Category: Conditions

Providing clarity in behavioral health: How patients, providers, and payers can benefit from measurement-informed care

Mental health conditions are among the most common health concerns in the United States, with 1 in 5 adults living with a mental illness. Yet those who need care have long been faced with issues of access, understanding, and stigma. While the coronavir…

A mother’s harrowing hospital experience

An excerpt from NERVE: Surviving Medical Madness. “There are moments which mark your life. Moments when you realize nothing will ever be the same and time is divided into two parts, before this and after this.” — N. Kazan It was a peaceful,…

An ankle away: the urgent call to listen to our bodies

In 2017, amidst the routine of caregiving for my elderly father, I experienced a sudden and unexpected turn of events that brought me face to face with an undeniable truth: the importance of knowing and listening to our bodies. I slipped on a carpet an…

Working with your patients to promote healthy brain aging

As a behavioral neurologist and professor in the departments of neurology, psychiatry, and physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Pennsylvania, my research focuses on using noninvasive brain stimulation technologies to help people wi…

Beyond burnout: Normalizing psychotherapy for burned-out physicians and nurses

We have a big problem in this country. A recent poll found that half of U.S. physicians are still burned out. When Medscape surveyed 9,000 physicians across 29 specialties this year, they found that 49% of physicians report being burned out, and 20% re…

Suicide risks for international medical resident trainees

Suicide among resident physicians is a critical issue highlighted in various studies. Research indicates that depression is prevalent among resident physicians, with rates comparable to medical students, suggesting a pervasive problem across different …

The unspoken challenges of being a medical resident’s wife

The journey of a medical resident is often documented, highlighting the grueling hours, intense pressure, and significant responsibilities that come with the role. However, behind the scenes lies another story that is seldom told—the challenges faced b…

Microplastics and fertility: Uncovering the hidden risks to reproductive health

Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, have permeated our environment, showing up in oceans, air, and even our food. These particles are a growing concern due to their potential impact on human health and fertility. Recent studie…

How quality sleep can be your secret weapon for effective weight loss

Imagine snuggling up in bed and drifting off into dreamland after a long day. Did you know that those precious hours of sleep could be more than just time for rest? Let’s explore the interesting connection between sleep and weight loss and why ge…

Building the future of African plastic surgery: Igniting passion in medical students

Recently, I completed a rotation at the plastic surgery department of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Reflecting on this experience, I realized a few things. My perception of plastic surgery practice was naive and uninformed. This experience has bee…