My college orientation sessions in the late ’90’s included tips like carrying a rape whistle, but none of the recommended safety measures prepared me for the surprise, fear, and awkwardness of having a guy I had studied with only once show up at my dorm room and simply refuse to leave. He was not a creepy… Continue reading Human Predators: Four Features and Four Phases of Assault
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Why Medical Professionals have Potty Mouths
**WARNING** This post contains strong language. If you use the expression, “H-E-double-hockey-sticks” or refrain from watching R-rated movies because the language offends your moral sensibilities, please stop reading now. While Muzak plays (think Kenny G covering John Mayer) and courteous expressions like “excuse me” and “thank you” are exchanged in hospital waiting rooms, behind the… Continue reading Why Medical Professionals have Potty Mouths
To All Valorous Women
During my formative years, I heard more than a few sermons that put the Proverbs 31 woman on a pedestal as the ideal Christian wife/mother. But none of them relayed that in Judaism, this scripture it is a song of praise memorized by men – not a list of expectations taught to women. The Hebrew… Continue reading To All Valorous Women
What It Takes to Have a Career in Medicine
After ordering ample amounts of sides and some fried chicken for my husband, I pulled up to the KFC drive-through window to pick up my food. I had just finished a long shift in the ED so I was wearing scrubs and my stethoscope was still slung around my neck. The young woman at the… Continue reading What It Takes to Have a Career in Medicine
The One Thing Doctors, Doulas, Moms, & Midwives All Want
As a feminist, a lover of birth, and a physician, I struggle every time I read people’s stories of birth trauma. Improving Birth’s “Break the Silence” photo project has generated pictures like this one: This man’s words are true. And while I’ll never know for sure, I suspect on the day his partner delivered, there… Continue reading The One Thing Doctors, Doulas, Moms, & Midwives All Want
8 Cold Hard Truths About Colds
It’s booger season. And that means that urgent care centers, emergency departments and primary care offices everywhere are being inundated with people seeking antibiotics. So in the spirit of community wellness, I am offering you these friendly public service announcements. PSA #1: Green mucous doesn’t mean you need antibiotics. The color of your sputum doesn’t… Continue reading 8 Cold Hard Truths About Colds
What I Wish White Women Knew About Being a Woman of Color (Guest Post)
In “I’m Sorry. I’m Listening.” I extended an invitation to publish a guest post on “what I wish white women knew about being a woman of color.” I am honored to publish the words of my friend, Sherlonya Turner. We met as Resident Advisors (RAs) in one of the only all women dorms at the… Continue reading What I Wish White Women Knew About Being a Woman of Color (Guest Post)
Ode to Nurses
A few weeks ago, after feeding my face with rich, dense chocolate cake brought by a truly awesome nurse (for no particular reason other than a warm and generous spirit), I walked back into a room to check on a post-cardiac arrest patient. After surveying his vitals on the monitor, I turned my attention to… Continue reading Ode to Nurses