I write this letter with a heavy heart. Our story began during my sophomore year in college, but after a decade with you, I can’t help but feel our dynamic has changed. Intrusive thoughts of leaving you have etched their way to the forefront of m…
Category: Conditions
Understanding the end of the COVID public health emergency
The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented event for worldwide health care. The call to action for organizations included setting up mass testing sites to serve their communities. I helped set up multiple locations across several counties using a …
A veteran’s battle against possible lung cancer
During my night shift at the emergency department, I encountered a 72-year-old decorated war veteran named Mr. Sun. Accompanied by his concerned wife, he came to address a year-long struggle with fatigue and a non-productive cough he’d been exper…
A tale of two patients: one journey, two stories of courage
It was a busy night in the emergency department, as usual. I rushed from one patient to the next, trying to keep up with the constant stream of people coming in with various ailments and injuries. One patient, in particular, stood out to me that night….
The heartbreaking realities of being a caregiver with Huntington’s disease
An excerpt from Huntington’s Disease Heroes: Inspiring Stories of Resilience from the HD Community. These days as my father’s Huntington’s disease progresses and I take on more and more, I have learned how quickly being a caregiver ca…
Breaking the silence on mental health: Why understanding past traumas is key
Depression is a complex and multifaceted illness that affects millions of people worldwide. For a long time, the prevailing explanation for depression has been that a chemical imbalance in the brain causes it, and I, like many other clinicians, accepte…
Childhood obesity in the U.S.: a growing health crisis affecting millions and demanding action from pediatric health care practitioners
Childhood obesity has become a health crisis in the U.S. across all socioeconomic levels. CDC statistics from 2017 through 2020 indicate the following for children and adolescents ages two through 19: Obesity prevalence was 19.7 percent and affected ab…
Unlocking the secrets to aging gracefully: How to keep your spine young
An excerpt from The Spine Encyclopedia: Everything You’ve Wanted to Know about Back and Neck Pain but Were Too Afraid to Ask. As we age, our cells become less functional, and bodily tissues lose the ability to replenish and regenerate. The spine …
From uncertainty to certainty: Finding the cause of seizures in a young patient
It was a Tuesday evening when I received a call from the emergency room that a young lady had been brought in after experiencing seizures. I quickly walked over to the ER, preparing myself for what was to come. As I walked through the entrance, I could…
The secret to staying alert during night shifts: coffee naps and more
Working night shifts in health care, particularly emergency medicine, requires maintaining alertness and focus during extended hours. I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges and risks associated with sleep deprivation, including a frightening i…
