Patient

Why did someone who arrived after you get seen first in the ER? Emergency physician Dr. Shari explains ER triage, acuity, wait times, reassessment, and what patients should know

You walk out of the doctor’s office, paperwork in hand, feeling… uneasy. Maybe it’s the way the appointment felt rushed, how your concerns weren’t really addressed, or that nagging feeling in your gut that something just isn’t right. You were expecting answers, but instead, you have more questions than before. And now, you’re wondering—should you get a second...

The Real Reasons Behind Your Fatigue You’re exhausted. All. The. Time. You wake up feeling like you barely slept. By mid-afternoon, your energy is crashing harder than your WiFi at the worst possible moment. You promise yourself an early bedtime, but somehow, midnight rolls around, and you’re still scrolling. Then the alarm goes off, and the cycle repeats....

Hydration is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to support your health—but how much water is enough? You’ve probably heard the “eight glasses a day” rule, or maybe even seen people toting around gallon-sized water bottles. While these are well-meaning suggestions, they aren’t tailored to individual needs. Here’s what I teach my clients: you should aim...

Here’s What Could Be Going On—and What You Can Do About It A stiff back can feel like an unwelcome morning ritual. You roll out of bed, only to wince as you stretch out that stubborn tightness. If you’re in your late 30s or early 40s, it’s easy to wonder, Is this just aging? But here’s the thing:...

You know the feeling. It’s 3 PM, and suddenly, you can’t stop thinking about chocolate. Or maybe it’s late at night, and salty chips are calling your name. Cravings can feel random or like a lack of willpower, but they’re often your body’s way of communicating deeper needs. As a physician, I’ve seen countless patients struggle with cravings,...

Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment with a nagging feeling that something just doesn’t add up? Or perhaps you’ve been following a treatment plan for months with little to no improvement. When it comes to your health, second opinions aren’t just an option—they can be a vital step in ensuring you’re on the right path. In my...

You’ve just received your lab results, and as you scroll through the numbers and medical terms, your head starts to spin. What does it all mean? Are your levels normal? Should you be worried? For many, deciphering lab results feels like trying to read a foreign language, and without a doctor walking you through them, it can be...

When was the last time you left your primary care doctor’s office feeling like all your health concerns were fully addressed? If you’re like most people, the answer is: rarely. While primary care providers (PCPs) are a cornerstone of our healthcare system, the reality is that a single visit often isn’t enough to build a truly comprehensive wellness...

Here’s How to Get the Answers You Need As an emergency room physician, I’ve seen it all—patients coming in with confusion, frustration, and sometimes fear, all because they didn’t feel heard or understood in their previous healthcare encounters. They’ve seen multiple doctors, undergone tests, and yet, when they recount their experiences, the same patterns emerge: “No one explained...