Category: KevinMD

The 2 calamities killing Americans: COVID-19 and racism

There are two calamities killing Americans: COVID-19 and racism. One is novel, and the other is perennial. It is not coincidental that black Americans have died of COVID-19 at almost three times the rate of white people. Both biological and socioeconom…

What’s next for medical students? The path is not so clear.

The evolving COVID-19 outbreak has generated concern for students across a variety of disciplines.  While some might believe the healthcare sector is protected in the setting of a pandemic, rising medical graduates are realizing they, too, are not immu…

The divorced physician parent in the time of COVID-19

I’d like to focus on a group that isn’t discussed much: the divorced health care parent.  With physician marriages ending at a rate of 24 percent and over 1 million physicians and 18 million health care workers in the U.S., this topic will undoubtedly …

Health care workers need policy changes, not just applause

While the COVID-19 pandemic has been straining our health care system, public support for health care workers has never been greater. Every evening for a few minutes, neighborhoods across the country erupt into enthusiastic cheering and instrumental no…

We should be collectively tired as a society

Here we are again, mourning the death of another black person at the hands of the people that are supposed to protect and defend our rights. Another casualty in the 400+ year struggle that we have had in this country to be granted the same right to lib…

The health effects of a bad economy may be worse than COVID-19

Thinking that it was time to think about what sort of long-term mask I would like to procure to wear in public as the summer approaches, I got to thinking, what sort of mask defines me as a person? Is it the stagecoach robber triangular bandana? Is it …

Empathy is a crucial component when working with older adults [PODCAST]

“Empathy is more than just loving an elderly loved one. It is more than simply making the decision we may feel is best for our loved one. Empathy is different from sympathy. Empathy means putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes and making an in…

A subtle change in the parents at a pediatric clinic

Currently, we are in a transition time. Many of us are still healing from the shock brought on by the beginning days of the COVID crisis. While it has been nice to enjoy the warmer weather both from a distance but also amongst friends given the lifting…

How MOC is contributing to the demise of physicians

Let me start by saying that I am a diplomate (i.e., “board-certified”) by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. I was completely in agreement that to display competence in my specialty after four years of residency, I should pass …

You’re outraged by police brutality and racism. OK, now what?

You are outraged. You realize you are part of the problem. You abhor rampant, unchecked police brutality and centuries of systemic, institutionalized racism. It sickens you. OK, awesome. Now what? In recent days following the death of George Floyd and …