Category: KevinMD

The actor will see you now: the evolving role of a physician in a pandemic

It wasn’t very long into medical school when I realized that the role of a physician feels just like that—a role. As a former high school thespian, I recall my Step 2 CS exam feeling a lot like a series of auditions—convincing twelve standardized patie…

How can you be in a relationship with someone if you don’t speak the same language?

There is nothing more indelible than the words of an unhappy patient. In fact, in the past ten years, I can count on one hand the number of patients who have expressed dissatisfaction either in person, online, or on patient portals.  Even though negati…

I’ll reward businesses that are seriously implementing recommended COVID-19 precautionary guidelines

As stores, restaurants, airlines and offices try to lure clients back, this is what they need to do to earn my business: Make me feel safe — no, make me be as safe as possible. As I’ve begun to explore old haunts, some are doing a fabulous job. Others …

The science of compassion

As more and more human lives get sadly sucked into this viral rabbit hole, devoured by this haughty virus, in a physically and socially distanced world, the internet seems more than a soul connection, and one cannot ignore the human cacophony around. H…

Infertility: Where uncertainty is the only thing that is certain

Physicians love to feel in control. We thrive in environments where we feel we can predict the outcome. Do well in medical school and on boards—you will get into a residency. Take the statin—it will improve your cholesterol. Do the screening colonoscop…

Patient advocacy is more important now than ever [PODCAST]

“In the best of times (and these are certainly not), all patients need advocates all the time; now more than ever, vulnerable patients need them more but don’t have access to them. Vulnerable populations have more at stake when visitors are limit…

Primary care pearls from trending CME/CE courses on Pri-Med.com

This article is sponsored by Pri-Med.com. As a clinician during this challenging time, it’s critical to have access to timely, reliable information. Pri-Med, a leading medical education provider, has developed new courses on COVID-19 and other relevant…

The role of physician assitants during the pandemic

As the world battles COVID-19, summer has turned to autumn, and a new chill is in the air. With this change, even in a pandemic, comes the flu season. As a physician assistant (PA), one concern for my patients’ health is the possibility that many will …

Uphold your Hippocratic Oath by advocating for action on climate change

Dear Class of 2024, You are embarking on a career in medicine during one of the most pivotal times in our nation’s history. Each of you has an intimate experience with COVID-19, whether through first-hand contact with the disease or through the efforts…

Rapid changes to AOA inclusion are inequitable

The social unrest that has erupted in the wake of the George Floyd murder has prompted many U.S. professional organizations, including those dedicated to medical education, to make changes to advance racial and socioeconomic equity. Right now, a fierce…