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 […]
Mismatched
Getting Results
Receiving important test results is usually stressful – but this stress can be addressed. Online patient portals aren’t necessarily the way to do that. As physicians, we need to be mindful of how our patients want results communicated. My experience […]
Outside the Exam Room
It seems that lately, doctors spend more of our time working to prove to patients that our counsel, informed by years of rigorous training, should be trusted more than their cousin’s Facebook post, a random Wikipedia page, or a stranger’s […]
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.” […]
Keep Healthy Infants at Home
“Too often, weary parents brave icy roads and sleep deprivation, their bodies still healing from Cesarean sections or vaginal tears, to make sure their newborn’s rash or sleep pattern or congestion is not serious. We try to shelter them in […]