Perspective
When are you really dead?
In 1968 a consensus opinion paper was published called “A Definition of Irreversible Coma.” The purpose of the paper was to define death by neurological criteria. It came to be […]
Perspective
Shared decision-making in medicine
In recent years, there has been a lot of discussion about shared decision-making in the practice of medicine. One of the main reasons for this is that some in the […]
Perspective
Considering the danger of concussions
When I was a sophomore in college, I participated in a flag football league. Even though it was flag football, it got physical at times. If you could not pull […]
Perspective
Prepare for end-of-life decision-making
We all want to live life to the fullest and use it for the glory of God, but we also should take the time to plan for our death. We […]
Perspective
Pregnancy-associated cardiomyopathy
Recently, I was emergently called to see a beautiful 34-year-old mom at a local hospital. She had delivered her sixth child about five days before. Her baby had respiratory distress […]
Perspective
The wonders of physical therapy
The important role of physical therapy in the evaluation and treatment of many conditions is not always fully appreciated by physicians and patients alike. Physical therapists have consistently shown me […]
Perspective
Living with heart failure
The most common reason to be admitted to a hospital in the United States after age 65 is heart failure. The initial symptoms at presentation may be acute or more […]
Perspective
It was a zebra, not a horse
This patient of mine was a huge man. He was 6-foot-4 and weighed 290 pounds. He did not look at all overweight. He was just big. He had significant coronary […]
Perspective
Medical care has changed forever
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted medical care in a drastic way. I was told by my administration soon after the virus hit the Northern Indiana area to begin to change […]
Perspective
Moral dilemmas in the use of vaccines
Many years ago, my children received all the vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Even though I was already a physician, I was ignorant of the fact that […]
Perspective
Fearfully and wonderfully made
One of the most common fears my patients have expressed over the years is getting Alzheimer’s disease. I watched my own mother steadily deteriorate for 10 years until she no […]
Perspective
Miracle in D.C.
In August 2018 a beautiful young lady living in Washington, D.C., experienced a sudden and excruciating headache. Seconds later she fell unconscious to the floor. Her dog, Lacey, sensed something […]