A New Physician Oath for Addressing Systemic Problems in Medicine
Posted Dec 20, 2022
It is no secret that the field of medicine has not always acted in the best interest of patients, and that there have been instances of unethical, racist, and oppressive violations of human rights and basic dignity, especially toward women, children, elders, people of color, disabled individuals, and other marginalized groups. What is the role of physicians in destigmatizing, decolonizing, deinstitutionalizing, and humanizing medicine? … Continue reading
It is no secret that the field of medicine has not always acted in the best interest of patients, and that there have been instances of unethical, racist, and oppressive violations of human rights and basic dignity, especially toward women, children, elders, people of color, disabled individuals, and other marginalized groups. What is the role of physicians in destigmatizing, decolonizing, deinstitutionalizing, and humanizing medicine? … Continue reading
Be a Light
Posted Nov 30, 2022
In this series, Holiday Traditions, we asked clinicians to share their favorite holiday traditions from both past and present. Here’s how they answered. The holiday season, for the most part, is a reason for joy and celebration. For some, however … Continue reading
In this series, Holiday Traditions, we asked clinicians to share their favorite holiday traditions from both past and present. Here’s how they answered. The holiday season, for the most part, is a reason for joy and celebration. For some, however … Continue reading
If You Have Children, Talk to Them
Posted Nov 21, 2022
On November 12, 2022, I had the pleasure of giving the keynote speech at the launch of the Muslim Mental Health Institute of Canada in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It was quite a beautiful gathering where a dynamic group of thought leaders from Canada and the United States engaged in powerful and honest, yet difficult conversations about issues that are not commonly talked about … Continue reading
On November 12, 2022, I had the pleasure of giving the keynote speech at the launch of the Muslim Mental Health Institute of Canada in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It was quite a beautiful gathering where a dynamic group of thought leaders from Canada and the United States engaged in powerful and honest, yet difficult conversations about issues that are not commonly talked about … Continue reading
Youth Empowerment Starts With “You”
Posted Nov 2, 2022
Youth, for the most part, are viewed collectively as a vulnerable group. Many young adults are referred to as “at-risk youth.”
What does “Youth empowerment starts with you” mean? It means that you, me, and all of us—parents, teachers, caregivers, and all who are entrusted with the wellbeing of these young souls—have a moral responsibility that we need to take very seriously … Continue reading
Youth, for the most part, are viewed collectively as a vulnerable group. Many young adults are referred to as “at-risk youth.”
What does “Youth empowerment starts with you” mean? It means that you, me, and all of us—parents, teachers, caregivers, and all who are entrusted with the wellbeing of these young souls—have a moral responsibility that we need to take very seriously … Continue reading
Dementia: A Social Death Sentence
Posted Oct 17, 2022
On my most recent flight home (I know, I usually end up writing a new article every time I fly), I sat next to a middle-aged woman and her father who seems to be struggling with some kind of cognitive impairment, possibly dementia. I was very impressed with how, throughout our 2.5-hour long flight, that she was quite attentive to his every need and … Continue reading
On my most recent flight home (I know, I usually end up writing a new article every time I fly), I sat next to a middle-aged woman and her father who seems to be struggling with some kind of cognitive impairment, possibly dementia. I was very impressed with how, throughout our 2.5-hour long flight, that she was quite attentive to his every need and … Continue reading
Healing Uvalde
Posted May 25, 2022
On Tuesday May 24, 2022, an 18-year-old high schooler walked into Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX, and killed at least 14 children and 1 adult, and left many more people injured and a whole community devastated … Continue reading
On Tuesday May 24, 2022, an 18-year-old high schooler walked into Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX, and killed at least 14 children and 1 adult, and left many more people injured and a whole community devastated … Continue reading
In the Seclusion Room
Posted May 13, 2022
This is how one of my patients advocated for his peer who ended up in the seclusion room due to agitation: “Dr. Reda, please try to get her out of there as soon as it is safe to do so. Seclusion is a very lonely experience.”
Due to multiple and complicated systemic issues … Continue reading
This is how one of my patients advocated for his peer who ended up in the seclusion room due to agitation: “Dr. Reda, please try to get her out of there as soon as it is safe to do so. Seclusion is a very lonely experience.”
