I for one am sick and tired of my Covid-19 Series. I'm tired of Covid. I don't like wearing a mask to Target and I don't like that my kids can't have a "normal life" right now. I am also tired of people getting sick and dying. As a physician, I find myself walking the … Continue reading Covid-19 Series, Entry #9
Should I send my kids to school this fall?
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me this, I'd buy a new pair of Rothy's...or a bottle of Silver Oak. This seems to be the million dollar question right now and it is impossible to answer. So...my short answer is "I have no effing idea." In medicine we try to make … Continue reading Should I send my kids to school this fall?
Charlie Bartlett (2007-2020)
Charlie Bartlett was born in the spring of 2007 and died on May 28th 2020. The whereabouts and circumstances of his birth are unknown. Legend has it, as a young pup he was challenged by a bigger dog over a bowl of kibble and a mighty brawl ensued. When the dust settled, he was still … Continue reading Charlie Bartlett (2007-2020)
Blog hijacked
If you subscribe to my blog and received an email about my latest entry, please disregard. My computer was commandeered by a nefarious 3 year old who inserted some gibberish into an essay that wasn't quite ready for prime time. She somehow found the PUBLISH button and sent it out into the interwebs. She was … Continue reading Blog hijacked
Covid-19 Series, Entry #8
I don't know why I am even having to write this post. File this under 'common sense 101' or 'how to not be an asshole' or even 'how to be a decent human, for dummies.' For those of you with halfway evolved frontal lobes, don't feel like you have to read any further. Since the … Continue reading Covid-19 Series, Entry #8
Covid-19 Series, Entry #7 with Special Guest Author, Dr. Emily Riegel.
Dr. Riegel was a senior resident when I was in medical school, then a palliative care fellow when I was a resident. During my fellowship, she was one of my most treasured attendings, and now I am honored to call her a dear friend. She is an extraordinarily talented writer and I am so excited … Continue reading Covid-19 Series, Entry #7 with Special Guest Author, Dr. Emily Riegel.
Covid-19 Series, Entry #6
Anger - the stage of grief I have apparently landed in today. As I was perusing social media last night, I came across a post that questioned why pleas for others to stay at home and continue social distancing are often accompanied by anger, name calling and "venom." I slept on that question. Then I … Continue reading Covid-19 Series, Entry #6
Covid-19 Series, Entry #5
Hyperalgesia: An abnormal and enhanced sensitivity to pain. For the past several weeks, my team and our entire health system have been preparing for the Covid-19 surge. Our team started to see our first Covid-19 consults last week. Of the patients I've seen so far, some have died, one recovered. I have several patients who, … Continue reading Covid-19 Series, Entry #5
Covid-19 Series, Entry #4
Today I wrote up a protocol for how to allow someone dying of Covid-19 to die comfortably on life support machines because the act of actually removing the life support machine poses an increased risk of transmission to the providers present at the bedside. So, there's that. In other news, I'm learning a lot from … Continue reading Covid-19 Series, Entry #4
Covid-19 Series, Entry #3
Okay, I was going to try to lighten the mood and talk about all of the shenanigans happening in my house right now, but there are some serious things I need to tell you. I promise I'll post something lighter soon-ish. A quick update on my job. I am a Palliative Care physician in a … Continue reading Covid-19 Series, Entry #3
