Author: Gene

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  The epitome of caregiving He was a stay-at-home dad.  She parlayed hidden talents into a family-supporting career.  Both were gifted.  He played in a 60s … Continue Reading →

(Snippet from the frontline) COVID-19:  The ultimate sacrifice First, older adults are funneled into nursing homes.  Then, if one gets ill, they claim you’ve lived a good life but now … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  Visiting first responders in the hospital Recently, an explosion burned many first responding Los Angeles City firefighters.  News media was at the scene, and at … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  Playing odds with testing and treatment The recent White House COVID-19 test accuracy for personnel (including the President) reveals about 48% of results may be … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  We’re not in 1918 During the 1918 pandemic, no one was told to have 6 feet of separation, wear N-95 masks, or obtain a swab … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  Closing the door on families of hospitalized patients Hospitals are content not permitting families to visit their loved ones.  With COVID-19 easily transmissible, this persistent … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  Ageism At the beginning of the pandemic in Italy, they were inundated with critically ill patients.      Overwhelmed by numbers and lack of ventilator … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  Knowing when you and your loved ones are safe Ask yourself: If you are in your teens, how do you prevent spreading COVID-19 to your … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  Leaving scruffy at home Initially when the pandemic started, I wore the same clothes daily to nursing homes and housecalls.  Upon coming home, I’d toss … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  “Phone tag” Some seniors have reached the technology age.  Some have not. For those who have smart phones, use computers, or have friends or family … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  Hotspots I am a scientist, but don’t have access to all Covid-19 data distributed to Public Health officials.  Still, my experience as a doctor caring … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  Doctor decision-making versus politician policy-making Doctors are judged by decision-making.  If poor, you are sued or lose your license.  If good, you receive a genuine … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  Nurses – Profiles in courage Much of my success as a doctor came from nurses around me. Skills such as inserting foley catheters, IV lines, … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  Preparing seniors for the pandemic long run It is apparent the coronavirus mortality rate for seniors is higher than the general population.  As the  public … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  Getting a haircut Growing up, our mother cut our hair.  It was cheaper.  The money we saved allowed her to go to the beauty salon…which … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  Opening hospital doors to families As an end-of-life physician, I know being with a loved one during their final moments is a deeply personal and … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  Mother Nature skewing statistics Some states have decided upon “re-opening” allowing the return of citizens to past freedoms. Politicians have accepted the cries of constituents … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  Serving the community from home, at any age If you live in California and serve on a city council, county board, commission, or non-profit organization … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  People of color The statistics are coming in, and the trend is people of color in our country are effected disproportionally by the coronavirus.  Is … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  Nothing changes My recently discharged patient was on a ventilator in the hospital, yet thankfully was found to be coronavirus negative.  Typically at home she … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  At their doorstep The Greatest Generation brought prosperity to our doorstep.  Unfortunately, these same older adults statistically have a higher coronavirus mortality rate than the … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  Telemedicine – making it perfect I had to do a housecall.  A patient called complaining of hand and wrist pain.  She had open heart surgery … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  Questions you should ask doctors or nurses on the phone when your loved one is hospitalized Be prepared. Have a notebook and pen ready.  Be … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) COVID-19:  The reality of suffering He was a prisoner of war 5 1/2 years, spending several years in solitary confinement.  John McCain was tortured, yet became … Continue Reading →