Losing One of Us

 On January 20 Stephen Pasceri walked into Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts and shot and killed cardiac surgeon Dr. Michael Davidson before turning the gun on himself. Pasceri's mother was a former patient of Davidson's and passed away last November.  Marguerite Joly, sister to the gunman told the Boston Herald "I think it comes down to the fact that my brother thought it was the doctor's fault that my mother died." It is believed that Pasceri believed a drug therapy given to his mother by Davidson was the cause of her fatality.

Source

The untimely death of Dr. Davidson brings to light the growing concern of personal safety for medical providers. Attacks by patients are truly a physician nightmare and last week's event is just one of a string of attacks against physicians in the past few years. For example, in 1999 a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital was stabbed by a patient during a therapy session before the patient was shot dead by a security guard.

Why are physicians suffering in the hands of those we have dedicated our lives to serving? I believe it comes down to perception. Point blank, many in the public think we are God. (We are far from it!). If things go wrong or not as anticipated the assumption is the doctor made a mistake. However often times the person being treated is either very sick or has a condition not amenable to treatment. Unfortunately you cannot save everyone, in spite of your best efforts.  I like to think that God uses physicians to carry out His work here on Earth and ultimately what happens to patients is His decision.  Yes, there are times when malpractice is the cause of unnecessary fatality or increased morbidity, but I don't think that warrants the death of the person who made the mistake.


Working in a high crime area, I have always been nervous about being caught in the middle of the various shootings and incidents that occur outside the hospital.  Never would I have imagined that I now need to be concerned with what happens inside the building. Hospitals and medical centers are supposed to be places of healing, not causes for anxiety and fear for your life. So what do we do now? Do we increase security at hospitals and implement hospital wide metal detectors? Should we evoke the idea of physician right to bear arms in the work place? Or do we just stand and pray that we never encounter a patient or patient acquaintance who wants to take matters into their own hands? I honestly don't know what the answer is.I do believe education should be given to medical staff on how to deal with aggressive and potentially dangerous patients.

I do feel an open discussion needs to be had on changing the public perception of physicians and health care providers. There needs to also be a dialogue on how to extensively explain to patients and family members the extent of someones illness and realistic expectations. Understanding the depth of an illness may help people realize that sometimes no matter how hard a physician may work, the outcome may not be a positive one.

Despite the tragedy at Brigham and Women's Hospital and others in the past, I still believe in the purity of human nature. I'm thankful for the opportunity to help others and believe the majority of people are grateful for the work physicians do.   We at OhemaasMD send our condolences to Dr. Davidson's family and Brigham and Women's Hospital who lost a hard working surgeon, mentor and teacher. Interventional cardiologist Dr. Andrew Eisenhauer said "You should all be assured that Michael Davidson was one of the kindest and best physicians and men that ever walked on this earth,". May his legacy live on through his wife, children, and all the patients who benefited from his work.

HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS!

As busy as we all are we must remember to take time out to enjoy life with family and friends! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

HOLIDAY DINNER

Spinach  stew

PUERTO RICO

Flying in to SJU!

El Yunque National Rain Forest

Mofongo!

El Yunque National Rain Forest

El Yunque National Rain Forest

Hotel rooftop

Brunch

Brunch

Hotel rooftop

Old San Juan

Lunch

Brunch

GALAS

West African Health Foundation Gala

 

 

Cole Said It Best

J. Cole

Michael Brown. Eric Garner.
I Can't Breathe. Hands Up. Don't Shoot.

 These are the names and terms that have been heard from the mouths of people across the country and globe for the past several weeks. The tragic shooting death of Michael Brown by Ferguson, Missouri police and the choking death of Eric Garner by Staten Island, NY police in 2014 have resonated in the souls of men, women, and children alike. The shooting death of 12 year old Cleveland native Tamir Rice by a police officer has also ignited fury and calls for justice for those affected by police brutality and a criminal justice system that has at times not acted appropriately towards members of the community.

Hip hop artist J. Cole said it best in the lyrics of his song "January 28", off the album 2014 Forest Hills Drive.
What's the price for a black man life? I check the toe tag, not one zero in sight~ J. Cole
 
African American men are continually dying in the hands of those that have sworn to protect them. There are many correctional officers who are doing a great job of serving their community, however there are a few whom may be doing more harm than good. After grand juries failed to indict the officers involved in the Brown and Garner cases thousands of protests, marches, and boycotts have occurred throughout the nation demanding change.

#WhiteCoats4BlackLives, a coordinated protest on December 10 by medical students in over 70 medical schools in the US and Caribbean was created to not only protest against racial discrimination and police brutality, but to also shed light on the injustice which happens to blacks within the health care system.

