When meeting parents for the first time, a pediatrician often takes a thorough history. This includes the delivery of the child, illnesses and surgeries since birth, and a cursory history about health (continue reading →)
Recently I wrote about empowerment and the importance of letting patients make their own health care decisions. Our job is to make sure patients are given information and then allowed to choose (continue reading →)
Children with foreign bodies requiring extraction are usually between the ages of 2-7 and I suspect they are curious as to whether or not the item will fit in the space; they never think about the inevitable removal process. They probably swallow coins or marbles for the same reasons; not thinking about the potential consequences. Sometimes, the foreign object ends up in its unexpected location completely by accident.
I Wish My Patients Knew… I would not change anything about my career choice. Being a physician was my calling from the time I first entered a hospital nursery with my father at 5 years of age. I knew it then as sure as I know it now. Primary care comes with an unbelievable amount of responsibility, stress, exhaustion, and frustration; but there is also overwhelming joy, fulfillment, gratitude, freedom, and love. I could not be more proud to be a physician and there is no other profession in the world that is more rewarding than mine.
To genuinely stand with these forgotten children between their rocks and hard places is something Maleka taught me to do. Our time together was far too short, but thank you darling child for allowing me into your heart.
Throughout our careers, we are privileged to share in the overwhelming joy of others, yet bear witness to much human suffering that leaves scars on our souls. I wish these parents knew how deeply their son touched us all in the NICU that day. Rainbows are not just a collection of colors as we look out upon the horizon; they are promises for our hearts.
Afterward, the surgeon wondered how she determined there was an infection in his neck. She said she thought it was a case of ‘pink eye’, but her doctor refused to call in an antibiotic without examining him first. He commented that decision had saved her son’s life.
There are NO wrong decisions you make on behalf of your child. I know you are doing the best you can. I have been there; right where you are right now. After four children, I have made countless mistakes and learned so many lessons. There will be stumbles along the way. EVERY mother wants to throw the baby out with the bath water, run screaming from their house, and nap for 7 days straight without interruption sometimes. Those feelings are totally and completely normal.
Above is a picture of Garrett with me at my wedding (I am clearly more excited about it than he is!) My relationship with this young man, his sister, father, and especially his mother are the foundation of why I became a pediatrician in the first place. Filled with doubt in my darkest moments, his story of triumph always brings me comfort and hope. It reminds me there will be losses and saves, but the life-long, enduring R-E-L-A-T-I-O-N-S-H-I-P is what makes it all worthwhile.
Compensation at the “Big 5” ranged from $10.1 million for Humana’s CEO to more than $66 million for the CEO of United Healthcare in 2015. CEO compensation for Anthem, Aetna, and Cigna also fell within that range. Affordable health care has definitely helped people. But who exactly are we trying to help? I am not convinced it is the children growing up in America today.
