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
More Than Skin Deep
Sometimes a rash is more than superficial. Without looking beyond the skin, its cause can remain undiscovered. Read more in my latest piece in Discover magazine … subscribe (all whole year for just the cost of a few fancy […]
The Spider
“That’s no Brooklyn spider!” I thought. When an extra moment, another question, a chat about a spider brings the truth. Read all about it in my latest piece in Academic Medicine – a short but memorable lesson from the ward when […]
The Worry
“Another nosebleed?” I sighed to the nurse. “Yup, just one good old nosebleed, now stopped of course,” she replied. “Room 7 – Lucas*. Cute kid, but nervous.” The emergency department was filling quickly. Thankfully, this could be a quick in-and-out […]
The Doorknob
“And oh, um, I feel like I’ve been gaining weight,” I said hesitantly. The doctor was about to exit, her hand on the doorknob, “But it’s just in my belly.” After the usual questions and admonitions, a brief […]