“Clunk.” The second set of double doors automatically locked behind me with an audible delayed electric thud. I looked up at the clerk at the nursing station. A sudden irrational fear went through my mind, “What if she doesn’t recognize me on the way out?” I’m a medical student, and this is a psyche ward. …Read More
Category: Physician
Want to Get Great at Something? Get a Coach
“I learned everything I need to know in medical school.” In one model of education, we learn from experts. They teach us what we need to know. They equip us with the knowledge and the skills to enter the real world. As we are pushed or jump out of the nest, we begin to fly …Read More
Storytelling Benefits Healthcare Workers
“So how is our friend, Anne, today?” Immediately, my mind struggles with anxiety. I run thought the litany of options, “She’s ok.” “I don’t know.” “I can’t answer that question.” “I’m not sure.” …. I return the friendly smile as I ponder the question, and I say jokingly, “I’m not sure. We’ll have to ask …Read More
Stigma & Medicine ~ Nathalia Holt, PhD
“We can’t possibly change medicine until we change opinions.”~ Dr. Nathalia Holt, PhD In 1940, Mary Woodward Lasker married Albert Lasker, a retired advertising executive. This union would change the face of medical research. Together, they launched a campaign to promote medical research. They did not just donate money to researchers. They did not just …Read More
A Doctor’s Touch ~ Abraham Verghese
“The doctor did not even touch me,” a patient complains about a recent visit to an emergency room. The diagnostic tool of the physical examination fades into the background as more modern diagnostic tools take over. In a strange paradox, technology allows the doctor to peer deep inside the body, but at the same time …Read More
Operating Theater
It is a splendor to behold. Hidden in the recessed bowels of the building. Down in the basement. Long halls with windowless rooms. Bright lights. Down here it is always daytime. The operating rooms of the University hospital live in the snaked caverns of the basement. The floors and walls tiled. Industrial cleaners creating a …Read More
The way out is through the window
“The way out is through the window.” The invisible thought ricocheted in my head and came out as a silent whisper. Mr. Peabody was an 73-year-old in the last stages of death. He was comatose, and I was meeting him for the first time. I was taking over his care as the attending doctor for …Read More
First time
I nearly fainted. My vision goes gray, a cold sweat comes over me, and my knees buckle. I look for the nearest seat. There in the corner. I hope no one noticed. I’m a new medical student assigned to this patient. The resident said I should watch and see how this is done. This is …Read More
“Doc, will you help me die?”
It was my first day on service at the hospital ward. I had a list of patients already admitted from the previous doctor. For the next week, I would be responsible for their care. I read over the electronic charts of the first three patients. Then, with white coat, stethoscope, and a few notes, I …Read More
Watch an actual TeleHeath Energy Healing Session
Want to see an actual distance healing session? I’ve been doing energy healing sessions by telephone with some of my clients. This had been really helpful in TeleHealth sessions. Exploring physical complaints, emotional imbalance like anxiety and mood, even life challenges like “I just don’t feel right,” I have been continually impressed by the power …Read More