To Improve Medical Outcomes, Value Cultural Competency
Dear friends, Have you ever felt like your doctor just didn’t get you? Like they were treating your condition, but not seeing you? Early in my career I met a young woman living with sarcoidosis, a rare inflammatory disease that causes small clumps of immune cells, called granulomas, to form in the lungs, skin, eyes, […]
Women’s Health Matters: Speaking Up and Taking Action
Dear friends, I still remember one of my first patients at Planned Parenthood. Let’s call her “Amy.” She was a young woman in her late teens, nervous but determined. She had questions about contraception, but as we talked, it became clear that she also had fears—about being judged, about how much this visit would cost, […]
Nurture Heart-Healthy Relationships
Dear friends, As a physician, I am always a champion of heart health and especially love to talk about it during Heart Month. But today, I want to explore heart health in a different way—the kind that flourishes when we nurture meaningful connections with others. Strong connections can shield us from stress and illness, and […]
How Balanced Is Your Digital Health?
Dear friends, Happy New Year! I recently had an eye-opening moment. It was after midnight and there I was, bleary-eyed and scrolling through work emails, family messages, and social media, trying to squeeze everything into the day already past. The irony hit me: here I was, a physician and patient advocate, talking about self-care to […]
Health, Balance, and New Experiences: A Year-End Reflection
Dear friends, The holidays bring joy. But they can also bring stress, overindulgence, and sometimes sadness. Self-care is important at any time, but especially essential during the busy season. One simple form of self-care is prioritizing your health. Finding balance and prioritizing your health can feel elusive during this season. It’s easy to get swept […]
Care for the Caregiver Should Not Go Overlooked
Dear friends, “There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” These words from the late First Lady of the United States Rosalynn Carter, who was an incredible messenger and lifelong advocate […]
Know the ABCs of Health Literacy
Dear friends, Have you or someone you know ever found yourself at the doctor’s office, nodding along while thinking, “Wait, what does that even mean?” If so, you’re not alone! Health information can feel like it’s written in a different language, so that’s where health literacy comes in to help interpret. What exactly is health […]
Voting is Good for Your Health
Dear friends, With the election right around the corner, let’s talk about why your vote is incredibly important, especially for your health and well-being. This election isn’t just about political preferences or economic policies. It’s about protecting your right to health care and ensuring that crucial protections and services stay intact. Health care policies are […]
From Myths to Medicine: Immunizations Save Lives
Dear friends, August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and as a physician who’s all in on vaccines, I like to think of it as a time when vaccines get their well-deserved spotlight. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 4 million deaths worldwide are prevented by childhood vaccinations every year. Let’s […]
Summer Health and Safety Applies to Everyone, Young and Seasoned
Dear friends, I can attest that summer fun isn’t just for the kiddos! When the world slowed down during the pandemic, I discovered a new passion: gardening. Now my weekly summer routine includes watering zucchini and tomatoes, chatting with my leafy friends, and sharing with my granddaughter the joy of the apple tree I planted. […]