“As a former hospitalist who transitioned out of clinical practice in 2015, I’ve been deep in the physician wellness space for years. Far and away, the most effective way I’ve supported health care professionals during this time (often in my role…
Category: Psychiatry
Pride: It’s not only for the LGBTQAI+
I just finished watching an hour-long YouTube special about pride — yes, I know I’m late for Pride Month. The concept of pride is always one I’ve had trouble getting my head around. Not as a bisexual woman — that’s been relatively easy. Jus…
If Simone Biles were a doctor she would be vilified, not praised
When the greatest-of-all-time gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from the Olympics to focus on her mental wellbeing, most observers applauded her decision, viewing it as an act of courage and bravery, an eye-opener for breaking the stigma around mental heal…
Simone Biles: I am thankful for her strength under pressure
By deciding to forgo further competition in the Olympic Games this week, Simone Biles brought a spotlight to prioritizing one’s own mental health. She has shown what grace under pressure looks like. Even champions make mistakes and have the right to pr…
Calling the shots and bossing up: retirement at 52
They say we should “work until we are old enough to retire.” What age is that? For some, retirement is at 65 years, and for others, it is never. As a physician, I guess I fell in the “never” category. I never thought I would hang up my beautiful red pe…
Why it’s important to embrace dialectical thinking
“Embrace dialectical thinking, stupid!” That’s the mantra I repeat when I catch myself getting worked up about a deep-seated belief, idea, or cause. Understanding the flip side of the equation helps me to neutralize powerful negative feeli…
Anti-Asian racism and how bystander intervention training can save a life [PODCAST]
“Doctors undergo mandatory training sessions in medical school to prepare for unexpected medical emergencies. Health care workers are mandated reporters who have to undergo specific training for the purpose of identifying child and elder abuse or…
What you need to know about the updated benzodiazepine boxed warning [PODCAST]
“The FDA recommended an updated boxed warning and standardization of product labels across the drug class. They recommended judicious prescribing and a gradual taper to mitigate withdrawal reactions. While I am optimistic about these changes, the…
Pay attention to the mental health of medical trainees during COVID-19
In recent years, the medical community has recognized that burnout — a sense of exhaustion, loss of motivation, and growing cynicism — is prevalent among physicians and other medical providers. We’ve also learned that stress and burnout are exper…
The profound experience of being naked with other doctors
I am sitting in hot springs deep in the dark and crisp air woods – naked. It has been a day of lectures and workshops at a retreat with my fellow physicians. We are all naked in the effervescent, warm bubbles of the springs. In the dark, I can recogniz…