Due to multiple and complicated systemic issues … Continue reading
A Bird’s Eye View: Reflections on Trauma
Posted March 23, 2022
It seems as if every time I board a plane, I have this strong urge to write. On my most recent flight to Hawaii to attend a psychiatry and addiction conference, I was quite amazed at the magnificence and mysteriousness of the Pacific Ocean. Standing in front of this majesty brought not only an overwhelming sense of serenity and inner peace, but also many thoughts and memories … Continue reading
It seems as if every time I board a plane, I have this strong urge to write. On my most recent flight to Hawaii to attend a psychiatry and addiction conference, I was quite amazed at the magnificence and mysteriousness of the Pacific Ocean. Standing in front of this majesty brought not only an overwhelming sense of serenity and inner peace, but also many thoughts and memories … Continue reading
The Wounded Healer: A Token of Appreciation
Posted March 17, 2022
To all my caregiver colleagues on the frontlines, risking their lives and sacrificing their comfort. It is no secret that caring for others comes with a heavy psychosocial price tag. I can no longer remain silent or bear a false testimony while many of my coworkers are burning out and leaving the industry they once loved … Continue reading
To all my caregiver colleagues on the frontlines, risking their lives and sacrificing their comfort. It is no secret that caring for others comes with a heavy psychosocial price tag. I can no longer remain silent or bear a false testimony while many of my coworkers are burning out and leaving the industry they once loved … Continue reading
The Psychosocial Impacts of War and Armed Conflict on Children
Posted March 8, 2022
Children in Ukraine are at an elevated risk of chronic distress unless the international community intervenes quickly by demanding an immediate stop to the military assault by Russia. War and violence create a vicious dysfunctional cycle, a deadly trap that primarily impacts the children … Continue reading
Children in Ukraine are at an elevated risk of chronic distress unless the international community intervenes quickly by demanding an immediate stop to the military assault by Russia. War and violence create a vicious dysfunctional cycle, a deadly trap that primarily impacts the children … Continue reading
Self-Forgiveness: A Step Closer to Healing
Posted February 11, 2022
Sinning can lead to moral distress. To have remorse and regret sinning is an indication of a pure heart. To grieve engaging in a bad deed can start a journey toward spiritual cleansing, but it can also take a toll on emotions, the psyche, and the soul. Repentance can lead not only to salvation, but also to healing … Continue reading
Sinning can lead to moral distress. To have remorse and regret sinning is an indication of a pure heart. To grieve engaging in a bad deed can start a journey toward spiritual cleansing, but it can also take a toll on emotions, the psyche, and the soul. Repentance can lead not only to salvation, but also to healing … Continue reading
Social Psychiatric Lessons Learned and Relearned in the Aftermath of the Synagogue Hostage Crisis
Posted January 27, 2022
On January 18, 2022, the group SPIRIT (Social Psychiatrists Interested in Recovery from International Trauma) wrote an article “We Refuse to Hate” in response to the hostage crisis in a Synagogue outside of Dallas, Texas. Because the issues seemed so complex and new information came out afterwards … Continue reading
On January 18, 2022, the group SPIRIT (Social Psychiatrists Interested in Recovery from International Trauma) wrote an article “We Refuse to Hate” in response to the hostage crisis in a Synagogue outside of Dallas, Texas. Because the issues seemed so complex and new information came out afterwards … Continue reading
We Refuse to Hate
Posted January 18, 2022
On Saturday, January 15, 2022, according to the January 16th Jerusalem Post article “‘I am grateful to be alive,’ says Colleyville rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker,” and consistent with the core principle of Judaism to welcome the stranger, a man was let into Congregation Beth Israel synagogue by the Rabbi when he knocked and asked if the synagogue was a shelter … Continue reading
On Saturday, January 15, 2022, according to the January 16th Jerusalem Post article “‘I am grateful to be alive,’ says Colleyville rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker,” and consistent with the core principle of Judaism to welcome the stranger, a man was let into Congregation Beth Israel synagogue by the Rabbi when he knocked and asked if the synagogue was a shelter … Continue reading
Looking Back While Moving Forward
Posted December 11, 2021
I chose the title, “Looking Back While Moving Forward,” over “Moving Forward While Looking Back” because I believe that we can, and should, always move forward regardless of what might be holding us back. Going through life is like a car ride. It is a journey that requires both skills and directions … Continue reading