"Die-In's consist of medical students in white coats and other individuals laying on the ground, most for four and a half minutes- representing the four and a half hours that Michael Brown's corpse layed on the ground after being shot.

The hope in these demonstrations is to open a much needed dialogue amongst health care professionals, healthcare systems, and the general public about the large disparities people of color face in receiving sufficient health care. Racial discrimination in itself has a direct impact on mental health, leading to increased stress, behavioral issues, depression and suicide. To often minorities are unable to receive the medical help they need due to various socio-economic or prejudicial constraints. The alarming low rate of African-Americans matriculating into US medical schools is also raising concerns that lack of diversity amongst providers will  affect the patients' views and possible use of the health system. 

As student doctors we are obliged to recite the Hippocratic Oath during medical school. The oath is a public declaration of our aim to uphold certain ethical standards. Do No Harm (non-maleficence)  claims a physician will refrain from providing futile treatments or act with malice towards a patient.

I believe that just as physicians are held accountable for inappropriate conduct and malpractice, police officers should be held accountable for improper handling of force and weapons, as well as discrimination. How a choke hold is not considered unlawful is beyond my understanding, but the continual abuse of members of the general public by law enforcement needs to come to an end. Both the criminal justice system and the health care system are responsible for the general well-being of the community at large.If the public can not trust us, we who have dedicated our lives to helping them, then who can they trust?

Look at the nation, that's a crooked smile braces couldn't even straighten ~ J. Cole


Below are photos of various Die-In's

John Hopkins School of Medicine

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine

Morehouse College

Howard University School of Medicine

University of California, San Francisco

Harvard Medical School

Image Source

** OhemaasMD in no way supports the recent shooting death of two NYC police officers, in apparent revenge for Eric Garner

TIME Person of the Year

Last week, TIME magazine bestowed it's beloved award of Person of the Year, not to an individual but to an entity. The Ebola Fighters were named 2014's Person of the Year for their “tireless acts of courage and mercy." Recipients include the many doctors, nurses, and numerous health care workers working to end the epidemic which has already claimed over 6,000 lives. The people in the field also included Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the Samaritan Purse Christian medical relief team. 

The epidemic, which initially wrecked havoc in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea eventually crossed international water with cases in the United States and Europe. The White House welcomed the TIME magazine award as a tribute to the "heroism and selflessness" of countless health care workers."The administration, including the president, could not be prouder of the brave men and women who've committed themselves to this effort in a foreign land," said spokesman Josh Earnest.

  

                                           TIME Magazine Ebola covers

The resilience, tirelessness, and dedication of  The Ebola Fighters is unrelenting and under appreciated. Fighting a disease which could (and did) easily claim their own lives, the health care workers put their own well being aside to take care of individuals and even entire families. We must also not forget the ambulance drives and burial teams who also aided in providing care and peace to thousands.
 The war against Ebola is not over and the global health system is not as strong as previously perceived. Those who are not on the front line can still help, by supporting organizations fighting in Ebola stricken countries like The Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders. Monetary contributions, supplies and even prayer are welcome. We are grateful to the Ebola fighters as TIME magazine stated, "For tireless acts of courage and mercy, for buying the world time to boost its defenses, for risking, for persisting, for sacrificing and saving".



If you would like to donate,
Mamawa Inc and Sierra Leone Water are two organizations  spearheading the war against Ebola in Sierra Leone.
Also check out Doctors Without Borders

Survival 101: Pre-Med

When I first started my journey to medicine I honestly did not know where to begin. Unlike many doctors I know, I did not make the decision to fully pursue medicine until my senior year of college (late, I know).
Being late in the game and having very few friends who were following the MD path made it  even more stressful. Looking back  to my undergrad years there are a few things I probably would have done differently.  Here's a list of things you should consider during your college years to prepare for a career in medicine. In the future we will be discussing surviving medical school, residency, and even fellowship so stay tuned!

Make sure you really want to do this
Being a doctor is tough, period. It takes dedication, sacrifice, physical and mental stamina, and the reality of delayed gratification.I suggest anyone who is interested in medicine to do some soul searching and ask yourself, " Is there anything else I could see myself doing that would make me has happy as medicine would". If not,buckle up, you're in for a ride. Also make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. If it is pressure from family or loved ones, or to make money, you may want to rethink this because personal gratification should ultimately be the goal.

Realize it will be a challenge
One of the hardest parts about preparing for medical school is getting in. Once you're in you've already proven that you have what it takes to face the challenge. Many medical schools also work very hard to make sure students graduate (tutors, additional study aids,etc). However prior to matriculation there may be some obstacles. Don't give up! You may have a bad semester, or topics may not make sense no matter how hard you study, but as an over comer you will be better prepared for the pleasures and pitfalls of medicine.

