I’m big on eye contact with patients. It’s how we show ourselves as humans. The eyes are the windows to the soul. Through them, we build trust, empathy and reciprocity. When I’m with a patient face-to-face it isn’t always possible but I do my best. Like the IRL experience I try to achieve some level of eye contact during telemedicine encounters. But care through ... Continue Reading about The Illusion of Eye Contact with Telemedicine
Zooming Court From the Operating Room
As health professionals we’ve all multitasked on Zoom calls. But few of us have done Zoom calls with a patient asleep in front of us. Recently we heard the story of a California plastic surgeon Zooming court from the operating room with a patient on the operating table. “Hello, Mr. Green? Hi, are you available for trial?” a courtroom clerk said as Dr. Green, ... Continue Reading about Zooming Court From the Operating Room
Two Tweets a Day – How to Create Value Over Volume
What would happen if everyone listened more than they spoke? Here’s a thought experiment: If Twitter gave you a limit of two tweets a day, what would you share? How would you rethink what you send? You would probably consider how you can make the most impact with limited access to your followers. As Twitter has become more populated we have all become more ... Continue Reading about Two Tweets a Day – How to Create Value Over Volume
Twitter and the Dual Responsibility of Media
I found this tweet and it got me thinking about the tension that I feel on MedTwitter. It made me think that there is a dual responsibility of media. Trying to post something on #MedTwitter without invoking criticism: Attached was a gif of a woman executing an impossible rollerblade sequence around some obstacles. The tweet is from Dr. Kurt Lucas and ... Continue Reading about Twitter and the Dual Responsibility of Media
Outrage Extinction
I know a health blogger who likes to drop the f-bomb when discussing injustices in healthcare. It’s his way of showcasing his disapproval. Which I understand. There’s lots of discontent to go around these days. Judiciously placed, salty language is shocking. And it gets attention. At first. Then when you see it 50 times, it loses its effect. Manufactured ... Continue Reading about Outrage Extinction
Unsafe Levels of Alcohol and the Crisis of Medical Misinformation
Last week the media made headlines that alcohol is unsafe at any quantity. It was based on a Lancet study that drew that conclusion. Aaron Carroll publicsplained it in the New York Times. It’s worth a read to understand how we might begin to put headlines and research conclusions into the proper context Medical research is complicated. Few among us are in a ... Continue Reading about Unsafe Levels of Alcohol and the Crisis of Medical Misinformation