As I approach 25 years of practicing medicine in the same community where my parents dedicated 50 years to their medical careers, I’ve been privileged to develop lasting relationships with individuals who have entrusted me with their health care….
Category: primary care
A Cuba missionary journey: Witnessing faith amidst hardship
I had the honor and privilege of visiting Cuba for a missionary trip this past week. As I ponder that amazing time, I will put my thoughts in this essay. Cuba is a small, sad country in the Caribbean. While one can see the tropical beauty and its forme…
The hidden costs of “free” medical interpretation
He is a typical patient of our academic primary care internal medicine practice: elderly, frail, and with several complex conditions, including a history of a liver transplant requiring chronic immunosuppression, recurrent venous thrombosis requiring t…
A new vision for success beyond the American dream
Being a first-generation immigrant growing up in the conservative South, I followed the “traditional” vision board. At the age of 40, I reached the American dream: successful mommy doctor entrepreneur, married, raising three kids, living in…
A physician’s compassion in action
As soon as my stethoscope makes contact with her chest wall, I can hear the wheezing. Not quite as loud as last time, but still there, persistently announcing itself with every exhale. I step back and look into her brown eyes, which are searching mine,…
The challenge of seeking joy: Navigating the current health care maze
Before delving into the heart of joy’s pursuit, it’s essential to grasp the complexities faced by medical professionals in today’s health care environment. The modern health care system, with all its advancements, presents unique chal…
Inside Appalachia’s health crisis [PODCAST]
Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes! We welcome Ryan McCarthy, an internal medicine physician, to delve into the multifaceted challenges of providing primary care in Appalachia. Ryan shares his firsthand experiences from Marti…
Physician burnout’s little voice [PODCAST]
Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes! Join Dike Drummond, a family practice physician, as he brings his rich experience and deep understanding of the medical profession to discuss a critical issue that touches many in the healt…
8 tips to engage patients, improve outcomes, and increase provider satisfaction
The media is full of stories about providers’ influence on the patient experience. Less common are articles about how patient engagement influences provider satisfaction—and the vicious cycle generated by lack of patient engagement, provider diss…
The lost dream of a small-town doctor
As a child, I was a daydreamer, especially in algebra class. Picture this: my teacher, reminiscent of Droopy Dog but on a heavy dose of barbiturates, droned on from the textbook. And just like that, my mind would escape – soaring out of the window of m…