I chose the title, “Looking Back While Moving Forward,” over “Moving Forward While Looking Back” because I believe that we can, and should, always move forward regardless of what might be holding us back. Going through life is like a car ride. It is a journey that requires both skills and directions … Continue reading
Working—and Connecting—With Afghan Refugees
Posted November 11, 2021
With the Biden Administration’s plans to resettle 95,000 Afghans in the United States, there is a good chance that we will come across some of our new neighbors in the community or in our workplaces. Here are a few thoughts on how we can be humble, aware, and respectful of their culture and religion … Continue reading
With the Biden Administration’s plans to resettle 95,000 Afghans in the United States, there is a good chance that we will come across some of our new neighbors in the community or in our workplaces. Here are a few thoughts on how we can be humble, aware, and respectful of their culture and religion … Continue reading
Psychiatrists Concerned With the Afghanistan Situation: Ethical and Practical Issues
Posted August 17, 2021
Our national attention has turned to Afghanistan, as the media shares disturbing pictures as news unfolds. Meanwhile, we in psychiatry hear related testimony from patients and colleagues, and are concerned that the withdrawal of US troops may lead to escalating mental health problems locally as well as internationally … Continue reading
Our national attention has turned to Afghanistan, as the media shares disturbing pictures as news unfolds. Meanwhile, we in psychiatry hear related testimony from patients and colleagues, and are concerned that the withdrawal of US troops may lead to escalating mental health problems locally as well as internationally … Continue reading
6 Lessons From a Tragedy
Posted May 28, 2021
Discussions about mental health in religious communities can feel awkward, but they are essential and overdue. Spirituality can be a powerful force against depression and suicide, as can the cultural cohesion, familial bonds, and social support available in houses of worship. Scroll through the slides for insights and lessons learned … Continue reading
Discussions about mental health in religious communities can feel awkward, but they are essential and overdue. Spirituality can be a powerful force against depression and suicide, as can the cultural cohesion, familial bonds, and social support available in houses of worship. Scroll through the slides for insights and lessons learned … Continue reading
Reflecting on Psychiatry’s Role in Religion
Posted May 28, 2021
For the most part, the field of psychiatry has looked at organized religions with suspicion, however, a majority of sacred texts have paid particular attention to emotional wellness and holistic health … Continue reading
For the most part, the field of psychiatry has looked at organized religions with suspicion, however, a majority of sacred texts have paid particular attention to emotional wellness and holistic health … Continue reading
An Interfaith Psychiatrist Prescription for Middle East Peace
Posted May 26, 2021
Achieving peace in the Middle East is a monumental task that seems to be ever evasive, daunting, and out of reach. A cease fire is welcome, but a far cry from what we want to achieve—lasting Middle East peace … Continue reading
Achieving peace in the Middle East is a monumental task that seems to be ever evasive, daunting, and out of reach. A cease fire is welcome, but a far cry from what we want to achieve—lasting Middle East peace … Continue reading
Befriend Your Shadows
Posted May 11, 2021
Perhaps you have heard the saying, “even your shadow leaves you in the dark.” There are many ways this metaphor can be understood. Some individuals might encourage you not to depend on others, because even your own shadow will leave you when you lose your light … Continue reading
Perhaps you have heard the saying, “even your shadow leaves you in the dark.” There are many ways this metaphor can be understood. Some individuals might encourage you not to depend on others, because even your own shadow will leave you when you lose your light … Continue reading
More Than a Murder-Suicide
Posted April 8, 2021
The Muslim community in Texas was shaken to its core by the news of a murder-suicide of a whole family on April 5, 2021. Apparently, 2 young Muslim boys decided to kill their parents, their sister, and their grandmother, before killing themselves … Continue reading
The Muslim community in Texas was shaken to its core by the news of a murder-suicide of a whole family on April 5, 2021. Apparently, 2 young Muslim boys decided to kill their parents, their sister, and their grandmother, before killing themselves … Continue reading
What Does Psychiatry Have to Do with Religion?
