Medical Lessons Learned
It is amazing to think of how much medicine has evolved as I’ve watched.
Most Memorable Patient
Celebrating life at the end of life
We walked the tightrope daily trying to keep her comfortable
A patient with a bone marrow transplant shows how short and precious life is
I will never forget the intent of his teaching as he knew the prognosis was grim for him.
Neck and chest pain in a student
A PA reflects on a time when a patient complained of left-sided neck pain and was diagnosed with a 12-cm mass.
Signs of physical abuse in a patient
A PA reflects on a time when a patient arrived for an annual check-up and showed curious signs of abuse.
Screening stroke patients for signs of depression
More aggressive depression screening for patients with stroke will help detect and treat symptoms sooner.
Transcending the emotional barriers between provider and patient
Transcending the emotional barriers between clinician and patient can lead to a stronger, more balanced professional life.
Diagnosing a pulmonary embolism and saving a life
A Divine guidance helps a nurse practitioner make a diagnosis that saved a patient’s life.
Fulfilling a dying patient’s request: A trip to the Renaissance Festival
A dying man’s wish to attend a Renaissance Festival taught a valuable lesson to a palliative care nurse practitioner.
A young girl with Kawasaki disease: Diagnosing a rare disorder
A girl presented to a small town hospital symptoms including fever, bloodshot eyes, red lips, and rash on the palms of her hands.
An electrocution victim overcomes a poor prognosis
A nurse’s antics prompt an unexpected recovery in a pediatric patient, who sustained injuries after riding his bike over a downed power line.
A pitchfork to the head
A young patient sustains a serious injury while playing with his brother.
Recognizing stroke warning signs in an ESL patient
Listening beyond a nonnative English speaker’s words helped diagnose and treat a medical emergency.
An unexpected finding during a routine Pap smear
I tried to keep my voice steady, as I described what looked like an inch-long piece of cooked linguine attached to the patient’s buttock.
Diagnosing mysterious recurring painful blisters
A patient’s deep appreciation for a quick diagnosis reminds me why I chose my profession.
A patient’s bruises prompt closer attention
Sometimes it is hard to ask our patients personal questions. But if we don’t, who is?
Clinicians often cross professional boundaries when they become patients
Next time you become a patient remember to show professional courtesy and acknowledge the competency of the staff that is providing your care.
A centarian survives a complicated surgery
A geriatric patient undergoes a complex procedure for gastric outlet obstruction and causes a medical team to question their stance on geriatric surgery.
Severe hemorrhaging after eclampsia and stroke
A family faces a life and death decision when a patient is given a poor prognosis after experiencing a major stroke from eclampsia.
A trampoline accident paralyzes a young patient
Short of banning trampoline sales, installing a protective net can help reduce the risk for devastating neck injuries.
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