Category: Infectious disease

Understanding science means realizing that science doesn’t always have all of the answers

The impact of science on the well-being on our planet has never been more important than it is now. We are all looking to science and technology in a search for answers and resources. We keep watching television in search of these answers, but we are l…

A medical student about the graduate. And a lack of closure.

In this isolated and new existence, we are experiencing a collective grief. A deep, poignant distress caused by bereavement. Apart physically, but together mourning the loss of the world we once knew. Life has distinct stepping stones. Birth, death, ma…

A letter from a pulmonary physician on the sidelines

I write to the health care workers and other essential hospital personnel who are at the center of efforts to care for our neighbors during the novel coronavirus pandemic. I am a pulmonary specialist and critical care physician.  I am trained to manage…

We must support nursing home residents during COVID-19 trauma

Two months ago, I kneeled next to Sarah – an avid drinker of chocolate milk, ex-journalist, and new hospice resident – in a nursing homeroom. We had a knack for discussing emotions, and that day, our conversation reached the idea of suffering. Her pain…

Changes are needed to help today’s health care heroes

On 9/11, firefighters and other first responders rushed in to protect others, and for that, they will always be heroes. Today, health care workers are rushing in to heal those with COVID-19 – at great risk to themselves. Health care workers are the tru…

An oncologist’s prescription for managing fear and chaos in the COVID-19 pandemic

When physicians present at medical conferences, we usually start with a slide disclosing any potential conflicts of interest to our audience. I probably need to disclose two things here. First, I’m an infuriating and inexhaustible optimist. Second, I’m…

Please don’t make physicians choose

I took an oath when I graduated from medical school. The ancient, powerful words of the Hippocratic Oath are seared into the brain of every physician: “First, do no harm.” I, along with every physician who has come before me, hold myself to that standa…

During the pandemic, it’s OK to be a “good enough” parent

The social media posts exhaust me.  I see parents with colorful schedules for children to abide by during this pandemic and others who have made a zillion fabric masks to donate. Meanwhile, I’m trying to test the technology to see patients from my new …

CMS needs to permanently eliminate barriers preventing routine use of telemedicine

On March 6, 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provided a temporary waiver to expand telemedicine services, whose use was previously limited to specific circumstances. However, as the United States grapples with the unprecedente…

Please remember that patients with COVID-19 are human beings

I am a cardiology fellow at a large hospital. I plan to keep anonymity even though I don’t think there would be repercussions from my story, but in this day and age, you never know.  I was on call recently and was paged by our ED about a teenager with …