Posted April 6, 2021
For the most part, the field of psychiatry has looked on organized religions with suspicion, even though majority of sacred texts have paid special attention to emotional wellness and holistic health. Coming from a Muslim background, I have used my religion as a grounding and healing tool for myself, my family, my small community, and … Continue reading
For the most part, the field of psychiatry has looked on organized religions with suspicion, even though majority of sacred texts have paid special attention to emotional wellness and holistic health. Coming from a Muslim background, I have used my religion as a grounding and healing tool for myself, my family, my small community, and … Continue reading
Moral Duty Beyond Prescribing Medications
Posted January 20, 2021
Many psychiatrists seem to have accepted, and are content with, the narrow scope of practice imposed upon them. For myself, however, I refuse to reduce the unlimited potential of psychiatry to merely prescribing psychotropics. Medications can be quite effective, even lifesaving, but they are not the only tool we can offer our clients … Continue reading
Many psychiatrists seem to have accepted, and are content with, the narrow scope of practice imposed upon them. For myself, however, I refuse to reduce the unlimited potential of psychiatry to merely prescribing psychotropics. Medications can be quite effective, even lifesaving, but they are not the only tool we can offer our clients … Continue reading
Tend to Your Soul
Posted January 15, 2021
I have, maybe even more than my children, thoroughly enjoyed watching the Pixar Animation Studios’ film Soul. Per Disney, “Soul is what makes you…YOU.” Soul is not only about finding your own passion, but also helping others find theirs … Continue reading
I have, maybe even more than my children, thoroughly enjoyed watching the Pixar Animation Studios’ film Soul. Per Disney, “Soul is what makes you…YOU.” Soul is not only about finding your own passion, but also helping others find theirs … Continue reading
The Road Less Travelled: An Immigrant’s Story
Posted December 2, 2020
Psychiatric Times™ interviews Omar Reda, MD, about international medical graduates (IMG) and his own personal and professional journey. In this podcast he discusses:
1. His childhood and medical training in war-torn Libya … Continue reading
Psychiatric Times™ interviews Omar Reda, MD, about international medical graduates (IMG) and his own personal and professional journey. In this podcast he discusses:
1. His childhood and medical training in war-torn Libya … Continue reading
Console Your Soul
Posted December 1, 2020
The act of caregiving can be physically exhausting and emotionally draining, yet many caregivers describe it as an overwhelmingly rewarding and gratifying experience. When working with traumatized individuals, families, and communities, care providers are not only prone to vicarious trauma listening to the stories of others, but many healers tend to neglect their … Continue reading
The act of caregiving can be physically exhausting and emotionally draining, yet many caregivers describe it as an overwhelmingly rewarding and gratifying experience. When working with traumatized individuals, families, and communities, care providers are not only prone to vicarious trauma listening to the stories of others, but many healers tend to neglect their … Continue reading
Trauma Informed Care
Posted November 6, 2020
Question and consider how people adapt, how families/communities cope, and how physicians should engage with trauma (video) … Continue reading
Question and consider how people adapt, how families/communities cope, and how physicians should engage with trauma (video) … Continue reading
The Unforgiving “Gift” of Generational Trauma
Posted November 5, 2020
The field of psychiatry needs to pay close attention to the long-term psychosocial impacts of trauma, not only on trauma survivors as individuals, but also on their families and communities. Trauma that affects 1 member of a family system has the potential to … Continue reading
The field of psychiatry needs to pay close attention to the long-term psychosocial impacts of trauma, not only on trauma survivors as individuals, but also on their families and communities. Trauma that affects 1 member of a family system has the potential to … Continue reading
How We Can Take Care of Each Other
Posted November 3, 2020
Omar Reda, MD, emphasizes several points in his video on how to take care. Here are some suggestions:
-Consider all parts of your health. Dr. Reda cites 4 focal points: body, heart, mind soul. Are you caring for each part of yourself, or focusing on only 1 or 2? … Continue reading
Omar Reda, MD, emphasizes several points in his video on how to take care. Here are some suggestions:
-Consider all parts of your health. Dr. Reda cites 4 focal points: body, heart, mind soul. Are you caring for each part of yourself, or focusing on only 1 or 2? … Continue reading
The Wounded Healer
