Clinical

Matthew Nelson, DO, MPH Matthew Nelson, DO, MPH (1 Posts)

Resident Physician Contributing Writer

Family Medicine Residency Program at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center

Physician anthropologist with interest in public health, underserved medicine, social medicine, and Navajo health.




Partnerships for Health: Leveraging and Centralizing Access to Community Health Centers

Published by Matthew Nelson, DO, MPH

Health and wellness are more than a simple product of access and initiative, as such a simplified formula is only enjoyed by a very small minority. The equation becomes more complicated as new factors enter, such as unemployment or housing insecurity. Despite their importance as determinants of health, such elements are seldom addressed in the medical interaction between patient and physician, and are thus discarded in the interest of a perceived efficiency.

Eggo Waffles, Empathy, and Caring for Our Veterans

Published by Megha Shankar, MD

As a child of immigrant parents, I had limited exposure to the American military. Ironically, my sole memory of the American military exists outside of America — in Japan. I spent part of my childhood in Tokyo and fondly recall the excitement that came from visiting the American Naval Base in Yokosuka to buy “American groceries,” specifically Eggo waffles.

Unseen Song

Published by Sarah Slocum, MD

The below poem was written during a weekend away in Indianapolis. I watched an apparently homeless older gentleman sitting outside a coffee shop for several minutes while I read. It was a generous reminder that our patients should be seen in their environment and not only in our own, with fluorescent lights and temperature control. We all have different backgrounds and life circumstances and drastically effect our behaviors and choices.

How You Die: When Patients Are in Prison

Published by Manasa Mouli, MD

“Direct Admit: bounceback 72M recurrent pleural effusion, new diplopia,” my pager beeped with our new admission. As a “bounceback” admission, this 72-year-old male would be returning to our service after recently discharging from the hospital. This type of admission often indicates that a problem recurred or an issue was not fully addressed during the most recent hospitalization.

Reproductive Justice: Physician Voices Can Make a Difference

Published by Veronica Alvarez, MD, MSEd

As I contemplate the future of our country, the future of medicine and the future of reproductive health and justice, I am truly frightened of what is to come. Since our president appears to base his desires on what makes him popular, I fear that he will gut Planned Parenthood, turn over Roe v Wade, and make it even more difficult for women to afford and access care, all in the name of ego.

Family Doc Diary: December 28, 2016

Published by Phyllis Ying, MD

We are in the thick of winter and URI season is upon us. Since a few of the older providers have been out for the holidays, I have been seeing their patients for same-day sick visits. It can get tedious after a morning of telling patients why I’m not giving them antibiotics. And very easily, one can fall into a “well bias” trap where you assume everyone is fine.

Skip the Jargon and Talk to Your Patient

Published by Daniel Pepe, MD

I remember ranting to a friend one night about the terminology, lingo and semantics that run through medicine. When I started studying medicine, I found the language fascinating. Most physicians seem to appreciate the language of medicine because truly understanding it is proof that after years of studying, working, and putting nose to grindstone, you made it in to the exclusive club that utilizes this jargon.

Natassia Gaznick, MD, PhD Natassia Gaznick, MD, PhD (1 Posts)

Resident Physician Contributing Writer

University of California San Diego

Natassia Gaznick is currently a second year psychiatry resident at the University of California San Diego. She graduated from the University of Iowa with an MD and PhD in Neuroscience in 2015 after completing a research fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. She is interested in the well-being of health care practitioners with particular focus in addiction.