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perspective

A Conversation on RaceRead multiple short stories about personal perspectives and experiences with race and identity in America.
A First Person Narrative of the Challenges of Homelessness by Ronald DavisDo we respect our fellow human beings? This narrative by Ronald Davis, who has been homeless for the past 2 years, demonstrates that all too often the answer is no.
A Physician Asks: Is Being Black Bad For Your Health?Fresh Air- Terry Gross interviews Damon Tweedy, MD about his new memoir "Black Man in a White Coat". Reflections on race and how it factors in health care for black patients and becoming a black physician.
Doctor Priorities vs. Patient Priorities by Danielle OfriDoctors and patients can have contrasting agendas, viewed through different lenses. The key is not trying to change someone else’s lens, but rather, appreciating the value of their perspective.
Empathy: The Human Connection to Patient CareIf you could put your feet into your patient's shoes–see what they see, hear what they hear, and feel what they feel–would you treat them differently?
How long have I got left?A young neurosurgeon describes his struggle with living and dying, in the framework of incurable cancer.
How We See Ourselves, How We See Others by Emily ProninDoes our ability to know our own volition give us accurate insight into the volition of others? This article argues that the answer is a definitive "No".
I lied to my patient, and she was thankfulA millennial physician chooses to postpone the truth for her patient…here's why.
I’ll Get That Checked Out SoonIn busy professional lives, and in an area where burnout is a hot-button item, our lack of self-care can lead to health care practitioners not really practicing what they preach. The consequences can be fatal.
Letting goWhat should medicine do when it can't save you? Dr. Atul Gawande examines the way doctors try to approach death and dying – sometimes well, often inadequately.
Near-Death Experience Leads Physician to Promote EmpathyDr. Rana L.A. Awdish's near-death experience due to an occult adenoma rupturing in her liver gave her a brand new perspective based on the lack of empathy she received as a patient. Her experience as a patient totally changed the way she practices, cares and treats her patients and she realized the vital importance of incorporating empathy in the medical field.
Old Age, From Youth’s Narrow Prism by Marc AgroninThis poignant article about a physician’s reaction to an elderly patient offers an insight into what can happen when we assume that other people’s personal context is the same as our own.
Phil Hansen: Embrace the ShakeArtist Phil Hansen discusses how he found a way to use his disability, rather then battle to over come it, when his hand tremors were devastatingly preventing him from creating the art he loved.
Pike County, OH: As Black as wish to be"Al Letson and guest producer Lu Olkowski visit a tiny town in the Appalachian foothills of Ohio where, for a century, residents have shared the common bond of identifying as African-American despite the fact that they look white. Racial lines have been blurred to invisibility, and people inside the same family can vehemently disagree about whether they are black or white."
Racism is bad for your health – 5minAcross virtually every medical intervention, from the most simple medical treatments to the most complicated treatments, blacks and other minorities receive poorer-quality care than whites. African-Americans who are college-educated do more poorly in terms of health than whites who are college-educated. And these racial differences in the quality and intensity of care persist for African-Americans irrespective of the quality of insurance that they have, irrespective of their education level, irrespective of their job status, irrespective of the severity of disease.
Sex on WheelsBBC documentary on the sex lives of four people with disabilities from the newly disabled who is struggling to regain his previous sexuality to a virgin whose family is helping him hire an escort.
Strong backs, soft fronts, wild heartsYou can listen or read the transcript of the podcast — discussion of belonging, race, the shields we put up that interfere with our conversation and how to overcome.
The “Madman” is back in the buildingA look at mental illness in the office place.
The Case that Shook MedicineLibby Zion's death created a whirlwind of change that translated into looking at how doctors are trained, what kind of hours they keep, and how that translates into patient safety. This is the original story.
The Tribal Nature of MedicineIn this video, Dr. Victoria Brazil discusses tribalism in medicine and how this affects healthcare teams and ultimately patient care. The article further discusses types of teams and offers guidance for building a cohesive and functional healthcare team that is inclusive, rather than exclusive to other "tribes." Note: Registrars in Australia are roughly equivalent to Residents in the US.
Try a Checklist (NPR’s Hidden Brain Series)A look inside the operating room with Atul Gawande — and reflection about a 1930s plane crash that inspired his obsession with checklists — as the podcast explores the subtle biases that cause very smart and very skilled people to become their own worst enemies.
Unusual NormalityA war veteran's story of a second chance at childhood and appreciation of what one has
We Need a Heroic Narrative for Death by Amanda BennettA powerful talk arguing that having hope for a happy ending of a loved one’s life does not warrant a diagnosis of “denial.” A call to match the heroic narratives we have in life with a heroic narrative for death.
What Disability MeansPersonal stories shared about disability, identity, pride and perspective.
What happens when a patient says, “Doc, help me die.”Mercy, compassion – does this fade at the end of life? Does ending a life conflict with our values as physicians? Read for one physician's perspective.
What I learned from 4 years working at McDonaldsAuthor Kate Norquay writes about the implicit bias she had upon starting work at McDonalds
When Doctors Become Patients by Eric D. ManheimerFew experiences have a greater impact on the perspective of healthcare providers than being in the patient role.