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
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
Dear Louisa, I'm sorry that our family wasn't able to go on our trip, but I have really enjoyed the past few days here at home with you and our family. I know that things are super-weird right now and I appreciate how brave and flexible you have been. The hugs you gave me tonight … Continue reading Covid-19 Series, Entry #2
This is the view from my office. It's been my view for almost seven years now. I was pretty lucky to get an office with a window when I was only a fellow (this must have been a clerical mistake) and this has been my home base ever since. Looking out my window I … Continue reading Covid-19 Series, Entry #1
Oh, hey, I think I'll put together a presentation for my speaking engagement thing-a-ma-jig* on Saturday. Okay, what was that new software I was wanting to try for power points? I must find the app on my phone. Looks at phone. Hey, new facebook notifications. Wow, that's a really cool obituary that showed up on … Continue reading Me, today
For immediate release: #1 When rounding in hoop and/or loop earrings, one must exert extreme caution so as not to entangle one's stethoscope in said earrings. The result could involve significant pain and potentially disfigurement. #2 When referring to the palliative care team in a progress note, refrain from using the word "impending." That conjures … Continue reading Public service announcement for July 25th, 2019
Hey there, Dr. Brown. Just wanted to send a little note to warn you that I'm coming to see you soon for my "check up." You and I both know that this will be my yearly opportunity to spew all of my worries on you and for you to reassure me that I'm not dying. … Continue reading Dear PCP
I'm super excited that this essay was just published on KevinMD.com. Not quite NEJM or JAMA, but I'll take it! Due to word count restrictions on KevinMD, I had to modify the original version quite a bit. Here is the link to the KevinMD post with my unabridged essay below. Enjoy! https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2019/06/how-to-have-an-exciting-death-5-tips-from-a-palliative-care-physician.html https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2019/06/how-to-have-an-exciting-death-5-tips-from-a-palliative-care-physician.html We’re all … Continue reading How to prolong death and maximize suffering
Regardless how big or how small, an accomplishment is an accomplishment. Today, I celebrate and share with you one of my most unexpected and strangely gratifying accomplishments. It was a normal day, sometime last year, when I grabbed a cup of grapes in the staff lounge. In that moment, I had no way of knowing … Continue reading Accomplishment
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month! In my line of work, I see a lot of horrible things happen to people at no fault of their own. Often times, their illnesses could not have been predicted or prevented. Skin cancer, however, is something that can be detected early and there are steps that you can … Continue reading NO TANNING BEDS FOR YOU!
