“I now say getting divorced was one of the best things that ever happened to me. Through that painful circumstance, I rediscovered me. I learned more about myself and my ability to do hard things than at any point in my life since medical trainin…
Category: Psychiatry
The pandemic’s epidemic: opioid use disorder and subpar suboxone access
The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated America’s health, taking more than 500 thousand American lives, upending the economy, and perpetuating racial health disparities. It also has worsened the country’s ongoing opioid use disorder (OUD) epidemic. In fac…
Solving imposter syndrome in physicians [PODCAST]
“The good news is that imposter syndrome can be quieted with increased awareness and replacing negative internal messages with positive ones. In our work together, I helped Sheila identify the voices, understand the positive role the voices fill …
The updated benzodiazepine boxed warning: What you need to know
“I am [sharing] my story as I would like to raise awareness about the dangers of benzodiazepines and advocate for stronger warning labels.” I paused to wipe away tears before typing the final words of Bobbi’s report into the FDA’s MedWatch online repor…
Vulnerability is challenging but necessary for health care professionals [PODCAST]
“In the world of medicine, inordinate stress is instead accepted as just part of the job. If you can’t handle the heat, get out of the kitchen — or see a therapist on your own time and dime. I strongly believe that traditional therapy and p…
You’re not alone: Clinicians and the need to address grief
Health care workers pride themselves on their ability to be empathetic but professional. Many of us calmly deliver news of adverse outcomes and prognoses to patients and family members every day, then go home to a family or personal life, and try to co…
The confusing policy surrounding the buprenorphine X-waiver
In the waning days of the Trump administration, a surprising announcement came down from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that the barrier required to write buprenorphine prescriptions for opioid use disorder would be lifted via reform…
When the teen with depression and anxiety is yours
Every week, I see a teen with depression and/or anxiety. Sometimes that teen is mine. And while I can certainly opine over the lack of mental health resources for our children and teens — you have to be a certain age, you have to have certain insurance…
Duchess vs. doctor: Why Meghan Markle’s mental health matters to me
Whether you like her or not, Meghan is speaking openly about suicide. For that, I am thankful. In her interview with Oprah, The Duchess of Sussex shared her suicidal thoughts—and how she was obstructed from mental health care, told to “tough it out” an…
Physician suicide: We need safe spaces to talk about it
Three years ago, I met Dr. Boyce Fish*, the ER physician revived after suicide. I also met Rachel Dawson, wife of Dr. Chris Dawson who killed himself and his two children. We all sat in red ballroom chairs in a room with nothing in it, but it felt full…
