Womb to Grow Womb to Grow

Mu EW. — Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

I first met Emily during my third year of medical school, and she deeply impressed upon me that in matters of the womb, patient wishes define when less is more. Emily was a 33-year-old woman (gravida 0, para 0) admitted for fever and right flank pain lasting several weeks. Emily's diagnosis was initially elusive. She had received a full course of antibiotics to treat suspected pyelonephritis. However, when her pain, leukocytosis, and fever persisted, we searched for another source of infection. A transvaginal ultrasound examination ultimately revealed extensive endometriosis and 2 large cystic masses in the right ovary that were the likely source of her infection.

Demand of Words Demand of Words

Rousseau P. — Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

In medicine, there is a brittle demand of words—once spoken, they cannot be called back, for their footprint is forever—particularly at the end of life. They embed themselves in the hearts of patients and families and hold dominion over understanding or uncertainty, acceptance or denial. They can also hurt or heal, or harm or help, and bear witness to the suffering of disease—and the manner of the physician.

JAMA Internal Medicine: Humanities Topic Collection

Womb to Grow Womb to Grow

Demand of Words Demand of Words