I returned from the glorious American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition in New Orleans, my belly, mind and heart full! Find my reflections at Doximity.
Category: Humanism
Communication is Central
My journalism degree taught me to gather info from many sources, synthesize it & communicate it clearly to others – exactly what doctors do all day. So why, when interviewing to attend medical school, was my background seen as odd? Communication is central to doctoring. We can do better. Read more here in my latest…
Mismatched
Each of us is somehow “abnormal.” All of us are embarrassed or uncomfortable about some part of ourselves. None of us is without burdens. Some are on the surface to announce to all, others are deep and in need of more excavation. In recognizing these burdens, we can find the wellspring of empathy, of acceptance,…
The World Meets in the Hospital
All corners of the world meet in the hospital. All kinds of people commit their lives to helping the sick. We are there to alleviate suffering and save lives. With these shared goals, other differences suddenly seem petty. We may differ in our belief systems, our life experiences, our opinions on policy. But when I…
How Pregnancy Made Me Listen Again
Medical school teaches us open-ended questions are best. We are told to avoid interrupting patients, allow them get their whole story out before we jump in—to prompt them only with nods or gentle “hmmm’s” and maybe a “tell me more.” But years of practice can erode this open style. Experience focuses our questioning to what…