Author's posts
The dichotomy of patient health literacy
“You sure know a lot about your condition.” Many patients with long-term illnesses have heard this. When it comes from a medical professional, it’s never a compliment. It’s a statement that is usually, at best, laced with disapp…
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: Overcoming doctor bias for a life-changing diagnosis
“Do you have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?” It wasn’t a question I expected during an ophthalmology appointment. It was, however, one I’d been asked before. Two other specialists had suggested I might have connective tissue issues, but noth…
The untold struggles patients face with resident doctors
They’re very easy to spot. Sometimes it’s the crisp, brand-new lab coat or the shadows under their eyes. Often it’s announced in large letters on their ID badge. Or the badge is hidden, which is also a tell. If they’re trying to…
There’s no one to drive your patient home
There’s a particular bit of conversation I hope never to hear when my doctors are discussing surgery or testing. Not the details of the procedure. Not the possible outcome. Not the pain (and let’s be real, we all know “some discomfort…
