https://www.doccheck.com/en/profile/channels/319-mommydoc?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319 I am a pediatrician in private practice in my hometown and a mother to four young children writing about the trials and tribulations of doing both jobs on a daily basis. My writing reflects my personality; it is direct, to the point, sometimes... en Fri, 28 Oct 2016 16:19:16 +0200 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 05:13:46 +0200 https://www.doccheck.com/en/profile/channels/319-mommydoc?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319 https://dccdn.de/www.doccheck.com/data/3u/hb/k6/ty/87/xx/default_thumbnail_1478379786_mdSq.jpg https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/14069-should-patients-fire-their-doctors-if-they-suspect-burnout?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-14069 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/14069-should-patients-fire-their-doctors-if-they-suspect-burnout?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-14069#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/14069-should-patients-fire-their-doctors-if-they-suspect-burnout Wed, 29 Nov 2017 09:18:48 +0100 In a PBS interview, Mayo Clinic CEO Dr. John Noseworthy suggested patients should “change physicians” when faced with non-empathetic doctors suffering from burnout. His cavalier resolution to our occupational struggle feels like a betrayal, to... In a PBS interview, Mayo Clinic CEO Dr. John Noseworthy suggested patients should “change physicians” when faced with non-empathetic doctors suffering from burnout. His cavalier resolution to our occupational struggle feels like a betrayal, to... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/14058-do-physicians-deserve-our-mercy?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-14058 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/14058-do-physicians-deserve-our-mercy?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-14058#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/14058-do-physicians-deserve-our-mercy Tue, 07 Nov 2017 10:32:46 +0100 Recently, a video went viral when a woman complained about the lengthy wait time at a clinic. On video, we see the physician ask if the patient still wants to be seen. The patient declines to be seen, yet complains patients should be informed they... Recently, a video went viral when a woman complained about the lengthy wait time at a clinic. On video, we see the physician ask if the patient still wants to be seen. The patient declines to be seen, yet complains patients should be informed they... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13646-the-unexpected-impact-this-patient-had-on-his-pediatrician?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13646 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13646-the-unexpected-impact-this-patient-had-on-his-pediatrician?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13646#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13646-the-unexpected-impact-this-patient-had-on-his-pediatrician Wed, 12 Jul 2017 13:32:06 +0200 As a pediatrician, I work to keep children healthy so they can grow up and achieve their dreams. Occasionally, my naïve optimism has gotten the better of me. I especially have a soft spot for angry, defiant children. These children are given my... As a pediatrician, I work to keep children healthy so they can grow up and achieve their dreams. Occasionally, my naïve optimism has gotten the better of me. I especially have a soft spot for angry, defiant children. These children are given my... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13588-is-direct-primary-care-doomed-to-fail?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13588 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13588-is-direct-primary-care-doomed-to-fail?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13588#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13588-is-direct-primary-care-doomed-to-fail Mon, 26 Jun 2017 10:28:07 +0200 Physicians should be standing at the bedside, not in front of computer workstations. Direct Primary Care is a model for which we should all be rooting; it is transforming the physician-patient relationship and restoring the practice of medicine to its... Physicians should be standing at the bedside, not in front of computer workstations. Direct Primary Care is a model for which we should all be rooting; it is transforming the physician-patient relationship and restoring the practice of medicine to its... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13501-what-are-the-barriers-to-healthcare?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13501 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13501-what-are-the-barriers-to-healthcare?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13501#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13501-what-are-the-barriers-to-healthcare Mon, 29 May 2017 16:30:29 +0200 Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a devastating and debilitating disease. Those who have it suffer most by losing their independence as well as their ability to navigate through life challenges. They often lose their safety net... Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a devastating and debilitating disease. Those who have it suffer most by losing their independence as well as their ability to navigate through life challenges. They often lose their safety net... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13438-my-relationships-with-patients-last-generations?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13438 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13438-my-relationships-with-patients-last-generations?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13438#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13438-my-relationships-with-patients-last-generations Wed, 17 May 2017 10:54:09 +0200 At 6 a.m. one morning, I was playing tennis at our local athletic club a few months ago. Sam, working at the front desk came running down onto the courts. “There is an emergency and a woman on the phone says she needs your help.” I will be honest;... At 6 a.m. one morning, I was playing tennis at our local athletic club a few months ago. Sam, working at the front desk came running down onto the courts. “There is an emergency and a woman on the phone says she needs your help.” I will be honest;... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13420-youve-heard-of-brexit-heres-what-they-call-doctors-who-are-leaving?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13420 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13420-youve-heard-of-brexit-heres-what-they-call-doctors-who-are-leaving?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13420#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13420-youve-heard-of-brexit-heres-what-they-call-doctors-who-are-leaving Wed, 10 May 2017 09:59:31 +0200 Sean MacStiofain said, “most revolutions are caused … by the stupidity and brutality of governments.” Regulation without legitimacy, predictability, and fairness always leads to backlash instead of compliance. Here’s a prediction for you: If... Sean MacStiofain said, “most revolutions are caused … by the stupidity and brutality of governments.” Regulation without legitimacy, predictability, and fairness always leads to backlash instead of compliance. Here’s a prediction for you: If... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13418-the-story-of-a-rare-serious-complication-of-mononucleosis?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13418 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13418-the-story-of-a-rare-serious-complication-of-mononucleosis?