Posted October 28, 2020
Many caregivers are taught that their feelings do not matter, and that they should ignore their needs, deny their pain, brush off their trauma, put up a happy face, and just get up and keep going. In my upcoming book (The Wounded Healer), I intend to keep it real by taking you … Continue reading
Many caregivers are taught that their feelings do not matter, and that they should ignore their needs, deny their pain, brush off their trauma, put up a happy face, and just get up and keep going. In my upcoming book (The Wounded Healer), I intend to keep it real by taking you … Continue reading
Behind Closed Doors
Posted October 28, 2020
Not only in America, but throughout the world, difficult conversations are taking place in many homes. Behind closed doors, children are exposed at early ages to discussions about heavy topics like violence, hate, and human cruelty … Continue reading
Not only in America, but throughout the world, difficult conversations are taking place in many homes. Behind closed doors, children are exposed at early ages to discussions about heavy topics like violence, hate, and human cruelty … Continue reading
The Gift of Parenthood
Posted September 15, 2020
I think that, as parents, we need to create space, offer grace, and respect pace. That means all of our inter-personal encounters with our loved ones need to be graceful, we create spaces where they feel safe to grow and thrive at their own pace, that sometimes means allowing room for … Continue reading
I think that, as parents, we need to create space, offer grace, and respect pace. That means all of our inter-personal encounters with our loved ones need to be graceful, we create spaces where they feel safe to grow and thrive at their own pace, that sometimes means allowing room for … Continue reading
Unmasked: Face to Face with the Trauma Story
Posted September 9, 2020
It seems that COVID-19 has taken the mask off the tip of a huge iceberg. It has forced us to come face to face with a profound challenge. We might not be able to heal trauma, but the process of facing trauma can itself become the source of light, delight, and healing … Continue reading
It seems that COVID-19 has taken the mask off the tip of a huge iceberg. It has forced us to come face to face with a profound challenge. We might not be able to heal trauma, but the process of facing trauma can itself become the source of light, delight, and healing … Continue reading
SGP: A Healing Tool
Posted August 30, 2020
When working with trauma survivors, I try to observe the SGP principles of (Making space, Using grace, and Respecting pace).I found this to be a helpful approach in almost every context and with people from diverse backgrounds. Making space means that the “healing environment” needs to be one that is inviting, inclusive and inter-personally safe. … Continue reading
When working with trauma survivors, I try to observe the SGP principles of (Making space, Using grace, and Respecting pace).I found this to be a helpful approach in almost every context and with people from diverse backgrounds. Making space means that the “healing environment” needs to be one that is inviting, inclusive and inter-personally safe. … Continue reading
The Hate Next Door
Posted July 27, 2020
Trauma can force people to regress. Children might become more scared or clingy, adults might become more withdrawn or grumpy, family members might start to take their anger on each other, and different communities might resort to the “in-group, out-group” mentality and see each other as enemies The current wave of … Continue reading
Trauma can force people to regress. Children might become more scared or clingy, adults might become more withdrawn or grumpy, family members might start to take their anger on each other, and different communities might resort to the “in-group, out-group” mentality and see each other as enemies The current wave of … Continue reading
S.E.T.A. (Skillfully Engaging Traumatic Adaptations)
Posted June 28, 2020
S.E.T.A. (Skillfully Engaging Traumatic Adaptations): Given the current wave of hate and racial tension, I thought I would reflect on the discussion of (Black Lives Matter) and (All Lives Matter) from a trauma-informed perspective. I would argue that the statement (All Lives Matter) in response to (Black Lives Matter) is not trauma sensitive, allow me … Continue reading
S.E.T.A. (Skillfully Engaging Traumatic Adaptations): Given the current wave of hate and racial tension, I thought I would reflect on the discussion of (Black Lives Matter) and (All Lives Matter) from a trauma-informed perspective. I would argue that the statement (All Lives Matter) in response to (Black Lives Matter) is not trauma sensitive, allow me … Continue reading
Code Black “I Can’t Breathe”
Posted June 17, 2020
It seems that COVID-19 has taken the mask off the tip of a huge iceberg. It has forced us to come face to face with a profound challenge. We might not be able to heal trauma, but the process of facing trauma can itself become the source of light, delight, and healing … Continue reading
