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The Angry Man

Angry patients can be difficult. They're angry because they have financial difficulties, because their diabetes is very uncontrolled and they feel miserable, because they suffer from depression (a lot of men hide their depression with anger), or for a number of other reasons. But angry patients don't really bother me because it's hardly ever directed …

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The Promises of Medicine

Part of practicing family medicine is providing patient education. I have to be able to explain diagnoses and treatments and answer patient questions. A great example is when I diagnose overactive or under-active thyroid disorders (hyper or hypothyroidism). "Will I have to take this medication forever?" I'm often asked. "Yes." "Will the medication work?" Is …

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Why Family Medicine

I'm Kristina Polley, a Physician Assistant that practices Family Medicine. I'm referred by most of my patients as their "family doc". Typically, that means that I take care of their high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, weight issues, high cholesterol, anxiety, depression, and a few other chronic conditions. I'm the one they see for their …

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Up In Flames

Too often, my patients say, "I feel like everything is falling apart." It usually starts with a discussion on their health. Diabetes can cause fatigue, headaches, abdominal pain, and just an overall description of "not myself". Thyroid disorders can cause weight fluctuations, constipation/diarrhea, depression/anxiety, heart racing, fatigue, and another overall description of "not myself". Chronic …

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