Tag: Social Medicine: February 2017

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.

A Day at 34 Haverhill Street Clinic: A Resident’s Education in Social Medicine at Community Health Centers

Published by Melissa Palma, MD, MPH

Ana sits on the exam table in front of me explaining how, in three short weeks, her mother will evict her from her childhood home. She is eight months pregnant and is studying night courses to become a paralegal. As her prenatal provider and primary care physician, I have been sending referrals to numerous community agencies in hopes of securing housing at the local YWCA.

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.

Veronica Alvarez, MD, MSEd Veronica Alvarez, MD, MSEd (1 Posts)

Resident Physician Contributing Writer

Emory School of Medicine

Veronica Alvarez is a resident in obstetrics and gynecology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. She is originally from Miami, FL and is proud of her Cuban and Latin roots.