Musings

Comfort, Six Feet, Hope- these words symbolize covid for some. These are presented in Poetry Form

Emotions are divided into stages. Any deviation from the normal curve of these stages warrants intervention. An example on how to watch the stages and monitor "normal" progress. 

Marriages are made in heaven, however they need a lot of adjustments on both sides. There are challenges to be faced as well as joys to be shared and celebrated. Here is a story of being together in the Pandemic.

Primary care providers are the front lines of healthcare. Often, they are the first contact a patient makes upon entering the healthcare system. As a result, primary care providers know their patients well. They are the first to see early signs of illness - be it cancer,  chronic disease, changes in mental health, etc. Primary care providers make sure that their patients get appropriate care, in the right setting, by the most appropriate provider, and in a manner consistent with the patient’s desires and values.

"Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes". This quote is a reminder to practice empathy. Patients, their families and their care givers have had to make difficult decisions in the Covid Pandemic. This story is a reminder of understanding decisions made. 

Internship is a busy educational experience as a new physician. Covid brought on new challenges. The newly minted physicians had to take on professional and personal predicaments and learn to navigate them. The medical community with the interns learnt new lessons in the care of covid patients. 

Parenting is an experience that no matter how much you plan there are always unexpected twists and turns. While nature continues to march forward, prospective parents can find giving birth in a pandemic challenging, and the caregivers are not sure what to expect. One thing is always certain though……………. the future is worth looking forward to.

Loss is difficult. Losing a precious loved one can be a traumatic experience, but grieving allows us to heal, accept and come to terms. A story of Loss in the pandemic presented unexpected and unforeseen challenges. 

This episode is narrated by Guest Speaker 

Vaccine Hesitancy is associated with treatment and prevention of disease. It has been documented in the Small pox inoculation campaign in the 1700’s and we encounter it now in the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic. Most often it is all about public health education and taking the time to answer questions. This story is an effort to tie in the Science behind the Sickness and the efforts of getting our lives back.

This episode is narrated by a Guest Speaker

We are in the midst of a Pandemic. There are many unknowns and while science is working hard to find answers, we need to learn from each other. Here is an experience that shares many lessons

This episode is narrated by a Guest Speaker

Living through a Pandemic has tested all of us. Survival has been key, be it following clinical guidelines, keeping a roof over your head or putting food on the table. Every person is doing his best but there are multiple levels of responsibilities. The path we choose determines how this pandemic ends and at what cost.

This Narrative describes a patient encounter wherein similarities between the patient and provider backgrounds are essential in understanding the reasons behind the patient symptoms.  The patient in the background must also be remembered. In Primary care we develop unique patient relationships that help us understand our patients. These relationships enable an understanding of social and personal situations that actually have physical symptoms in patients. In understanding the “Big Picture” we are able to treat the patient effectively and improve health outcomes and deliver effective patient care.

Understanding, Tolerance and Acceptance are a lifetime's effort. It is not possible to know every culture and custom, we need to be educated, but we can learn from each other. Food identifies culture and is an important aspect of one's identity. Knowing their customs and culture helps us bond with our patients. 

We are still trying to understand the repercussions of the opioid crisis. Effects of this public health crisis arise in unexpected situations. Our medical training has taught us always to listen to patients, however in the rushed schedule of trying to complete Quality Measures, EMR charting there is very little time for listening. Assumptions are made upon first impressions.This story is a reminder that we need to scratch the surface to find the reason behind patient complaints.

This is Narrative is about a patient- Frankie. His story emphasizes the importance of listening. An understanding of each patient is needed and the provider- patient relationship that develops is unique. This relationship is important in the understanding of the challenges faced by incarcerated patients and the unique perspective their providers develop.

A Refugee's Plea to a Physician- There are multiple humanitarian concerns surrounding the refugee crisis. Refugee patients have an impact on healthcare and providers play an important role in their care. There are small successes and many barriers that we face.