I Was Told There Would Be No History
I never did particularly well in history. I probably owe an apology to my 11th-grade AP European History teacher, because there are entire centuries I… Read More »I Was Told There Would Be No History
on the wards
‘My Very Best Friend’: Reflections on End-of-Life Care
This article has been de-identified to protect the anonymity and confidentiality of the patient in the story. Any matches in names or circumstances to other… Read More »‘My Very Best Friend’: Reflections on End-of-Life Care
One Morning on Rounds
This post is based on a clinical encounter and has been de-identified to protect patient privacy. Certain identifying details have been omitted or modified. Among… Read More »One Morning on Rounds
Taking It Home
This post is based on a clinical encounter and has been de-identified to protect patient privacy. Certain identifying details have been omitted or modified. Five… Read More »Taking It Home
Finding My Place at the Bedside
This post is based on a clinical encounter and has been de-identified to protect patient privacy. Certain identifying details have been omitted or modified. From… Read More »Finding My Place at the Bedside
Primary Survey
This poem is based on a clinical encounter and has been de-identified to protect patient privacy. Certain identifying details have been omitted or modified. Ninety-two-year-old… Read More »Primary Survey
The Spaces Between Care
Residency has taught me that I cannot always be there for my patients. I work with a panel of patients as their primary care physician.… Read More »The Spaces Between Care
A Letter to the Patient I’ll Never See
I sit down to look through your chart, mentally preparing myself to sift through clinical variables for hours, amalgamating them with those of other patients… Read More »A Letter to the Patient I’ll Never See
On Learning Medicine
I introduce myself as the preceptor working with medical students, then step back to the rear of the room. One student begins to take the… Read More »On Learning Medicine
Before You Leave
You asked if I could give you more oxycodone. I told you I could not. You said you felt scared. I reminded you how far… Read More »Before You Leave