<span itemprop="author">Tomi Mitchell, MD

Author's posts

Physician gaslighting looks like this

As physicians, we are often collectively gaslit—made to believe that somehow, we are responsible for system failures. Many physicians are brainwashed to “drink the Kool-Aid” and accept phrases like, “This is the way things have always…

Imagine if doctors billed like lawyers

Let’s play a little game of “What if?” Tune into your creative side for a few minutes—imagine, just for a second, if we billed like lawyers. I know, I know… I’m not saying we should, but imagine. Please let that sink in for a mo…

Your baby is fine; her lips aren’t blue

I remember these words as if it were yesterday. Those memories are etched into my mind forever. I can’t forget them, nor do I want to, because I know that these experiences are not unique to me but happen all too often. When my second child was f…

Decoding burnout: the complex symptoms and hidden tolls in health care

Deciphering burnout can sometimes feel like interpreting the orders of your favorite attending physician. Though I don’t consider myself “old,” I started my medical career before electronic medical records, when paper charts were the …

What’s love got to do with it? The emotional toll of the practice of medicine.

In medicine, we are taught to be professional and, at all times, to keep our emotions at bay. While this approach may work for some professionals, it is particularly challenging in medicine, especially in primary care. As a family physician, I have wit…

10 harsh truths doctors must understand to avoid burnout

In the high-stakes world of medicine, doctors are revered for their dedication to saving lives and providing compassionate care. However, behind the white coats and stethoscopes lies a harsh reality that many health care professionals often overlook—th…

The battle of the bulge: The struggle is real

The economic impact of obesity looms large, casting a shadow over both individual well-being and national prosperity. Beyond the personal struggles and societal pressures surrounding weight management, the financial ramifications of obesity ripple thro…

Shedding some weight on the health care crisis

In today’s world, the term “obesity” is more than just a medical diagnosis—it’s a complex issue intertwined with personal experiences, societal norms, and systemic challenges. As a seasoned family doctor, I’ve witnessed fi…

“No” can be a complete sentence

Nope, nada, no gracias, non, rara—they may sound different, but they all mean the same thing: no. In our world of instant messaging, the immediate gratification society seems to have lost the ability to unplug, unwind, and say no to unnecessary demands…

Truth be told: We have a leadership crisis, not a health care crisis

In the annals of history, the transformative impact of a few courageous leaders has left an indelible mark, altering the course of nations and reshaping the face of societies. From the visionary leadership of figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mand…