Recently, I found myself in need of surgery, a situation I had not faced in many years. The vulnerability I experienced as a patient was more intense than I ever anticipated. Despite my role as a doctor who often considers patients’ emotional wel…
Category: primary care
When saving lives leads to losing your own
I didn’t know them well. They were primary care doctors on the hospital staff where I served on the Medical Executive Committee. They provided care to the most vulnerable members of our community, both in the hospital and their offices. I feel gu…
When empathy becomes “toxic”
For years, empathy has been seen as a moral virtue that binds relationships, the antidote to pain and suffering while caring for patients. But lately, empathy is facing a surprising backlash in society and the medical profession. From being called R…
Calling for a heart surgeon: a plea for change
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve typed out a broken heart emoji in response to yet another tragedy, I’d probably be able to take a break from work for a while. But here I am—because I love what I do despite it all. There are many days …
The quiet shift: Practicing presence in the fast-paced medical profession
I’m in this place of noticing—not reacting—simply noticing the dance between myself and my environment, in the clinical setting and beyond. I’m noticing myself in conversation with colleagues. I’m asking the tough questions I hadnR…
From the other side of the table: a plea for empathy
Unless you’ve lived it, you can’t fully understand. We’ve all cared for patients with cancer. We’ve delivered hard news, sat beside bedsides, explained scan results, and offered hope when we could. We’ve been the calm in t…
From healers to influencers: How fear took over health care advice
How or when did physicians move from being teachers and healers who comfort and ease fear and pain to fear-inducing informational social media establishments? I am a huge fan of sharing information and using tools and technology to do so with a larger …
Why health care workers deserve more than a thank you [PODCAST]
Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Anesthesiologist Colleen Naglee discusses her article, “We should tip health care workers too.” Colleen reflects on the rise of tipping culture in everyday ser…
The modern health care professional: How to combine skills from different fields to redefine your career
Gone are the days when careers followed linear paths and job titles neatly fit into predefined boxes. Today’s health care industry celebrates versatility, and hybrid professionals are redefining what it means to succeed. A hybrid health care prof…
Why health care is collapsing under corporate greed [PODCAST]
Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Family nurse practitioner Bettina Reed discusses her article, “The hidden crisis in health care: How corporate greed is destroying patient care.” Drawing from …
