving a monster truck, and commanding a Royal Navy warship before ultimately succumbing to her cancer this past Monday at the age of 23.

What if her cancer had been discovered earlier through a simple blood test? Could it …

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The power of liquid biopsies and the challenge of health care disparities

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

Cracking the code of physician contracts: Mastering letters of intent [PODCAST]

Podcast
June 22, 2023
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Join us for an insightful podcast episode featuring Dennis Hursh, a veteran attorney with over 40 years of experience in health law. Discover the importance of letters of intent in physician contracts, their purpose, and the legal …

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Cracking the code of physician contracts: Mastering letters of intent [PODCAST]

From failure to success: How a nurse overcame challenges and thrived in the medical field

Conditions
June 22, 2023

I remember the day clearly – sitting in a convenience store parking lot after buying a pack of pencils on my way to my first day of nursing school. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Or, perhaps more realistically, I had no idea how ill-prepared I really was. As a mediocre high school student who got by with the bare minimum, I was rudely awakened when …

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From failure to success: How a nurse overcame challenges and thrived in the medical field

How one liver disease patient found hope and overcame adversity

Conditions
June 22, 2023

The first day I came to the liver service, I met Mr. S, who was struggling with complications of liver disease. In the long term, he required a TIPS procedure that would better distribute his abdominal pressure and eventually a liver transplant. He was at high risk for the procedure and was struggling to maintain the fluid restriction necessary to prepare him for it.

Mr. S was entirely despondent when I …

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How one liver disease patient found hope and overcame adversity

Breaking the chains of medical burnout: How physicians are reclaiming their well-being and transforming patient care

Physician
June 22, 2023

When I was an OB/GYN intern, I made the mistake of admitting that I was able to get a short nap during my night shift. I was immediately met with comments that made it clear that rest during downtime was not something to be proud of. I felt so ashamed that once I became an attending, I was always afraid to admit when I had a relatively “easy” call shift …

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Breaking the chains of medical burnout: How physicians are reclaiming their well-being and transforming patient care

Breaking barriers in health care: the power of cultural competency training [PODCAST]

Podcast
June 21, 2023
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Join us for an insightful podcast episode as we delve into the significance of cultural competency training for physicians in providing health care for LGBTQ+ individuals. Our guest, Michael Pessman, a  gerontologist, shares his expertise on the …

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Breaking barriers in health care: the power of cultural competency training [PODCAST]

The inspirational journey of an 82-year-old WWII veteran battling cancer

Conditions
June 21, 2023

He was 82 years old when he came into our ER, writhing in excruciating abdominal pain. After an ultrasound and a subsequent CT scan, the devastating diagnosis was revealed—end stage pancreatic and liver cancer.

Despite enduring a pain level of 10, he managed to maintain his sense of humor, joking about “biting the bullet.” However, he admitted that the pain had become unbearable.

This resilient individual was not just any patient; he …

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The inspirational journey of an 82-year-old WWII veteran battling cancer

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