Be ready for the naysayers
With the constant change of the healthcare system, physician reimbursements being cut every year, and the ever growing rates of med school debt, some feel being a  doctor is not as "glamorous" as it used to be. Many people will ask you
Why do you want to be in that much debt?
Don't you want a life?
Don't you want to actually see your family?
Do you want to be in school forever?

                                    

You may not have all the answers, but if you know in your heart this is what you want to do, then you don't have to explain anything to anyone. Besides, these same people will probably be asking you for medical advice in a few years ;)

 If you have concerns about the future of medicine there are more than enough doctors (including us!) who will tell you what it is really like to be a doctor.

You don't have to be a biology major
In the past, it was thought that biology was the only major that would get you into medical school. However that myth has been debunked, as more nontraditional students are now matriculating into medical school.

Admission commitees don't care what major you do, as long as you have a good MCAT score, and do well in your undergrad courses. The most important thing to consider when choosing a major is whether or not you enjoy the subject matter and will excel at it. Consider a major in the humanities, social sciences, or various health sciences.

 Focus Focus Focus
The hours of studying while your friends are out for Thirsty Thursday, Faded Friday and the rest of the awesome weekend is no fun at all. There were many a day that I watched my friends go out while I had to stay home and study for an OChem or Physics exam. And lets not talk about when I had to prepare for the MCATs. You may feel discouraged and even wonder why you are pursuing this studious life- but remember the end of a matter is better than the beginning.

The era of social media also makes focusing all the more difficult. In order to reach your goal, you may have to deactivate your Facebook or Instagram account to spend time on your goal.

 Find a supportive counselor/mentor
This can not be stressed enough. Having a counselor or administrator who has aided others in getting into medical school will help you navigate the exhaustive work of applications, recommendations, and college courses.
A mentor during medical school is also a valuable resource who can guide you and give you tips on how to succeed in medical school.A mentor should be someone you are close to and can discuss your academic (and sometimes personal) concerns with. Look for someone you admire; someone who you wish to aspire to be like.

Get clinical exposure
This includes shadowing your family physician, volunteering with the medical team at a marathon, volunteering at a hospital or free clinic, even doing a medical missions. Clinical exposure will show that you are invested in your career and are willing to go the extra mile to immerse your self in your career field of choice early on.

Source

Complete an internship or research
Internships, pre-med summer programs,  and collegiate research are a great way to get more exposure in the medical field. They are also great application boosters. Research will show that you are invested in the sciences as well as interested in not only treating patients but figuring out the hows and whys of health.
Summer programs give a glimpse into the medical life. I participated in the SMDEP (Summer Medical and Dental Education Program) in undergrad and this experience solidified my decision to go to medical school.

RIT has a comprehensive list of programs here

Save Money
Applying to medical school is expensive.  From paying for applications, secondary applications, MCAT review books/courses and traveling for interviews you can easily spend a couple thousand dollars. In college saving money is hard with expenses of daily living, but even if you can put away a couple dollars every month you will be in a better position when you begin the application process.

 Have a life!
College is supposed to be some of the best years of your life. Even as a hard worker and dedicated student, you can still have fun! Don't let those years pass you by without some great memories made.

Extra curricular activities are just as important as your grades. Medical school admissions committees love well rounded students. They are especially interested in your non medical endeavors. Leadership activities will show you have what it takes to take charge in the health care world. Get involved in sports, clubs and societies (and not just the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society!). If you are a minority, I suggest getting involved in your local MAPS- Minority Association of Pre-Med Students (MAPS-SNMA) chapter. It is a gateway to numerous resources for education, mentorship, and advocacy.

 Consider other options
 The beauty of college is that it opens your eyes to ideas you may have never known before. Keep an open mind about your future career plans. Take the time to look into other health fields or careers in general; you may surprise yourself by realizing there are other things that interest you or you are good at. I'm not saying to give up on your dream of becoming a doctor, but also recognize that your talents may be vast and many.


Good resources for more information are
PreMed Revolution
PreMed Life

What other pre-med tips do you suggest?

Right Shoe, Left Shoe, Which Shoe

Working in a hospital entails walking, running, and standing for long periods of time. If not equipped with the right shoes your feet will suffer, and so will your attitude.  We are always asked by medical students what are the best shoes to wear while on the floors so here's a compilation of the most popular shoes worn by medical personnel.


DANSKOS

Known as the mother of all hospital shoes, Danskos clogs are anatomically created to mold to your foot over several wears. The heel is open and enlarged allowing feet to move comfortably within the shoe. From personal experience, they are a bit uncomfortable to wear at the beginning due to the high arch but it gets better over time.

