Neda Frayha, MD
Whena person in northern Arizona died of the plague in July 2025, we wondered if we had time-traveled back to the medieval era. The last time most of us thought about the plague was likely in school, studying for our boards.
Last year, my healthcare system was struck by a cyberattack. Overnight, our electronic systems were down and we lost access to all of our usual digital tools—no electronic health record (EHR) access, no online prescribing, no ability to order lab tests or diagnostic imaging studies electronically. Meanwhile, our waiting room was full and our schedules were packed with back-to-back appointments. The ransomware downtime lasted five weeks and...
It sounds like something out of a science fiction movie: a person gets bitten by a tick and then, months later, develops a mysterious allergy to red meat. Short of Peter Parker’s fateful spider bite and the superpowers it conferred on him, how can an insect bite — which may go completely unnoticed at the time — cause such a change in a person’s health? And how can clinicians diagnose and manage this unusual condition in everyday practice?
The truth is, we’d been wanting to do this for a while.
Thyroid management is filled with nuances that make clinical decision-making feel like a moving target. From determining when to test to selecting the right treatment option, especially in tricky cases like subclinical hypothyroidism, the questions can pile up fast.
Dengue fever has been on the rise all over the world, with more cases than usual in many countries, including the United States. 2024 was a “banner year” for dengue, with up to 400 million cases worldwide and up to a 2000% increase in cases in different regions compared to the year beforehand. While most cases are mild, severe cases of dengue fever can lead to death. It’s important for front-line clinicians who see sick patients in...
Recently, one of my primary care patients sent me a routine question through the electronic medical record, asking when they should get a specific blood test to guide their medication dosing. When an hour went by and I hadn’t responded, my patient called the front desk of our clinic to ask the question over the phone and inquire why I hadn’t written back. They also wrote me another message, voicing their disappointment that I hadn’t...
In primary care, we are seeing more and more patients using complementary or integrative medicine approaches. Understanding these treatment options and being able to counsel our patients about them is an important part of providing good care. But this can leave us wondering: What exactly is integrative medicine?
Long COVID continues to perplex clinicians and researchers alike. With its myriad symptoms and unpredictable course, it's no wonder it's been frustrating for both patients and healthcare providers. Whilethe prevalence seems to be declining, it still presents significant challenges, often lingering for weeks, months, or even years after the initial COVID-19 infection.
Breast cancer screening can be complicated; sometimes it’s more than just a mammogram. For example, when a screening mammogram report says a person has dense breasts, what does that really mean? Why is it important, and what should we do about it?
Have you ever heard a doctor from one specialty bash or badmouth another specialty? We have, too. Specialty disrespect is a form of microaggression in the health care community, and it has a real impact on students, residents and our patients. But we have the power to change the culture, and it’s time to address this issue.
As primary care clinicians, we play a crucial role in helping our patients make healthier food choices. But with all the contradicting information out there, sifting through nutrition evidence can be daunting. One diet that has evidence for helping prevent disease and promote better health is a whole-food, plant-based diet.
This diet focuses on eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables that have undergone minimal processing. Studies have...