Tag: research

Medical Humanities, Research Articles

When Less is More: A Simple Solution to Complex Healthcare

While many healthcare institutions nationwide face challenges in enhancing goals-of-care discussions with seriously ill patients, an unexpectedly simple study from the VA demonstrated that a different approach could change how we think about these conversations. In 2013, at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center, Dr. Manali Patel proposed what seemed like an unlikely solution: What if individuals without medical training could assist veterans with advanced … Continue reading When Less is More: A Simple Solution to Complex Healthcare

Unknown's avatarMarcin Chwistek, MD
Research Articles

When Food Loses Its Appeal: Medicine’s New Understanding of Cancer’s Oldest Companion

The Chef’s Voice  I was driving home from clinic on a rain-soaked Monday when I heard something that made me pull over and listen. It wasn’t about medicine or cancer or the patients I’d just spent the day treating. It was chef Matty Matheson, who plays Neal Fak on the acclaimed TV show “The Bear,” being interviewed by Kara Swisher. “Food is an uncompromising love,” … Continue reading When Food Loses Its Appeal: Medicine’s New Understanding of Cancer’s Oldest Companion

Unknown's avatarMarcin Chwistek, MD
Books

“Making Sense of Cancer”

I wanted to write a few words wholeheartedly encouraging you to read Dr. Jarle Breivik’s new book, “Making Sense of Cancer: From Its Evolutionary Origin to Its Societal Impact and the Ultimate Solution.” (Dr. Breivik is a Ph.D. researcher and educator who worked in the field of immunotherapy).  It’s a brilliant exploration of cancer and its societal and philosophical implications. The book is a pleasure … Continue reading “Making Sense of Cancer”

Unknown's avatarMarcin Chwistek, MD
neuroscience, Patient-Physician Relationship

Guilt: The Elephant in the (exam) Room.

“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.

Unknown's avatarMarcin Chwistek, MD
Books, Research Articles

Dr. Azra Raza: is this time to change the way we fight cancer?

While in his late 50s, my dad was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). His course of illness was rocky. He spent a few tough years in and out of hospitals. He died suddenly, at 62, because of an intracranial bleed when MDS transformed itself into acute leukemia – a common pathway (I wrote about it here). During his illness he was under the care of … Continue reading Dr. Azra Raza: is this time to change the way we fight cancer?

Unknown's avatarMarcin Chwistek, MDLeave a comment