Somehow, I have become an activist. This was never my intent. All I ever planned was to write my memoir. I did not intend to be a public...

Every October, the light changes, the sun hanging lower in the sky. Every October, the leaves flash to orange, yellow and red, and drift...

[Author note: In recognition of this back-to-school time, here is a reprint of my blog about bullying. Many children are bravely...

I have been a patient and a doctor, on both sides of the bed. I have sat with injured people, processing their trauma. I have also been...

“The ancients knew something, which we seem to have forgotten.” Albert Einstein Life takes us interesting directions, and mine recently...

Once upon a time, I gave birth to a perfect little girl, with big blue eyes and a wide smile. She exuded peace and serenity. A friend of...

On Memorial Day, we honor our nation’s fallen. I would like to write about those who gave their lives defending our country. However, I...

What brings meaning to your life? I am not asking because I have the right answer. I am asking because I want you to have an answer, an...

At the end of a weary work week, I sprawled on the couch ready to watch a movie. I wanted to be entertained by someone else’s problems...

I don’t handle criticism well. My gut reaction is usually a torrent of justification, a quick defensive shield. My throat gets hot and my...

I didn’t plan to visit my old house. Odd circumstances brought me there. Our friend’s mother died, and her funeral took us surprisingly...

My brother Marc and I were born exactly four years and 51 weeks apart. It was just my birthday, and on February 19th, it would be his. As...

Remember people? I’m not talking about your family or close friends. I’m talking humanity, unknown people. Drinking in a bar and talking...

When I was four years old, an angel left me my very own Christmas tree. I lay on a soft twin bed, tucked in the corner of a wood-paneled...

(Part 5 in the series Choosing More Surgery) I spoke to a psychic two weeks before my recent operations. The psychic is a friend, an...

(As currently featured in Psychology Today) Are you excited about Thanksgiving? Are you looking forward to getting together with your...

(Part 4 in the series Choosing More Surgery) I have always loved “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” I identify with Dorothy in The Wizard of...

(This is Part 3 in the series "Choosing More Surgery." See here for Part 1 and here for Part 2) “How are you doing today?” asked my...

(For Part I of this series, click here) “You need to make friends with it,” advised my surgeon. She smiled at me, her long straight...

When I was 28 years old, I briefly dated a surgical resident. Perhaps like all surgeons, he was smart, decisive, and pleased with...