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A Card-Carrying Optimist

I may be a snarky, opinionated curmudgeon, but I'm an optimist when and where it counts. And I think you should join me.

ICYMI: The Biosimilar "Buy In"

The landscape of biosimilars is vast. This year alone we are expecting 17 biosimilars in rheumatology. While some pharmaceutical company and payer contracts are still under negotiation, we need to start preparing ourselves and our patients.  Drs. Jack Cush and Arthur Kavanuagh shared insights into these key discussions during RheumNow Live 2023.

An Opportunity to Say Yes

Often, I am asked why I get to do all the fun stuff in rheumatology like blogging, traveling, meeting and interviewing interesting people, and collaborating in cool projects. How do I get those opportunities? Why am I involved in so many things? The answer: because I say, “Yes!”

No is a complete sentence

No is a complete sentence. For context, I am a "yes" person, and I always have been.

Giving Good Care in Diversity takes Time

Dr. Yvonne Sherrer and second-year fellow Dr. Corin Agoris discuss a case where extended time led to improved patient outcomes.

My Life in the Gray Zone

For someone who grew up in a family of engineers, where logic and definitive answers were absolute, I live comfortably in the gray zone of uncertainty.  

Why I Hire Women

Organizational psychologist Adam Grant points to a metanalysis of 63 studies, showing that women who assert their ideas, make direct requests, and advocate for themselves are liked less, AND they are also less likely to get hired. For me, these are exactly the attributes I am hiring - ideas, assertiveness, speaking up, advocating.

The Benefits of Networking

Networking provides the framework for an exchange of ideas and new opportunities that can actually open doors.

Changing the Conversation with Patients: Lupus

Dr. Megan Clowse from Duke University talks about changing how she talks to patients with lupus, exploring and treating two types of lupus.

The Biosimilar "Buy In"

The landscape of biosimilars is vast. This year alone we are expecting 17 biosimilars in rheumatology. While some pharmaceutical company and payer contracts are still under negotiation, we need to start preparing ourselves and our patients.  Drs. Jack Cush and Arthur Kavanuagh shared insights into these key discussions during RheumNow Live 2023.

Bad Stress

“Bad is stronger than good.” 

Wait, bad is bad, right?

A Shortage of Trust

I wanted to complain about patients who complain, but guilt and common sense took over. I intended to declare the problem to primarily belong to the doctor, rather than the patient. To me, the solution to the patient’s consternation should begin and end with the source: me (you). My introspection, reasonings, and commandments were fine, but I kept running into the enigma of “Trust” – which can either be a speed-bump or chasm in our physician-patient relationships.