Author's posts
An obstetrician recommends midwifery care [PODCAST]
“By denigrating midwifery care, pathologizing the natural process of birth, and instilling fear of complications and pain, doctors persuaded women to give birth at the hospital under their care. By touting the benefits of anesthesia, forceps deli…
How the residency application process has changed forever [PODCAST]
“The collective resiliency of the medical education community shone through the challenges of the past year. In medicine, physicians must adapt to all situations, and GME is no exception. Even in a pandemic, everyone adjusted as needed. Program c…
Personal attacks and sexual harassment of physicians on social media [PODCAST]
“This survey study examines the self-reports of personal attacks and sexual harassment of physicians through social media outlets. A total of 108 physicians (23.3%) reported being personally attacked on social media, with no significant differenc…
A medical student shares a story about language [PODCAST]
“My mother screamed. It meant my father needed a doctor — now. But why? We just visited the hospital days before to refill his drugs. He would be better if he used the drugs. Magic drugs. That is what he called them. I stood up from the mat where…
To achieve health equity, culturally relevant care must be the standard of care [PODCAST]
“Practicing culturally relevant care means we can account for the social determinants of health, barriers to access, and the emotional disconnect that results from the status quo, one-size-fits-all approach many patients have come to expect. It h…
Amid powerlessness, reclaim your personal power [PODCAST]
“You have more power than you realize. It’s no secret that medical providers feel structurally powerless in our chaotic health care system. Control over the volume, pace, and elements of our work often rests squarely in the hands of others. But k…
Instead of focusing on your time, focus on your energy [PODCAST]
“I can attest to the tremendous power of simply noticing these rhythms and attending to them. It’s part of a larger attempt to live a more authentic life. So much of my time over the past 20 years has been vying to achieve someone else’s standard…
Stories of surgery, clarity, and grace [PODCAST]
“My mother, bless her ninety-year-old heart, is slowing down. The things that made her happiest — getting to church, visiting friends, taking walks, and wandering the aisles in the grocery store —are increasingly difficult. She worries that her l…
Bonnie Koo on taking control of your finances and pursuing financial independence [PODCAST]
“While much of the conversation around financial independence is tied to the ability to retire early, the real prize is flexibility. I hear a lot of ‘I love what I do and will work until I die’ amongst physicians. Not so fast. Your go…
What you don’t know about pain will hurt you [PODCAST]
“If you treat chronic pain, or are someone living with it, remember this: Changing the brain can change pain. Addressing emotional health directly impacts physical health, because brain and body are always connected. Pain psychologists can serve …