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13418#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13418-the-story-of-a-rare-serious-complication-of-mononucleosis Wed, 19 Apr 2017 13:14:28 +0200 Thirteen years ago, I received a call from the mother of a college freshman who was concerned because her son had been diagnosed with mononucleosis during finals week. She felt something was not quite right and asked me for advice. “Trust your... Thirteen years ago, I received a call from the mother of a college freshman who was concerned because her son had been diagnosed with mononucleosis during finals week. She felt something was not quite right and asked me for advice. “Trust your... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13212-a-childs-father-knew-when-to-let-go-the-health-care-team-didnt?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13212 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13212-a-childs-father-knew-when-to-let-go-the-health-care-team-didnt?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13212#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13212-a-childs-father-knew-when-to-let-go-the-health-care-team-didnt Mon, 20 Feb 2017 11:36:11 +0100 Physicians are accustomed to seeing patients at the end of their lives. It is difficult to let families know they may lose their loved one. Clinicians are often accepting of patients DNR orders before family members are ready. This story is about a... Physicians are accustomed to seeing patients at the end of their lives. It is difficult to let families know they may lose their loved one. Clinicians are often accepting of patients DNR orders before family members are ready. This story is about a... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13174-physicians-have-a-duty-to-respond-to-emergencies-if-they-can?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13174 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13174-physicians-have-a-duty-to-respond-to-emergencies-if-they-can?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13174#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13174-physicians-have-a-duty-to-respond-to-emergencies-if-they-can Mon, 20 Feb 2017 11:02:39 +0100 “Someone else will lend a helping hand,” a physician told me once, when asked to help with an emergency in public. As a PALS instructor for more than a decade, I have always responded when possible. In the last decade, there have been three... “Someone else will lend a helping hand,” a physician told me once, when asked to help with an emergency in public. As a PALS instructor for more than a decade, I have always responded when possible. In the last decade, there have been three... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13062-sometimes-we-are-heroes-sometimes-we-are-villains?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13062 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13062-sometimes-we-are-heroes-sometimes-we-are-villains?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13062#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13062-sometimes-we-are-heroes-sometimes-we-are-villains Thu, 01 Dec 2016 07:01:58 +0100 If I have learned anything over the last 15 years, it is that our job is not an easy one. That is not to make excuses, rather to emphasize the fact that success or failure can depend on circumstantial timing, making physicians look like heroes or... If I have learned anything over the last 15 years, it is that our job is not an easy one. That is not to make excuses, rather to emphasize the fact that success or failure can depend on circumstantial timing, making physicians look like heroes or... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13067-the-public-needs-to-see-physicians-as-human?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13067 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13067-the-public-needs-to-see-physicians-as-human?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13067#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13067-the-public-needs-to-see-physicians-as-human Tue, 22 Nov 2016 16:44:29 +0100 Physicians today are not held in the same high esteem as they used to be. We are often portrayed as callous, intolerant, clutch-fisted, know-it-alls who schedule patients around our daily golf game. (For the record, I do not play golf.) Physicians are... Physicians today are not held in the same high esteem as they used to be. We are often portrayed as callous, intolerant, clutch-fisted, know-it-alls who schedule patients around our daily golf game. (For the record, I do not play golf.) Physicians are... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13015-vaccinations-are-more-about-trust-than-science?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13015 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13015-vaccinations-are-more-about-trust-than-science?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-13015#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/13015-vaccinations-are-more-about-trust-than-science Tue, 22 Nov 2016 15:57:44 +0100 I am going to confess that I am my children’s pediatrician. I have given them every vaccination they have ever had and probably would not trust another provider to do it. I endorse the vaccination schedule recommended by the American Academy of... I am going to confess that I am my children’s pediatrician. I have given them every vaccination they have ever had and probably would not trust another provider to do it. I endorse the vaccination schedule recommended by the American Academy of... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12972-how-this-physician-grieves?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-12972 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12972-how-this-physician-grieves?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-12972#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12972-how-this-physician-grieves Tue, 08 Nov 2016 01:40:08 +0100 As of Sept. 15, 85 children from 33 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have died due to influenza during the 2015-2016 season. Piper Lowery, who was a healthy 12 year old girl died from H1N1 influenza almost one year ago. Her mother,... As of Sept. 15, 85 children from 33 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have died due to influenza during the 2015-2016 season. Piper Lowery, who was a healthy 12 year old girl died from H1N1 influenza almost one year ago. Her mother,... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12901-a-rural-health-primer?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-12901 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12901-a-rural-health-primer?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-12901#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12901-a-rural-health-primer Sat, 05 Nov 2016 22:07:30 +0100 Whether in reference to health care or public education, trying to increase quality while simultaneously decrease costs is an unrealistic proposition. Physicians in rural areas simply have fewer resources at their disposal. Adding insult to injury,... Whether in reference to health care or public education, trying to increase quality while simultaneously decrease costs is an unrealistic proposition. Physicians in rural areas simply have fewer resources at their disposal. Adding insult to injury,... https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12956-i-wish-my-patients-knew?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-12956 article https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12956-i-wish-my-patients-knew?utm_source=DocCheck&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=channel-319&utm_content=article-12956#comments https://www.doccheck.com/en/detail/articles/12956-i-wish-my-patients-knew Mon, 31 Oct 2016 11:52:10 +0100 Referencing a New York Times article “What Kids Wish Their Teachers Knew” got me thinking about both sides of the coin. Physicians are human beings and sometimes this fact gets lost when a patient is angry or frustrated seeking help from the... Referencing a New York Times article “What Kids Wish Their Teachers Knew” got me thinking about both sides of the coin. Physicians are human beings and sometimes this fact gets lost when a patient is angry or frustrated seeking help from the...