A couple of years ago I saw a rheumatologist for a problem that developed in my fingers. After obtaining my history and performing a thorough physical examination, the specialist ordered 32 blood tests in an attempt to determine the cause … Continue reading →
I’ve always been the kind of doctor who enjoys engaging in dialogue with patients and families. I encourage them to ask questions about their health and about the recommendations I provide. A thoughtful question will occasionally prompt me to do … Continue reading →
I had a difficult time helping to care for my father, primarily because it represented one more ball thrown in the air for me to juggle during a time when I was struggling to achieve balance in my own life. … Continue reading →
I had surgery in May 2016. Within 60 days I received and paid bills for the services provided by the four physicians involved in my care– the Emergency Room physician, the radiologist, the anesthesiologist, and the surgeon. 8 months after … Continue reading →
The doctor-patient relationship can be challenging. Today’s health care system does not facilitate the development of a meaningful connection; in fact, it tends to impair this crucial relationship. Solo practitioners, 30-minute appointments, and house calls are mostly fond memories from … Continue reading →
We all want our parents to live as long as possible, but seeing them deteriorate can be heartbreaking. I didn’t have the benefit of watching my mother age, as she passed away at the age of 49 from complications of … Continue reading →
My father had two nursing home stays. I remember sitting with my sisters as we met with the first facility’s director. She discussed what would happen if our dad required an extended stay and how he would be personally responsible … Continue reading →
The first time my father had to go to a nursing home, my sisters and I were incredibly nervous about choosing a facility for him. The hospital’s case manager provided a list of nursing homes in the area and we … Continue reading →
During one of my dad’s more frustrating hospitalizations my sisters and I were having a very difficult time communicating with the doctors. We provided them with numerous examples of his confusion and disorganized thoughts. We had significant concerns about his … Continue reading →
My mother was diagnosed with leukemia in 1993. She died from complications in June of 1995. I was a new wife, a new mother, and a second-year medical student. Needless to say, the one commodity I did not have in … Continue reading →
