My Blog

Patient education, clinical insights, and stories from medicine — written by a hospitalist who has seen it from both sides of the bed.

This blog exists because knowledge shared openly makes medicine better — for patients, for families, and for the physicians who care for them.

I write here about the things that come up most often in clinical practice: the symptoms people ignore until they shouldn’t, the medications that work when taken correctly, the diagnoses that look different than expected, the procedures that become second nature with practice, and the realities of life inside a hospital that most people never see until they’re admitted.

Some posts are written for patients and families — to help you understand what is happening to your body, what your care team is doing and why, and how to advocate for yourself effectively during a hospital stay. Others are written for medical trainees — practical, honest guidance on the clinical skills and experiences that define the early years of a medical career.

All of it is written from real clinical experience, not textbooks alone.

A Note on This Content

Every post on this blog is written for general educational purposes. Nothing here constitutes personal medical advice or replaces the judgment of your own physician. If you have concerns about your health, please contact your healthcare provider. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

I am a physician — but on this blog, I am your educator, not your doctor. The distinction matters and I take it seriously.

New posts are added regularly. Check back often — or share a post with someone who needs it.

— Dr. Joyce Cheng, MD, MPH, MHA, FACP, Internal Medicine Hospitalist | Clinical Assistant Professor