Category Archives: Death and Dying

Alone

Posted on 10/05/2020 by

I see them in my office, their look slightly haunted by the memories of having been here before, though not alone. Their fingers absent-mindlessly trace the circle of their wedding band, as we talk not about their own illness, but … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Death and Dying, Family, Happiness, Health and wellness, Loneliness, Marriage, Medicine, Poetry, Thoughts & Musings | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

What You Don’t Believe Can Still Kill You

Posted on 09/08/2020 by

During World War II, Churchill warned: “There are vast numbers…in every land, who will render faithful service in this war, but whose names will never be known.” Much has changed since WW II, but our fears have not. Needing to … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Covid-19, Death and Dying, Health and wellness, Lies, Medicine, Mental Health, News and politics, Politics, Science, Thoughts & Musings | 2 Comments

Southeast Asia – Chapter 3

Posted on 07/02/2020 by

I was discovering I had a lot to learn in my role as teacher to my new medical colleagues in the regional hospital in Surakarta (Solo). The hospital system operated along rigid guidelines laid down by the local bureaucracy, and … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Death and Dying, Food, friendship, Happiness, Health and wellness, Medicine, School, Southeast Asia, Thoughts & Musings, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Southeast Asia – Chapter 2

Posted on 07/01/2020 by

My first night in Solo, I must confess, was not a restful one. Like a child, I ended up sleeping with the light turned on, as I kept hearing noises I wasn’t used to, and the idea of sharing my … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and Dying, Food, Happiness, Medicine, School, Southeast Asia, Thoughts & Musings, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

War Stories From County Chapter 3

Posted on 06/19/2020 by

The most dreaded admission on the medical service was the “red blanket.” When someone came to the County’s emergency room, and were deemed too sick or too unstable to be properly evaluated and triaged in the very busy ER, a … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Death and Dying, Health and wellness, Los Angeles, Medicine, School, Thoughts & Musings, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

War Stories From The County Chapter 2

Posted on 06/18/2020 by

I was starting my first day as a newly minted doctor on the 6th floor of the 18 story building. This, I was later to discover, was fortuitous, as it allowed you easier stairway access to X-ray on the 3rd … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Death and Dying, Health and wellness, Humor, Los Angeles, Medicine, School, Thoughts & Musings, Uncategorized, Unions | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

One I The Loneliest Number

Posted on 06/13/2020 by

I see them in my office, their look slightly haunted by the memories of having been here before, though not alone. Their fingers absentmindedly trace the circle of their wedding band, as we talk not about their own illness, but … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Death and Dying, Family, Mental Health, Poetry, Thoughts & Musings, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Is Life Worth Living?

Posted on 06/12/2020 by

William James, when asked the question at the heart of philosophy, “Is life worth living?” responded with “Maybe. It depends on the liver.” He later elaborated that “Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Death and Dying, Happiness, Health and wellness, Mental Health, Religion, Thoughts & Musings, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Never Tell Someone When They Will Die

Posted on 06/02/2020 by

During my time at Tulane, we had an outstanding pathology department. Consistently voted as best teachers by the students, the faculty were not only excellent in making their subject come alive (a deliberate oxymoron) but also in modeling for us … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Death and Dying, Health and wellness, Medicine, School, The South, Thoughts & Musings, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 1 Comment