Author's posts
How poor communication is killing patients and burning out doctors
As an emergency room physician with 20 years of experience, I’ve witnessed countless moments where patients come to the ER not because their symptoms demand urgent care, but because they lack understanding about their own medical conditions. Thes…
The ER doctor who became the new PCP
I am a family physician by training, and I thank God every day for that foundation. About a decade ago, I transitioned to emergency medicine, thinking I’d left primary care behind. Back then, primary care problems—hypertension, diabetes, routine …
Reviving the emotional flatline: Addressing burnout in health care professionals
As an emergency room physician with over 20 years of experience, I’ve faced countless moments of emotional intensity—saving lives, delivering difficult news, and navigating the chaos of a health care system stretched to its limits. Yet, it wasn&#…
How burnout nearly killed me—and what doctors must do to survive
I’ve wanted to be a doctor since I was 12. Growing up, I idolized my pediatrician, Dr. Helen Nash, one of the first Black female physicians in St. Louis. Her warmth and competence left a lasting impression on me. Medicine became my calling, my pu…
How a mid-flight emergency taught me to put myself first
It’s crack-of-dawn early, and I’m on a flight. Working swing ER shifts has left me exhausted, barely packed, and running on fumes. But hey, as long as I’ve got my passport and clean underwear, I’m good to go. There’s a mal…
The oxygen mask principle: a critical lesson in health care self-preservation
In the high-stakes world of health care, medical professionals are renowned for their selfless dedication to patient care. They work long hours, navigate complex medical challenges, and consistently prioritize the needs of others. Yet, within this cult…
The hidden cost of neglecting self-care: the autoimmune connection
Imagine your immune system as a vigilant guardian suddenly turning against the body it’s meant to protect. This is the reality of autoimmune diseases—a group of complex conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, leading …
