Today I want to speak into something we don’t talk about enough. In a world where female physicians are constantly pulled in every direction—as doctors, mothers, wives, daughters—we often forget our own personhood. Between closing charts, answeri…
Category: primary care
From isolation to innovation: the power of learning communities in health care
Many years ago, I thought I was going to be a mechanical engineer. My studies revolved around case-based learning and field work, all of which I enjoyed immensely. Then I learned about biomedical engineering and decided to go to medical school. For the…
Fitness, mindset, and nutrition: Unlocking longevity after 60 [PODCAST]
Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Interventional physiatrist Francisco M. Torres discusses his article “The key to longevity: fitness, mindset, and nutrition.” He challenges societal assumption…
Reuniting with a colleague reminded me why I love being a doctor
Imagine walking through the hospital and seeing a colleague you haven’t worked with in years. The moment your eyes meet, a giant smile spreads across both of your faces—pure, genuine joy. There’s an instant connection, an unspoken recogniti…
A philosophical shift: the doctor’s journey into the role of patient
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…
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…
