Cloning, producing genetically identical copies of a biological entity, is occurring in laboratories all across the world. We clone segments of DNA and embryonic stem cells for research in order to one day treat and cure disease. Reproductive cloning of animals not only has implications in the scientific world, but is also being done for profit. Viagen Pets can clone your […]
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I follow a Facebook group of physician moms. We share and offer feedback on everything from a clinical puzzle to a frustrating patient encounter and we offer our tricks for how to find balance in a crazy medical life. I’ve seen several recent posts about women being called Mrs. even when it is known they are a physician. Most recently […]
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There is no better place to watch science in action than in the world of medicine. It was discovered in the 1930’s that blood, in the presence of a certain streptococcus bacteria, did not clot. The agent formed by the bacteria was isolated and eventually called streptokinase, the first “clot buster”. Through the decades, pharmaceutical companies created other similar drugs, […]
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As a family physician, one of my main jobs is trying to help patients change their unhealthy habits. Advice such as lose weight, exercise more, get more sleep, quit smoking, or drink less alcohol all require a change in daily habits. Smoking cessation statistics show just how hard it is to change our habits. Ninety-three percent of people will fail […]
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I was recently asked for advice on marital happiness. Mark and I have been married almost 25 years which is longer than most of our friends and acquaintances. Like all couples, we’ve had our ups and downs, but are genuinely happy together most of the time. We like each other’s company and we have a very good emotional and physical […]
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I was on vacation when she died. I’m not sure that not being on vacation would’ve made a difference, but I’ve often played the scenario through to a different end. She called in on the morning of her death complaining of a bad headache. When questioned about neurologic symptoms, there were none and she didn’t want to come to the […]
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I start my day walking the dog in the cold rain and stupidly stood too close to the curb. The splash from head to toe as a car whizzed by jolted me awake. I should’ve realized then that my day was going to be filled with minor annoyances. I grab a pouch of honey cinnamon peanut butter that was available […]
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I finished Lab Girl, Hope Jahren’s award winning memoir, on New Year’s Eve. I love this book and proclaim it my favorite read of 2018! Dr. Jahren is a scientist first, but a brilliant humorist as well. It is a story of love. Love for science, love for plants, love for Bill, and eventually, love for herself. The metaphoric style […]
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I read a lot. I don’t really want to write book reviews, but I do like to discuss where a book takes me. Maybe that is why I am a book club nerd. Last Night at the Lobster, by Stewart O’nan, took me to a lot of different places. The Red Lobster is closing and it is a picture of […]
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