Opinions

Juliana E. Morris, MD, EdM Juliana E. Morris, MD, EdM (2 Posts)

Resident Physician Contributing Writer

University of California San Francisco

Juliana is a PGY-2 resident in Family and Community Medicine at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF).




Restricted Movement and Health in Palestine

Published by Juliana E. Morris, MD, EdM

I knew what was coming before it happened. She was looking up at the ring of white coats encircling her hospital bed, eyes darting from side to side to follow the sequence of their voices when suddenly, her lower lip began to quiver. And with her quivering lip, her breaths came faster and she sucked in deep gulps of air between her pleading questions. But soon the pack was headed on to the next patient on rounds. She was left alone, and the tears rolled freely.

Disparity in Medicine: A Reflection by a Minority Physician and Neonatologist

Published by Danisha McCall, MD

I was one of only eight African-American students in my medical school class of 214, and now I am a part of the less than four percent of African-American physicians in this country. My personal and professional experiences have further invigorated my passionate interest in public health and to explore effective strategies to reduce health disparities for minority populations in the United States.

The Paradox of Medical Triumphs

Published by Joseph Lee, MD, MAT

As we discharge another patient from the intensive care unit, we celebrate a job well done. “Can you believe how far she’s come in the past few weeks?” or “I didn’t think he would be able to go home so soon.” With the use of modern technological advancements, we are able to bypass the heart and lungs of patients, and push the limits of life to as early as 22 weeks gestation.

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.

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.

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.

Pursuing “Right Care”: A Lown Experience

Published by Alec Kherlopian, MD, MPH

In April, I had the pleasure of attending the 4th Annual Lown Institute Conference in Chicago. The Lown Institute was named after and inspired by Dr. Bernard Lown, a renowned cardiologist who also championed social change by co-founding the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, an organization to prevent nuclear war during the Cold War. The theme of the conference was promoting “right care” by addressing overuse, underuse and misuse of medical services through a coalition of patient advocates, community organizers and medical professionals.

Darin Williams, MD (1 Posts)

Resident Physician Contributing Writer

Emory University

Darin is originally from Atlanta and went to medical school at Tulane in New Orleans. He then moved back to Atlanta for an emergency medicine residency at Emory and Grady -- one of the busiest trauma centers in the country.