Author's posts
When protocols fail: lessons from Trump’s attempted assassination and medical errors
The breakdown in security leading to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump can be compared to the multifactorial failure inherent in medical errors. Both scenarios involve complex systems where multiple layers of defense and prevention are design…
Administrative harm is destroying the practice of medicine
“Rules and regulations, who needs them? Throw them out the door.” — Graham Nash (lyrics), from “Chicago,” sung by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Business entrepreneur and billionaire Michael B. Kim recently was quoted as saying: “Le…
President Biden’s debate performance: episode or condition?
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said that it is valid for people to ask whether Joe Biden’s June 27, 2024 debate performance against Donald Trump, which was weak at best and incoherent at worst, was just “an episode” or p…
Scams perpetrated on authors by impersonators and bad actors
Shortly after publishing a book, I received what seemed like a promising film adaptation offer from a reputable-sounding company. Despite initial excitement, I discovered it was a sophisticated scam. This experience taught me to stay vigilant and verif…
The risks of digital health companies to psychiatric patients
In early 2022, during the coronavirus pandemic, I considered practicing psychiatry via telehealth. I looked into two telemental-health companies in particular—Cerebral and Done Global, Inc. (hereafter “Done”)—and turned them both down. I di…
How the time-honored tradition of a baseball catch became a “test” for a brain injury
I find myself becoming more passionate with age, swept into a sea of emotions during certain movie scenes, and even crying during my favorite rock songs as the lyrics and melody crescendo and become one. The brain’s ability to adapt and change ov…
Appreciate the people in your life: How simple words can make a big difference
One of my all-time favorite quotes from the original Star Trek episodes (“Balance of Terror”) is spoken by Dr. McCoy to Captain Kirk: “In this galaxy, there’s a mathematical probability of three million Earth-type planets. And i…
Why do physicians – and psychiatrists in particular – write?
All writers want recognition of some sort. No? Recognition can take many forms, such as positive feedback, awards, or simply the knowledge that their work is being read and appreciated. However, it is important to note that motivation can vary among wr…
Why every picture tells a medical story
The ancient adage, “Every picture paints a story,” is a testament to the power of visual imagery in conveying narratives, emotions, and ideas. This phrase encapsulates the ability of images to tell tales without using a single word, to tran…
Second opinions are no laughing matter
The practice of seeking second opinions in medicine has a long history, dating back to ancient times. The concept is deeply rooted in the ethical and professional principles of medical practice. In ancient Greece, Hippocrates, often considered the fath…
