https://www.doccheck.com/en/profile/channels/258-tales-of-the-heart?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258 A cardiology fellow's take on the world of medicine, particularly with regards to the doctor-patient relationship. en Tue, 14 Jul 2015 09:48:00 +0200 Sat, 02 May 2026 01:22:00 +0200 https://www.doccheck.com/en/profile/channels/258-tales-of-the-heart?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258 https://dccdn.de/www.doccheck.com/data/na/pw/eq/6x/2h/36/default_thumbnail_1436861306_mdSq.jpg https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/14195-being-superhuman-in-the-most-human-circumstance?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-14195 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/14195-being-superhuman-in-the-most-human-circumstance?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-14195#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/14195-being-superhuman-in-the-most-human-circumstance Thu, 18 Jan 2018 15:00:02 +0100 As we enter into the hospital each day, our goal is giving patients the best care we can provide. We get a list of patients that we will take care of each day, and as we get that list, we start thinking about what we should monitor in terms of their... As we enter into the hospital each day, our goal is giving patients the best care we can provide. We get a list of patients that we will take care of each day, and as we get that list, we start thinking about what we should monitor in terms of their... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13367-a-letter-from-a-grateful-physician-to-his-patients?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-13367 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13367-a-letter-from-a-grateful-physician-to-his-patients?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-13367#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13367-a-letter-from-a-grateful-physician-to-his-patients Fri, 21 Apr 2017 11:44:59 +0200 To my beloved patients and your families...Over the years, it has been an incredible experience and honor to be allowed to enter into your world. It is a world that I know few people are privy to, and it is an intimate world where the deepest... To my beloved patients and your families...Over the years, it has been an incredible experience and honor to be allowed to enter into your world. It is a world that I know few people are privy to, and it is an intimate world where the deepest... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13104-the-complexity-of-the-white-coat?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-13104 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13104-the-complexity-of-the-white-coat?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-13104#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13104-the-complexity-of-the-white-coat Wed, 18 Jan 2017 16:18:06 +0100 I remembered staring at the computer screen with the radiologist hoping that by staring at the images, they would change in some way. It did not seem fair that a nice lady that I was evaluating in the emergency room would be consigned to such tragic... I remembered staring at the computer screen with the radiologist hoping that by staring at the images, they would change in some way. It did not seem fair that a nice lady that I was evaluating in the emergency room would be consigned to such tragic... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12784-a-physicians-letter-to-his-younger-self?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12784 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12784-a-physicians-letter-to-his-younger-self?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12784#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12784-a-physicians-letter-to-his-younger-self Thu, 25 Aug 2016 08:19:50 +0200 Well, I write to you from thirteen years into the future, on the brink of finishing cardiology fellowship in less than a year. It is hard to believe that I can finally begin to see the light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel, but I have... Well, I write to you from thirteen years into the future, on the brink of finishing cardiology fellowship in less than a year. It is hard to believe that I can finally begin to see the light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel, but I have... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12639-consequences-of-violating-trust-during-residency?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12639 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12639-consequences-of-violating-trust-during-residency?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12639#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12639-consequences-of-violating-trust-during-residency Wed, 15 Jun 2016 12:26:18 +0200 There is a trust involved between colleagues, especially since the times of a lighter schedule can be few and far between, and colleagues calling in for relief can take some of that time away. However, there are examples of that trust being violated,... There is a trust involved between colleagues, especially since the times of a lighter schedule can be few and far between, and colleagues calling in for relief can take some of that time away. However, there are examples of that trust being violated,... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12610-when-the-seemingly-simple-becomes-complex?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12610 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12610-when-the-seemingly-simple-becomes-complex?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12610#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12610-when-the-seemingly-simple-becomes-complex Wed, 01 Jun 2016 08:46:36 +0200 I admitted a patient who was being transferred to the hospital for further treatment of prostate cancer. When he arrived at the hospital, he was frail but trying to show that he had some energy. He and his wife sat up as I walked into the room, and... I admitted a patient who was being transferred to the hospital for further treatment of prostate cancer. When he arrived at the hospital, he was frail but trying to show that he had some energy. He and his wife sat up as I walked into the room, and... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12598-both-patients-and-doctors-are-at-the-whim-of-uncontrolled-time?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12598 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12598-both-patients-and-doctors-are-at-the-whim-of-uncontrolled-time?