I have had my pair since medical school and absolutely love them! They are durable, sturdy, and don't have my feet aching at the end of the day.They also come in various designs allowing for individuality when wearing scrubs.



CROCS

 

Yes their not the nicest looking shoes,  yes they can squeak sometimes, but yes they are amazing! The loose fit of the shoes allows for a natural bend while walking. The odor resistant material keeps your feet from smelling after keeping them on for a long time. (I would suggest socks, those help to!) The closed heel and toe meets workplace standards, making it safe against biohazards and needle injury.

I have had my Crocs for at least two years. I love the ease of slipping them on and off throughout the day when I just want my feet to breath.


BIRKIE

 Flexible, man-made clogs created by the shoe company Birckenstock, Birkie's boast a removable footbed allowing you to change them when they become worn and thus increasing the longevity of the shoe. Their deep heel cup allows for better posture and decreased back pain. The longitudinal arch support distributes weight evenly also decreasing fatigue from wearing the same shoe for several hours. 

CALZURO

Initially created for surgeons, these Italian made shoes have quickly become popular due to their  massage bump infused soles which promote constant blood circulation within the feet. The comfort insoles provide cushion support with an arch that conforms to your foot. The one and half inch heel also provides all day support so your feet don't hurt when you take them off at the the day. One great aspect of Calzuros are that they can be cleaned via autoclave, withstanding up to 300 degrees of heat and ensuring all  nasty hospital germs are killed.



ALEGRIA

 Alegria shoes boast leather-based vibrant prints and colors, with patented, countour-forming footbeds. The rocker bottom outsole allows for your foot to roll naturally .The arch support is made up of memory foam, cork, and latex allowing for a customized fit.

Many of these shoes have been approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association meaning they promote good foot health and allow for normal foot function.  Almost all of these shoes have anti-slip protection which are essential if you have to run to a code or other emergency situation. Most also offer either side or top vents allowing your feet to breath. The synthetic shoes (Crocs, Birki's, Calzuro's) can all be easily washed with soap and water or sterilized with bleach.


The price of these shoes range from $40-$150 but discount stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls sometimes carry them for half the price. Shoe stores like the Walking Company often times will give discounts to local hospitals workers with a hospital ID.


 Hopefully all these options will provide some relief from tired, aching feet.
Are there any shoes you would suggest for long hours on your feet?

Rest in Peace, Dr. Teleka Patrick

As a physician, facing death is an inevitable part of the job description. However when it hits close to home, especially to a fellow doctor, no amount of training can prepare you for the emotion you feel.

Dr. Teleka Patrick was a 30 year old psychiatry resident at Western Michigan University who went missing after leaving work on December 5,2013. Her car was found abandoned approximately 100 miles from the hospital in Indiana  with her wallet and credit cards inside. On April 7 a fisherman discovered a body in Lake Charles in Porter, Indiana which was later identified as Dr. Patrick. 

We may never know the circumstances surrounding Teleka's death. The Kalamazoo County Sheriff Office has deemed it an accident, but autopsy/ toxicology results are pending. During the search for Teleka,  the question of her mental health arose. On the day of her disappearance, friends and coworkers stated she acted "irrational" and showcased "erratic" behavior. Then Youtube videos were released which posed the question of whether or not she could tell the difference between reality and fantasy. The fact that she stalked gospel artist/pastor Marvin Sapp also shed light on a serious issue Dr. Patrick was facing. 

I do believe that Teleka had some form of mental illness, however since she was the "healer" no one may have picked up on the signs or even inquired about what was going on in her personal life. She herself may have not found it necessary to seek medical attention; after all, she's a psychiatrist, right? Too often physicians have placed their own health in jeopardy just for the sake of helping others (remember when I was sick)? And too often by the time we do finally decide to take care of ourselves the damage has already been done.

A bright, beautiful woman has been lost and though I did not know Taleka personally, my sister in medicine is gone. Her family released this statement on the Find Taleka Facebook page:

"Over the past several months, you have gotten to know Teleka Cassandra Patrick. You’ve gotten to know her how we knew her and you’ve seen her bright and caring smile. She was beautiful, intelligent, and God-fearing. You’ve prayed for Teleka, cried for Teleka, and worked to find Teleka and we thank you. We thank you for walking this difficult journey with our family.

Teleka’s death is not the ending we had hoped for, however, the journey does not end here. As we mourn Teleka, we must also honor her; honor the life she led, honor her kind spirit and honor her devotion to God and others. Teleka had a passion and zest for life and no matter the circumstances that led up to her death, we are certain that she would not have taken her own life. Many questions remain, but what is certain is that we will love her forever and her legacy will continue to live on in the love we show to others.

Thank you for your prayers. Please respect our privacy in this difficult time.

The Patrick Family"

Rest in peace Taleka