Racism in Medicine

I have a condition. Actually, I don’t and that’s the problem. Let me explain.

I have a new doctor because of new insurance. I’ll skip the annoyance about insurance practices. The doctor did a new baseline blood test and discovered my white blood cell count is consistently low. Chronic leukopenia it is called. It may be nothing. But just to be safe, she sends me to a … Read More

Intimidating, Articulate

I’m the only Black person in a group. A fact usually less salient as my Blackness is generally accepted, acknowledged, and integrated into groups I choose. I distinguish genuine interest and awareness from performative or clueless interaction. So, I was discomfited by a group member’s appreciation in the closing … Read More

I Read the News

I read the news that a gunman killed two Jewish people in an act of barbarism and terrorism. In the intentional chaos and cruelty that is the style and substance of the current regime, I titrate my news intake. I want to be informed but not swallowed by a tidal wave of overwhelm and anger. When I got the news, I had reactions and analysis but neither shock nor anguish. Then I read Julian Chender’s post and was chagrined to see the difference in our responses. I was disappointed where he was close to despair. I had political analysis while he was also experiencing persecution. I saw … Read More

Body of Knowledge

Body of Knowledge Problem solving means THINKING. Brainstorming, generating rational alternatives, and cost/benefit analysis. Cerebral cortex divorced from corpus. Yet the body is more than a carrying case for the big computer between our ears. It is an overlooked valuable … Read More

In Praise of In-Person Meetings

Recently, I helped design and run an in-person gathering of 40+ people from around the world. How gratifying and effective for people to engage in meaningful and flowing conversations as they glided among groups and spoke in plenary. The shift … Read More

Why Change Takes Time

In an organization explicitly shifting to a more appreciative and collaborative culture, a meeting participant positively interpreted challenging events. Let’s look at the upside and From an appreciative perspective were met with joshing incredulity from colleagues. Wait, you’re being positive? … Read More

Ode to Doubt

Recently, while avoiding a writing project, I realized doubt was ruling me. You might relate. You have reasons why the daunting presentation, promotion, innovative project, or approach won’t work. The doubting mind seems so reasonable. So, I wrote this letter … Read More