Category: primary care

My journey through the parable of American health care

The parable of the Chinese farmer is a story with many versions. In shorthand, it goes something like this: a farmer’s horse escapes – the neighbors say, “How terrible!” The farmer says, “Maybe.” The horse returns, b…

Honoring our trusted family physician

As a family doctor, I want to extend my gratitude to my colleague and friend who has transitioned from primary care to weight management as of January 1, 2024. This serves as a reminder that primary care thrives on heartfelt connections, which remain f…

When this doctor gets a zero star rating

I can’t stop thinking about “customer satisfaction,” which is weird because I don’t actually have customers. I’m a primary care doctor for a group of patients in Martinsburg, WV, and have done so for almost twenty years. A…

Harmonies of medicine: the biopsychosocial symphony

In the heartstrings of medicine, a symphony resonates—a tale of profound connections and compassionate care. Envision a middle-aged man thrust into a harrowing journey: diagnosed suddenly with a life-threatening vascular disease, haunted by depression …

Bringing vital medical care to St. Lucia’s underserved

Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is seemingly simple: we are to join forces with another non-profit group in order to deliver medical care to those that need it most on St. Lucia, a West Indian island nation variously colonized by the Englis…

Breaking boundaries in health care: untold stories of triumph and transformation [PODCAST]

Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Join Kim Downey, a physical therapist, alongside Brittany Lamb, an emergency physician, and Adam Harrison, a physician, lawyer, and leadership coach. Together, they share …

Doctors speak out against toxic work conditions

I’m in a global private physician Facebook group, and I learn a great deal about health care, both good and bad, from other doctors. Because it is private, doctors share a lot of personal practice issues as well as challenging cases from which we…

What does it mean to be a great doctor?

Like most existential questions, the answer to this question really depends on who you ask. A patient may have one answer, and a physician a completely different response. Ask ten people, and you’re likely to get ten different replies. What does …

Building expertise through collaboration [PODCAST]

Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Join emergency physicians Resa E. Lewiss and Adaira Landry as they delve into the power of collaboration in developing subject matter expertise. Discover how their monthly…

From scrubs to success: Mastering health care attire [PODCAST]

Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes! Join retired cardiologist and physician coach Sarah Samaan as we explore the significance of professional attire in health care. Discover how clothing choices impact patient perceptions, ge…