When is Grandparents Day? Why celebrate grandparents? Is it simply another holiday for the greeting card and floral industries? Established by the U.S. Senate during President Carter’s administration, National Grandparents Day is designated the Sunday following Labor Day. While acknowledging those contributions made by seniors throughout history, … [Read more...] about Hooray for Grandparents Day!
END LIFE WITHOUT GUILT
I was inspired by headline posted online by the Los Angeles Times: Pope’s decree on abortion may signal change in practice. The article referenced Pope Francis’ compassion for women who have had abortions with these words: “I am well aware of the pressure that has led them to this decision. I know that it is an existential and moral ordeal. I have … [Read more...] about END LIFE WITHOUT GUILT
#How Lives Matter
Oftentimes, I encounter patients who are angry when they enter the emergency department because other doctors have not given them proper attention or helped them feel better. I might say to myself, “Who are you being that your health and well-being do not seemingly matter to these doctors?” My impression of these patients is that they portray an … [Read more...] about #How Lives Matter
ARE WE THERE YET?
The end-of-life journey generally has many bumps in the road along with unforeseen calamities. Karl, in particular, had a series of misfortunate illnesses. He was a 62-year-old athlete with an easygoing personality and positive outlook. After undergoing ankle surgery, Karl developed a flesh-eating infection that subsequently led to a below the knee … [Read more...] about ARE WE THERE YET?
FREE AT LAST
It is never easy to go out on a limb with patients and family members when nearing the end of life. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending to Penelope, an endearing elderly woman who was transported by EMS to the emergency department due to a change in mental status. Her distraught daughter rushed into the room within minutes of Penelope’s … [Read more...] about FREE AT LAST
PERSONAL DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: MY WILL TO DIE
Whereas a terminal condition in its broadest definition leads to death, I underscore and accept that the experience of living will naturally progress to a time to die and my life will end. As defined in the practice of medicine, a terminal condition is an incurable and irreversible illness that leads to death. While treatable medical conditions … [Read more...] about PERSONAL DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: MY WILL TO DIE
HIGH MARK FOR HEALING A GREAT DIVIDE
I cared for a 48-year-old Bosnian woman whose constant chest pain had worsened that day. Her evaluation in the Emergency Department did not reveal any evidence of heart disease. In broken English, with the help of her son translating, she admitted that stress could be causing her chest pain. Moreover, she quickly mentioned that her stress was … [Read more...] about HIGH MARK FOR HEALING A GREAT DIVIDE
GOOD FAITH, FALSE HOPE AND BAD MEDICINE
Cancer has a way of spreading separatism insidiously which shields patients from knowing the truth. In good faith, many patients with terminal cancer maintain a one-track mind toward survival. Doctors tend to appease this mindset by both providing false hope and practicing bad medicine. They enroll cancer patients in separate prognoses for their … [Read more...] about GOOD FAITH, FALSE HOPE AND BAD MEDICINE