Ten years ago, as a new graduate, I sought an academic job that would protect my time for research. I was surprised to find that I was “unqualified”: I had no research funding and few published manuscripts. With these deficits, no instituti…
Category: Oncology/Hematology
The power of liquid biopsies and the challenge of health care disparities
Laura Nuttall was diagnosed with deadly brain cancer at the age of 18 after going for a routine eye exam. She completed an incredible bucket list, which included meeting Michelle Obama, driving a monster truck, and commanding a Royal Navy warship befor…
The inspirational journey of an 82-year-old WWII veteran battling cancer
He was 82 years old when he came into our ER, writhing in excruciating abdominal pain. After an ultrasound and a subsequent CT scan, the devastating diagnosis was revealed—end stage pancreatic and liver cancer. Despite enduring a pain level of 10, he m…
Patients with chest numbness following mastectomy may experience lower quality of life
Imagine not being able to fully feel a hug from your loved ones. Not being able to feel your baby’s head nuzzled against your chest. Feeling like a part of your body doesn’t belong to you. These side effects are common following a mastectom…
Surviving multiple cancers: a tale of blessings and exceptional doctors
Although it could be said that I’ve been very “unlucky” over the past couple of years due to surgeries and treatments for three separate cancers, I feel blessed by how “lucky” I have been to have had a combination of outst…
A physician’s fight against insurance denials [PODCAST]
Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes! Join us in this compelling podcast episode as we dive into the world of insurance denials and the challenges faced by physicians and patients. Our guest, Jennifer Lycette, is not only a rur…
How excessively regulating doctors can harm patients
According to the American Board of Medical Specialties, its program for maintenance of certification (MOC) serves the patients, families, and communities of the United States and improves patient care by establishing high standards for ongoing learning…
Proposed USPSTF guideline update: Advocating for earlier breast cancer screening at age 40
Pop Quiz: At what age do medical experts recommend women of average risk for breast cancer begin receiving screening mammograms? 40 45 50 All of the above. If you answered “D,” you are correct. Confused? I don’t blame you. Medical soc…
The rising threat of lung cancer in Asian American female nonsmokers
“It’s adenocarcinoma,” said the voice on the other end of the phone. I couldn’t believe it. “Lung cancer? Me? How could that be? I’ve never smoked!” Shock, disbelief, and disappointment filled all the nooks and…
Heartwarming stories of cancer patients teaching us about life and the human spirit
I felt uneasy starting my oncology and leukemia rotations. These patients were so sick, and many of them had incurable cancer, often just weeks or days away from death. I wondered how I could help them, what we could do if we couldn’t treat their…
