Category: KevinMD

Maternal ambivalence: the side of motherhood no one talks about

An excerpt from Maternal Ambivalence: The Loving Moments & Bitter Truths of Motherhood. What is maternal ambivalence? Motherhood is a messy, loving process, filled with complicated and conflicting feelings that, though it’s hard to admit to, …

Combating cognitive dissonance in medicine

The definition of cognitive dissonance is a feeling of mental discomfort when one holds contradictory beliefs, attitudes, or values. As physicians navigate the complex waters of medical practice, the core philosophy of patient-centered care often clash…

How innovation can reduce disparities in cancer care [PODCAST]

Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Physician executive Shamar Young discusses his article, “Geographic disparities in advanced cancer care: a call for innovation,” highlighting the uneven access…

The truth about FEMA: a lifeline in disaster response

We heard of Hurricane Irma only a handful of days before it smacked straight through 5th Avenue in my hometown. The predicted storm paths sent the hurricane sweeping through Miami—across the coast. When the storm path shifted, it was almost too late fo…

Learning the language of medicine: from student to fluent physician

Medicine is a language. Medicine is many things: an art, a science, a vocation, and a calling. A good way to make a difference, a hard way to make a living. But medicine is also a language. We learn it the way we learn any language: from the ground up….

New dietary guidelines should prioritize plants and healthy beverages

As both a physician and a certified culinary medicine specialist, I know firsthand how a nutritious diet can prevent and treat diet-related diseases. Diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions are becoming increasingly more co…

How innovative partnerships are reshaping patient safety [PODCAST]

Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Physician executive Timothy McDonald discusses his article, “How innovative partnerships are transforming patient safety in health care,” highlighting the role…

The deadly impact of the U.S. anti-abortion funding policy

As first-year medical students, we are taught to always prioritize patients over politics. However, our research in maternal health has shown us that the two are dangerously intertwined, with political decisions directly impacting the provision of heal…

The harsh reality of becoming a doctor: a dream turned nightmare

I have wanted to be a doctor since I was 12 years old. I revered my pediatrician, Dr. Helen Nash, who was a giant in our community. Growing up poor in St. Louis, it was rare to see a Black doctor. Seeing Dr. Nash—owning her own practice, helping people…

The untold toll of COVID-19: a doctor’s battle to save lives and family

Hello! Your friendly next-door ID physician here checking in! I haven’t submitted anything here in several years. I’ve been too caught up with my work and family to delve into my creative side. But the very recent news that we will have a n…