Seeing a surgeon?

A visit with a surgeon can be overwhelming. You may feel anxious about your planned surgery. Many questions could be swirling in your head during a rushed visit. While surgeons have a reputation as technical specialists, bedside manner may be lacking at times. It sounds simple, but setting the right expectations — on both sides […]

What is frontotemporal dementia?

Many people know the form of dementia called Alzheimer’s disease. But what is frontotemporal dementia (FTD)? Damage to nerves in certain parts of the brain causes a group of frontotemporal disorders, affecting behavior and language as I’ll describe below. Early signs of frontotemporal dementia Have you noticed someone behaving differently? Is your coworker doing odd […]

Palliative care frightens some people: Here’s how it helps

Many people and their families associate the term palliative care with the end of life. Some may think that palliative care and hospice care are one and the same. So it’s worth explaining that palliative care is a medical specialty able to help people during many different stages of health, not just during a terminal […]

Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression: When and where is it safe?

Ketamine is an unusual type of psychedelic drug — called a dissociative — that is undergoing a resurgence in popularity. Originally derived from PCP, or “angel dust,” ketamine has been used in hospitals and veterinary clinics as an anesthetic for decades, and has been cited as a drug of misuse under the moniker “special K.” […]