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12598#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12598-both-patients-and-doctors-are-at-the-whim-of-uncontrolled-time Thu, 19 May 2016 10:21:34 +0200 As I sit home spending time with my family, I look back on the past few years of my practicing medicine and realize how much of a luxury this is. While most jobs allow employees time off for particular holidays, health care is a profession where we... As I sit home spending time with my family, I look back on the past few years of my practicing medicine and realize how much of a luxury this is. While most jobs allow employees time off for particular holidays, health care is a profession where we... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12554-navigating-the-prescription-drug-abuse-epidemic?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12554 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12554-navigating-the-prescription-drug-abuse-epidemic?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12554#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12554-navigating-the-prescription-drug-abuse-epidemic Thu, 28 Apr 2016 09:24:09 +0200 Over the last years, more attention has been paid to the prescription drug epidemic, with increasing rates of accidental deaths noted across the country. However, not as much attention has been focused on the challenges posed to the people legally... Over the last years, more attention has been paid to the prescription drug epidemic, with increasing rates of accidental deaths noted across the country. However, not as much attention has been focused on the challenges posed to the people legally... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12548-a-musicians-guide-to-medical-training?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12548 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12548-a-musicians-guide-to-medical-training?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12548#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12548-a-musicians-guide-to-medical-training Thu, 21 Apr 2016 11:14:43 +0200 Recently, I have been reflecting more about my musical journey as an organist over the past 15 years. It has been great to learn how to continue my medical training to the best of my ability while still trying to keep my musical interests alive.... Recently, I have been reflecting more about my musical journey as an organist over the past 15 years. It has been great to learn how to continue my medical training to the best of my ability while still trying to keep my musical interests alive.... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12522-being-a-whole-doctor-serves-patients-best?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12522 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12522-being-a-whole-doctor-serves-patients-best?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12522#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12522-being-a-whole-doctor-serves-patients-best Thu, 24 Mar 2016 12:16:04 +0100 Burnout in the medical profession is a significant concern given the demands on our time by patients and other colleagues, and little time for self-care. I saw signs of this in myself during medical school, as well as in other medical students and... Burnout in the medical profession is a significant concern given the demands on our time by patients and other colleagues, and little time for self-care. I saw signs of this in myself during medical school, as well as in other medical students and... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12506-breaking-down-the-language-barrier-in-medicine?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12506 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12506-breaking-down-the-language-barrier-in-medicine?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12506#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12506-breaking-down-the-language-barrier-in-medicine Wed, 16 Mar 2016 13:33:19 +0100 When one hears the words “language barrier,” it usually brings up images of a person who is in another country of which the national language is not his own. If you have visited a foreign country without fully knowing the primary language, you can... When one hears the words “language barrier,” it usually brings up images of a person who is in another country of which the national language is not his own. If you have visited a foreign country without fully knowing the primary language, you can... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12471-how-a-young-doctor-treats-young-patients?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12471 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12471-how-a-young-doctor-treats-young-patients?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12471#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12471-how-a-young-doctor-treats-young-patients Wed, 09 Mar 2016 11:39:01 +0100 On a typical day in a major hospital, patients pass through the emergency room with different ailments. Some of them are coming in to check out minor aches and pains, and others are coming in barely responsive with a life-threatening condition.... On a typical day in a major hospital, patients pass through the emergency room with different ailments. Some of them are coming in to check out minor aches and pains, and others are coming in barely responsive with a life-threatening condition.... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12494-sorry-but-im-not-part-of-the-ancillary-staff-im-a-physician?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12494 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12494-sorry-but-im-not-part-of-the-ancillary-staff-im-a-physician?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12494#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12494-sorry-but-im-not-part-of-the-ancillary-staff-im-a-physician Fri, 22 Jan 2016 15:20:39 +0100 A few months ago, I was on call as a cardiology fellow, and I had to go up to one of the inpatient floors to do a stat echocardiogram on a patient. Given how hemodynamically unstable he was, I was rushing to the room as fast as I could with this hefty... A few months ago, I was on call as a cardiology fellow, and I had to go up to one of the inpatient floors to do a stat echocardiogram on a patient. Given how hemodynamically unstable he was, I was rushing to the room as fast as I could with this hefty... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12426-paradox-and-uncertainty-in-medicine?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12426 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12426-paradox-and-uncertainty-in-medicine?