I’ve heard a lot of advice about cutting toxic people out of your life. Unfortunately, I don’t think it is that simple. Often times, these people are inextricably linked to us either through family, work, or other reasons. In many cultural & religious traditions, it’s wrong to cut off family members & break family ties. So […]
Can we face toxicity with forgiveness? Read More »
I was given a plant as a gift two years ago. At that time, it was full of pink blossoms. Over the course of a month or so, those flowers gradually died. For the next 22 months, it sat on my kitchen counter, under two large skylights, watered weekly, and it grew. The gangling green branches sprawled, increasing in
Is your environment promoting growth or prolonging stagnation? Read More »
As a parent of 19 consecutive years – and 36 cumulative years – I’ve learned a lot . I’ve developed some of my own parenting philosophies and strategies, which change with the years and situation. As we are in a society of plenty, at least here in the bubble in which I live (and sadly not
Many times over the years, people have asked me how I “do it all.” I don’t and I can’t. Can any one person do it all? Of course not. We shouldn’t expect that of ourselves or others, as it sets us up for disappointment and feelings of inadequacy. I know that in reality what people mean when
How I do it all: finding life’s delicate balance Read More »
I just read an article by a fellow female physician. A well-written and brave piece about putting her life on hold to become a surgeon. After the many rigorous years of training, she finds herself at age 38, without a partner, going through the difficult and expensive process of trying to freeze her eggs with the hopes of one
Having kids in residency – a perfect storm Read More »
As I was lining up mason jars and adding dry ingredients layer by layer for overnight oats, I got to thinking…. It’s pretty cool how just by adding liquid and leaving them overnight, these hard, dry ingredients turn into a creamy, delicious concoction the next morning. The oats soften, the chia seeds swell, and everything mixes
Overnight Oats & Overnight Hearts Read More »
While I was in the operating room today, doing my favorite dance, i.e. cataract surgery, I realized something… my success as a surgeon is in large part due to the staff assisting me in the OR. Firstly, there is a surgical technician who sets up all the instruments and hands them to me during the
Your success is in who you surround yourself with Read More »
As a Muslim woman who wears hijab, I have dealt with more than my fair share of bias. Now that I am 20 years post-medical school, I have developed many strategies for managing this in the physician-patient relationship. During my 3rd year of medical school, I was so happy to finally be out of the lecture
Facing & Managing Bias Read More »
In the summer of 2018, I had the opportunity to travel with a non-profit organization (SAMS) to Jordan to provide eye care for refugees and other underserved populations. I traveled with a large team of healthcare providers spanning all specialities, including a team of 6 ophthalmologists from all over the US. Most of the people
Medical mission trip Read More »
