MD Whistleblower

Most of us recognize that Operation Warp Speed was the name given to COVID-19 vaccine development, which succeeded brilliantly and in record time.   Early on, no one predicted that by the end of 2020, two safe and highly effective vaccines would gain emergency use FDA approval.  There were other developments that also rolled out at warp speed.   Telemedicine is now omnipresent.   Prior to the pandemic, telemedicine existed in pockets throughout the country, but most physicians and patients had never participated in it.   The plan was for it to gain a much larger footprint in the medical landscape in the years to come.   Instead, the transformation occurred in weeks.   Physicians and patients who previously would have rejected the notion of a distant and impersonal virtual visit were now enthusiastic participants.   Patients and caregivers of all ages became quite conversant with Zoom and other similar platforms.     'The Doctor Will See You Now' The urgency for warp speed a

                                                                                               Division                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Heartache                                                                                                                                Death                                                 Pain                                                                           2020                                                                                                                                                        Lies                                                                                                                               

One of the most challenging symptoms that physicians and patients grapple with is fatigue.  It is exceedingly common and elusive.   In general, medical studies do not identify a cause and the symptom remains unexplained.  And, failure to identify an explanation only compounds the frustration. I have been frustrated recently over a new iteration of fatigue, a malady that has crept onto the national scene over the past few months.   This illness, spawned by the COVID-19 plague, is called Pandemic Fatigue (PF) and it is spreading aggressively. As of yet there is no vaccine to prevent it or any proven therapeutic agent to combat it.   Scientists thus far do not even understand how one contracts the illness.   Judging by the rampant community spread, one would suspect that it is highly contagious, but no infectious agent has been identified. The disease seems to follow several weeks of adhering to public health guidelines to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.    At some point, either

  ‘Twas the night before Christmas And Trump was still lyin’, Hark!  What’s that sound? Is Pelosi blow dryin’.!   The nation is split Divided we stand As Trump tells his millions He’s still in command.   The election was rigged! The votes must be stopped! Except for the states, Where Trump was on top.   While the world welcomed Biden, One leader was rootin’, For Trump to prevail, Vladimir Putin!   And with Trump in the ditch, And becoming quite moody, He turned to that savior, We know as Rudy.   And as Trump trashed the system. The Dems are all sissies! The brave GOP Threw Trump lots of kissies.  For a profile in courage I have the sense That the man for the ages, Is Vice President Pence.   The virus roars on There’s no place for hidin’ We’re turning to you Vice President Biden. Joy and Peace!        

It is a pleasure to give patients favorable medical news.  It’s an even greater pleasure to receive it.  Technology has replaced so much of our wholesome and human interactions.  Book stores are disappearing.  Handwritten thank you notes?  Nearly extinct.  The corner hardware store where the owner knows your family?  Today, we have Big Box warehouses where, if you hire a private investigator, you might be able to find a hiding salesman.  Need a salesman?  Hire Sherlock! The joy and relief that a patient and family feel when the physician says that all will be well has no technological equivalent.   We have all had anxiety about our own health or the well-being of those we care about.   When the physician enters the room to deliver news, there is fear and tension knowing that lives may change after just a few sentences are uttered. Fortunately, the vast majority of the news I deliver is just what patients and families want to hear. The biopsy result was benign. The

Many of us have sought distractions from the rising fears and frustrations of the pandemic. Why do you think it’s nearly impossible to buy a jigsaw puzzle now?  They are all on back order as the supply cannot meet the demand.  Board games are also more popular than ever.  Even I've competed in a few rounds of Boggle.  And binge-watching various television series has become a welcome oasis from the surrounding chaos. Jigsaw Puzzles - Endangered Species As a medical professional and an ordinary person, I am well aware of the health and economic horrors that the virus has wrought.   Yes, the upcoming vaccines represent a monumental scientific triumph, but there will be many dark months before they are widely available. In this posting, permit me to offer readers a lighter look at COVID-19 to provide a few minutes of deserved distraction. Here’s a COVID-19 quiz to test how current and accurate your knowledge is.   True or False Anthony Fauci, MD is obsessed with masks.   He