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12426#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12426-paradox-and-uncertainty-in-medicine Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:25:11 +0100 A few months ago, I came across a young man who had come in with increasing fatigue and shortness of breath that was limiting his quality of life. As a barber, he looked forward to cutting hair and talking with his clients about the events that were... A few months ago, I came across a young man who had come in with increasing fatigue and shortness of breath that was limiting his quality of life. As a barber, he looked forward to cutting hair and talking with his clients about the events that were... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12384-unexpected-lessons-from-an-unexpected-patient?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12384 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12384-unexpected-lessons-from-an-unexpected-patient?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12384#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12384-unexpected-lessons-from-an-unexpected-patient Fri, 18 Dec 2015 10:01:27 +0100 He was only a few years older than me, but he already had metastatic colon cancer without a prior family history. He had been making progress with chemotherapy, but he started having progressive fatigue. He was brought to the hospital and was noted to... He was only a few years older than me, but he already had metastatic colon cancer without a prior family history. He had been making progress with chemotherapy, but he started having progressive fatigue. He was brought to the hospital and was noted to... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12354-a-reflection-on-physician-self-care?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12354 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12354-a-reflection-on-physician-self-care?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12354#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12354-a-reflection-on-physician-self-care Wed, 02 Dec 2015 14:54:34 +0100 For me, what I have found to be helpful is finding other activities to distract myself from thinking about the hospital after I complete my clinical duties for the day. When it gets to that time, my mind is already tired from thinking so much about... For me, what I have found to be helpful is finding other activities to distract myself from thinking about the hospital after I complete my clinical duties for the day. When it gets to that time, my mind is already tired from thinking so much about... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12302-for-physicians-medical-knowledge-can-be-both-a-blessing-and-a-curse?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12302 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12302-for-physicians-medical-knowledge-can-be-both-a-blessing-and-a-curse?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12302#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12302-for-physicians-medical-knowledge-can-be-both-a-blessing-and-a-curse Tue, 03 Nov 2015 08:37:50 +0100 From the beginning of medical school almost 10 years ago, each day was full of lectures that we had to follow up with hours of reading. At times, it was grueling, but it was a necessary exercise to go through in order to develop as a future doctor.... From the beginning of medical school almost 10 years ago, each day was full of lectures that we had to follow up with hours of reading. At times, it was grueling, but it was a necessary exercise to go through in order to develop as a future doctor.... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12236-a-powerful-reminder-of-medicines-humbling-nature?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12236 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12236-a-powerful-reminder-of-medicines-humbling-nature?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12236#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12236-a-powerful-reminder-of-medicines-humbling-nature Wed, 21 Oct 2015 08:47:07 +0200 The coronary care unit (CCU) rotation is a unique place. Postoperative cardiothoracic surgery patients among many other pathologies from heart failure to heart transplant fill the unit, and it is the job of the cardiology fellow to directly... The coronary care unit (CCU) rotation is a unique place. Postoperative cardiothoracic surgery patients among many other pathologies from heart failure to heart transplant fill the unit, and it is the job of the cardiology fellow to directly... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12320-the-day-that-i-truly-became-a-cardiology-fellow?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12320 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12320-the-day-that-i-truly-became-a-cardiology-fellow?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12320#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12320-the-day-that-i-truly-became-a-cardiology-fellow Tue, 06 Oct 2015 17:11:39 +0200 As a fellow in cardiology, you sign up to be part of a specialty that can involve emergencies. As a first-year fellow, usually you are running things by other senior fellows and attendings, and typically you are not the first person to make a decision... As a fellow in cardiology, you sign up to be part of a specialty that can involve emergencies. As a first-year fellow, usually you are running things by other senior fellows and attendings, and typically you are not the first person to make a decision... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12235-i-started-singing-in-the-procedure-room-and-it-reshaped-my-view-of-professionalism?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12235 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12235-i-started-singing-in-the-procedure-room-and-it-reshaped-my-view-of-professionalism?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-258&utm_content=article-12235#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12235-i-started-singing-in-the-procedure-room-and-it-reshaped-my-view-of-professionalism Tue, 22 Sep 2015 12:11:26 +0200 In medical training, one of the main things that is emphasized is the importance of acting professionally. We encounter patients who have a particular idea of how doctors are supposed to act during the patient-physician encounter, and for the most... In medical training, one of the main things that is emphasized is the importance of acting professionally. We encounter patients who have a particular idea of how doctors are supposed to act during the patient-physician encounter, and for the most...