Author's posts
The surprising power of laughter and creativity in medical training
Teaching is a blast! As an attending, I love to employ offbeat methods, with absurdity and humor, at times skirting the edge of political incorrectness, all for the purpose of enhancing one’s medical education. Educating medical students and resi…
Inside the grueling life of a surgery intern
One day, you find yourself on the edge, peering into the abyss. Then someone pushes you in. Welcome to the first day as a surgery intern. Few folks outside of medicine fully fathom the rigors a doctor must endure during post-graduate training. From the…
The myth of wealthy doctors: Why business education is vital for every physician
“Money makes the world go ’round.” Whether you believe this this figurative adage or not, it is a hard truth. Money is ubiquitous; it pervades everyday life. And money is the cornerstone of business. So I’m shocked to hear ̶…
Bring the real You to your workplace
Life is short, so make yours extraordinary. Capitalize on what makes you, YOU, and be your own unapologetic self. The Almighty designed us as unique but imperfect and flawed individuals, prone to sin and blundering error. But that’s the great par…
Stop and smell the cadavers
Medical students are an odd bunch. At least in my day. Warning: The following may seem a little distasteful, violating the doctrine of proper decorum expected of medical professionals. I feel your anguish for those bent to the more sensitive side, but …
Hearing loss is a significant public health problem
Hearing loss can be a real pain in the rear. Aside from its annoyance on friends and loved ones, it can pose a significant health problem. For instance, there is growing evidence linking hearing loss and dementia. Yes, impaired hearing can lead to deme…
Giving up the knife: Saying goodbye to surgery
This year, I stopped doing surgery — giving up the knife, so to speak. It wasn’t an easy decision to make. I’ve been a surgeon for 32 years since graduating from medical school. It’s been a distinct part of who I am for most of my lif…
