Alexandra Beem

3 weeks ago | kevinmd.com | Gene Uzawa Dorio |Alexandra Beem |Pat Rich |Rebecca Miller

When I first started my career in medicine, CT scans and MRIs were nonexistent. Scientific advancements and technology facilitated the development of these and many other diagnostic tools. These changes have enhanced medical care, enabling physicians to diagnose and treat patients more effectively.

Aug 7, 2024 | kevinmd.com | Jennifer Tillman |Jaimie Cavanaugh |Daryl James |Alexandra Beem

I enter the exam room, met by a faint but lovely strawberry fragrance. Mrs. B. rests comfortably on an office chair; she always eschews the exam table. In her 80s, she is a formidable woman, heavyset, her deep brown skin somewhat pale, yet she sparkles in a long, bright, flowery dress, glasses with large silver frames, one hand resting on a cane of knotty oak. Her two adult sons stand nearby, respectfully quiet.

Apr 12, 2024 | kevinmd.com | Pat Rich |Alexandra Beem |Jill Becker |Neill Slater

A non-compliant patient arrives at the ER for evaluation of high blood pressure. Why isn’t she taking her medication? It costs $300 per month, and she can’t afford it. Has she talked to her doctor about a less expensive alternative? No.Unfortunately, this type of interaction occurs far too frequently. The doctor would be happy to prescribe a cheaper alternative if requested, and the patient would love a cheaper option but doesn’t want to question the doctor.

Apr 1, 2024 | kevinmd.com | Bradley B. Block |Alexandra Beem |Pat Rich |Jill Becker

According to The Onion founder Scott Dikkers, “Comedy is meant to afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted.”As physicians, our patients are the “afflicted,” so how can we use comedy to comfort them? Before we get to the how, let us start with the why. Why make patients laugh? Because laughter is the best medicine. After steroids. Steroids are the best medicine. Laughter is the second-best medicine, and it has fewer side effects.

Feb 26, 2024 | kevinmd.com | Arthur Lazarus |John Machata |Alexandra Beem |Heather Finlay-Morreale

It’s been said that the challenges neurodiverse people face are the ones that neurotypical people view as easy, and vice versa. It speaks to the hard-wired diversity of cognitive styles and perspectives among different individuals. Neurotypical people, who generally fit within the societal norms of cognitive functioning, might find certain tasks or social situations easier due to their alignment with mainstream expectations.