Too often, we physicians find what we expect to find … we assume and too quickly close our minds to other possibilities. One patient – a regular in the emergency department for his methamphetamine use disorder – taught me how […]
By Its Cover
It’s Nothing
“I spent time and money to go to the doctor, and she said my cough was nothing – just a virus!” the man ahead of me in line at the coffee shop bemoaned to his wife, “What a waste.” […]
Tea and Scones – and Cancer
It took travel to a different country and a few bouts with cancer to finally make me realize the importance of self-care, particularly as one who cares for others. We must fill up our cups if we want to feed […]
Twelve Years
Twelve years. That’s as far as the survival curve went. First it step-laddered down to about 75 percent at five years. That’s good, I thought, right? But then it steepened, plateauing at 40 percent. When you’re diagnosed, they warn […]
Beyond Blackwell
“Mary is sharp as a tack!,” my grandmother marveled, “And she’s excited to meet you.” We walked down the quiet carpeted hall of my grandmother’s retirement community toward Mary’s apartment. She opened the door, eyes bright and snow-white hair […]