It seems that COVID-19 has taken the mask off the tip of a huge iceberg. It has forced us to come face to face with a profound challenge. We might not be able to heal trauma, but the process of facing trauma can itself become the source of light, delight, and healing … Continue reading
Daughter-Father Bonding
Posted May 15, 2020
All religions place very heavy emphasis on family ties, yet many girls especially in their teenage years report having poor or no relationship with their fathers I believe that a healthy and strong relationship between a father and his daughter is needed for both of them, when it comes to our daughters we … Continue reading
All religions place very heavy emphasis on family ties, yet many girls especially in their teenage years report having poor or no relationship with their fathers I believe that a healthy and strong relationship between a father and his daughter is needed for both of them, when it comes to our daughters we … Continue reading
Heroes Are Not Supposed to Die
Posted May 4, 2020
Even as a psychiatrist, this has been an extremely challenging quarantine season for me, not so much because of the restrictions posed by the mandate to stay home, as I am still privileged to be going to the hospital daily to do patient rounds, my biggest struggle has been … Continue reading
Even as a psychiatrist, this has been an extremely challenging quarantine season for me, not so much because of the restrictions posed by the mandate to stay home, as I am still privileged to be going to the hospital daily to do patient rounds, my biggest struggle has been … Continue reading
COVID-20: A Psychological Crisis
Posted May 4, 2020
I am neither a fear-monger nor a conspiracy-theorist, I am rather quite the optimist, yet I predict a second wave of the Corona pandemic. COVID-20, if you like, will be a psychological crisis. My move to “sound the alarm” is based on … Continue reading
I am neither a fear-monger nor a conspiracy-theorist, I am rather quite the optimist, yet I predict a second wave of the Corona pandemic. COVID-20, if you like, will be a psychological crisis. My move to “sound the alarm” is based on … Continue reading
Practical Tips to Strengthen Family Bonds
Posted April 16, 2020
Our job is not only to help protect, but also to help heal, our families • Traumatized families have more to untangle than families not terrorized by trauma • Trauma loses its power to ruin when faced with love and hope • You are the one who can … Continue reading
Our job is not only to help protect, but also to help heal, our families • Traumatized families have more to untangle than families not terrorized by trauma • Trauma loses its power to ruin when faced with love and hope • You are the one who can … Continue reading
The Role of Psychiatrists in Disasters
Posted March 20, 2020
Human suffering comes in many forms and shapes. Working with inter-personal violence and man-made trauma is something that psychiatrists encounter on a regular basis, and many of them seem to have the tools, confidence and expertise to engage survivors in meaningful and effective interventions. With the global scare over … Continue reading
Human suffering comes in many forms and shapes. Working with inter-personal violence and man-made trauma is something that psychiatrists encounter on a regular basis, and many of them seem to have the tools, confidence and expertise to engage survivors in meaningful and effective interventions. With the global scare over … Continue reading
The Psychology of Hate
Posted February 26, 2020
We need to give love, not hate, more room in our everyday interactions, but we also need to acknowledge and address hate before we can really know love, we appreciate beauty because of the ugliness and appreciate light because of the darkness. If we have a myopic vision or put our … Continue reading
We need to give love, not hate, more room in our everyday interactions, but we also need to acknowledge and address hate before we can really know love, we appreciate beauty because of the ugliness and appreciate light because of the darkness. If we have a myopic vision or put our … Continue reading
Project Untangled: A Journey of Hope and Healing
Posted February 25, 2019
At the tender age of 6, after losing my 14-year-old sister to brain cancer, my dream was to become a neurosurgeon. I would, however, faint every time I entered the operating room, pushing me to my true calling-taking care of emotional needs. I was meant to work in psychiatry. It is my delicious cup of tea … Continue reading
At the tender age of 6, after losing my 14-year-old sister to brain cancer, my dream was to become a neurosurgeon. I would, however, faint every time I entered the operating room, pushing me to my true calling-taking care of emotional needs. I was meant to work in psychiatry. It is my delicious cup of tea … Continue reading
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