Transparency in Healthcare

Who is a good doctor? How do you know if you receive quality care? Unfortunately, patients by themselves can’t make that determination. Of course, we all want respectful and convenient care by an empathetic provider. What about the more technical questions? Since most people are not well versed in how their bodies work, it can…

Stomach Ulcers

“Coffee causes ulcers… right?” “I feel awful. That pizza must have given me an ulcer!” “Work has been crazy stressful. I think I have an ulcer.” All of these sentiments, while well meaning, are actually inaccurate. There is a surprising amount of confusion among the general public about what causes stomach ulcers and what we…

The Problem With Academic Medicine

Academic medical centers have been traditionally been vanguards of medicine – centers for the latest research, places to train the future generation of physicians, and where the most complicated patients are treated. Navigating this cathedral of biomedical science is not easy for many young faculty members, including myself. Some of these challenges may surprise you……

No More Dietary Villains and Heroes

Maybe it’s time we drop the pitchforks when it comes to the food choices we make. In my GI clinic I have seen all forms of diets: vegan, paleo, ketogenic, (s)low carb, 6 food elimination protocol, specific carbohydrate diet, low sugar, low salt, juices, detoxes, the Zone, and the Hollywood cookie diet (no, seriously). I…