“Executive Director in a high-profile company.” This is what was written under occupation in her medical chart. I was reviewing charts of patients that were new to me to go over their medical histories and order any tests that I wanted to be done before seeing them in a couple of weeks. I like to …
“Today is a special day Emily. Maybe one of the most important days of your life.” I tried to conclude the clinical encounter. After giving her scientifically derived percentages of prognosis of her breast cancer and answering all her carefully jotted-down questions, I tried to end with a customary parting comment. “It’s been almost a …
It is almost approaching two decades since I have worked at this hospital. This is where I grew up as a physician. After my home, I have spent most hours of my life within these walls and walking around these hallways. The hospital used to have two main buildings but a few years ago, the …
The Hand From Behind the Curtain Read More »
There is no news that one can hear about oneself that is more dreadful than being told that you have cancer. The mind shuts down for a few minutes. No matter what the doctor is saying, the words do not register. It is like in the movies. The only difference is that the scene passes …
No matter what kind of work you do, you likely take a break for coffee or lunch. This is a time when you catch a casual moment with your colleagues. Although this moment is meant to break the monotony of the day, it is not uncommon for your mind to keep going back to the …
Ruminations of a Seasoned Oncologist Read More »
This article was published in The Friday Times on March 7, 2023. Should you choose to read it at the newspaper website, please click here. “A good doctor has to wear three hats. That of a clinician, a researcher, and that of a teacher.” I remember being instructed by the Program Director on the first …
A Moment of Shame for a Pakistani Doctor Read More »
If my grandfather were alive, he would be the same age as Mr. Hendricks. Seventy-eight years old. That’s why when I first met him, he introduced himself as John but I preferred to call him Mr. Hendricks. That’s how I was taught as one of the ways to give respect to the elderly. The “American” …
Sandy was sent to me by her primary care physician for evaluation of anemia. As I reviewed her chart, Iexplained to the medical student that the blood work showed a lifelong benign condition called alpha thalassemiatrait that she was born with. It had no potential to harm her. This would be a quick consult meaning …
My 5-minute conversation with a Suicide Hotline Expert Read More »
“Mark my words. AI (Artificial Intelligence) is more dangerous than the nukes.” Elon Musk. The other day, as soon as I walked in to work, already running my usual ten minutes late, I was hustling from my office to the clinic when I saw one of our physician assistants in the hallway. Otherwise known for …
Is Elon Musk right about the future of Medicine? Read More »
It’s not a good feeling when as a doctor, you cannot do too much for your patient. That’s how I felt when I walked into the room to see Valerie for the first time. She was in her 60’s. She was flanked by her two adult grand-daughters who you could tell were very close to …
A Cancer Patient’s Last Wish Read More »
4k
