A few weeks ago, an elderly patient with advanced metastatic cancer came to see me in my palliative care clinic. She did not speak English. She came in with her daughter, who translated as the patient did not wish to use an interpreter. She told me about her worsening pain. We had a good visit; I got to know the patient and her daughter a … Continue reading Not just Bones and Muscles
“I don’t do guilt.” Dr. Robin Taylor is a pulmonologist who practices in Glasgow, Scotland. Most of the patients who come to see him in his respiratory clinic, smoke. And one of the most important things he could help them do for their health is to quit. And as simple as it sounds, it is notoriously a difficult thing to do. And it is not … Continue reading Guilt: The Elephant in the (exam) Room.
In the first week of November, Oregon legalized psilocybin (you can read more about this [here] and [here]) **and** [a new study about psilocybin therapy] was published in [JAMA Psychiatry]. Exciting times! Continue reading Psilocybin for Depression? A promise for a new treatment paradigm?
It seems we are all in need of some healing. And I guess this is always true, to some degree, but now probably more than ever. Thinking about it, a few links that might help. From life writing through the practice of breathing to creative work and choosing joy! Continue reading Choosing Joy! Friday Assorted Links #17
It has been difficult week, I think for many? I found respite participating, entirely online, in Conrad’s Literary Festival, that takes place each fall in my hometown, Krakow, Poland. This year, the festival is entirely online, and has an ambitious list of guests. Continue reading Friday Assorted Links #16
It is raining all day in Philly today. So, let’s start with some new books! Here are my favorite links of this week. Enjoy the weekend! Continue reading Friday Assorted Links #15
Hello friends, A few new links today. All evolving around the themes of exploration, creativity, vitality and resilience. I have been listening to the Song Explorer podcast for a while, but had no idea that there is Netflix show now based on the podcast: “Song Explorer: how music gets made”. Same idea. Deconstructing songs, looking for their roots and elements to reveal how they came … Continue reading Friday Assorted Links #14
“Most of us are drained. The “surge capacity” we called on early in the crisis is now depleted.” Jocelyn K. Glei: A Call for Rest & Tenderness. “Pandemic-Era New York Isn’t So Bad” – Tyler Cowen on his recent visit to NYC. “Music is a philosophy, rich in ideas that language cannot say,” via Aeon. “Who are you, and what are you doing here? You, … Continue reading Friday Assorted Links #13
A new edition of Oliver Sack’s third book (originally published in 1984) and entitled: “A Leg to Stand On” with a new forward from Kate Edgar, his longtime editor, is out. Speaking of Oliver Sacks: Ric Burns’s “tender and thrilling” and long-awaited documentary OLIVER SACKS: HIS OWN LIFE has been available for viewing from 9/23 via a COVID-compliant virtual theatrical release. Check it out! Click here for … Continue reading Friday Assorted Links #12
Oliver Burkeman’s column in The Guardian is ending. Here is the last piece: eight secrets to a (fairly) fulfilled life. It’s really good! After more than a decade of writing life-changing advice, I know when to move on. Here’s what else I learned. Oliver Burkeman We have been talking and hearing a lot about ventilators in the last 6 months. Here is a beautiful essay … Continue reading Friday Assorted Links #11
Marcin Chwistek, MD 