SITA MED LLC

08/15/2026

“It’s all in the delivery.”

That’s one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite comedians, Chris Rock.

Turns out, that advice applies to medicine as much as it does to standup comedy.

Language matters even more so for patients with substance use disorders. They already face tremendous stigma and shame which acts as a barrier to care, and it starts with the words they hear.

This is exactly what I discussed during Grand Rounds at Ophelia (an opioid treatment organization) -- “Beyond the Diagnosis: Talking About Opioid Use Disorder in an Effective and Empathic Way.”

Yes, diagnoses, labs, imaging, medications and procedures all matter.

But all that *really* matters to a patient is that their doctor cares. That they’re not alone. That whatever they’re going through, their medical team is with them the whole way.

As clinicians, we have an opportunity to change the conversation. To replace judgment with curiosity, shame with compassion and assumptions with evidence-based, patient-centered care. Here are some key Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to opioid addiction:

DON’T SAY:
❌ “She’s an opioid addict” / “drug abuser” / “junkie”
❌ “His urine is dirty/clean”
❌ “There’s no cure for your disease”

DO SAY:
✅ “She has an opioid use disorder”
✅ “His urine is positive/negative for opioids”
✅ “Recovery is achievable”

Studies show that when we use compassionate, person-centered language, people are less likely to perceive discrimination and more likely to seek care. Healthcare care professionals are also most likely to spend more time with patients in an empathic and respectful manner.

ALL of this leads to better outcomes. Because of our delivery of words.

Sometimes, changing the way we talk is the first step toward changing the way we care.

Thank you to the Ophelia team for an engaging conversation, and for the important work you do! Adam BISAGA Erica Cliff Lyons

Always grateful to Stefan Kertesz Mike Weaver :)

Can you or your organization benefit from better communication? Reducing stigma? Addiction tips and tricks? Reach out. Talking about this brings me such JOY!!

08/06/2026

I truly enjoyed talking to attorneys about my favorite topic—health and wellbeing! Grateful to the Harvard Law School Association of New York City for this opportunity. I focused on the top 5 health issues impacting lawyers.

Did you know that …

👉 ~46% of lawyers experience depression at some point in their careers (3.6x more than the general population)?

👉 Nearly 80% of lawyers experienced feelings of burnout in the past year (vs. 44% among the public)?

👉 Younger attorneys (first 10 years of practice) show the highest rates of hazardous drinking?

👉 Among lawyers handling trauma-related cases, 10% experienced PTSD?

👉 Sedentary desk work, smoking poor sleep and nutrition increased the risk of obesity and hypertension among lawyers?

But the good news is that effective, evidence-based solutions are available! I talked about:

✔️ Medications, behavioral therapies and harm reduction strategies

✔️ Reducing stigma by talking about problems with management, family, friends and health professionals

✔️ Setting boundaries and managing workload

✔️ Stress management, doctor visits, exercise and other lifestyle changes

Changes need to be made not just by individuals but also at a systems level. Firms need to recognize that the system is broken and their prized assets – their attorneys – are suffering. The culture is toxic and it needs to be adjusted. I know because I completely burned out after working in a broken healthcare system.

One of the most rewarding parts of the webinar was the thoughtful discussion and engagement from attendees. It's encouraging to see the legal profession placing greater emphasis on physician-informed approaches to wellness, resilience, and mental health.

If your law firm, bar association, corporation or professional association needs help, reach out and let’s talk.

07/14/2026

I am honored to once again serve on The Expert Network (TEN) for Diplomatic Courier, joininig a global community of leaders across many sectors committed to advancing thoughtful dialogue on today's most pressing challenges.

I will continue to leverage my experience in medicine and public health--which intersects with almost every issue--in addressing technology, climate change, national security and economic growth.

Healthy populations are the foundation of thriving societies, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute a physician's perspective to conversations that shape our shared future!

05/28/2026

In her new memoir, 'View from the East Wing,' former First Lady Jill Biden shares her concerns for her husband's health after his debates struggles.

At the time, then President Joe Biden displayed confusion, memory loss and speech difficulties. Many health conditions can lead to these symptoms, and atop that differential diagnosis is stroke. To be clear, President Biden was never diagnosed with cerebrovascular or other neurodegenerative diseases as far as the public knows.

I spoke to NEWSMAX about stroke, a the leading cause of disability worldwide. Get immediate help when you see F-A-S-T:

F - facial drooping especially one-sided (ask them to smile)

A - sudden weakness in one arm or leg

S - slurred speech, difficulty speaking or understanding

T - TIME IS BRAIN. Call 911 *immediately*

Other symptoms including severe headache, vision and balance issues. Remember, stroke is preventable: exercise regularly; eat a healthy diet; control your blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes; and avoid tobacoo and alcohol.

Learn more at American Heart Association Heart & Stroke American Stroke Association National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - NINDS

05/27/2026

Did you know mental health issues can cause physical symptoms? May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and I'm going to describe 4 of the more common physical manifestations of mental illnesses, as well as treatment.

What are some ways your body responds to mental health issues?

If you or someone you know is struggling, please get help. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

Research: Sam Bashian

Mental Health America SAMHSA National Institute of Mental Health Mental Health Foundation Mental Health Goes To School Psychology Today Office of Mental Health

01/30/2026

In 1989, the New York Rangers hired a relatively unknown 35-year-old Neil Smith to be their General Manager. After orchestrating several key trades including a blockbuster move that brought in the legendary Mark Messier as well as Kevin Lowe and other stars from the Edmonton Oilers dynasty teams, Neil helped lead the Original Six NHL team to the Stanley Cup in 1994 -- it’s first in 54 years. A moment that every New Yorker reminds me of on a daily basis!

In today’s episode of ‘Health, Hockey & Leadership,’ Neil – a fellow Torontonian 🙂 – talks about his Canadian roots, the sudden passing of his dad when Neil was only 10, and the support of his strong, single mom. Neil also shares his views on leadership which includes “hiring people smarter than you”, imposter syndrome and his approach to pressure.

Unlike many executives, Neil openly shares his experience with grief and loss. In addition to his father, he suddenly lost his son and only child to su***de less than a decade ago. Neil is a big advocate of therapy, seeking help and reminding people – especially men – that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength.

As a doctor, I am thrilled that Neil prioritizes his health (“I get checked every year”). As a die-hard hockey fan, I loved hearing the backstory of his incredible NHL career!

Tune into our wonderful conversation, Subscribe, Post Comments and Share!

https://youtu.be/jdyk-Hq5kCk

NHL Media NHL on TNT UBS UBS Arena

Everyone experiences grief and loss. Sports executives are no exception -- but they rarely speak openly about it. Unless you're Neil Smith. In today's episod...

01/03/2026

Connection is so critical to human existence. Every one of us needs to bond with another human being (as well as nature, art, animals, etc.) to find our true sense of purpose.

This applies even more so for people at risk for or experiencing addiction. I am deeply grateful to Nate Larkin and David Hampton for inviting me as a guest on their beautiful podcast, Positive Sobriety. We discussed my experiences caring for people experiencing substance use disorders (alcohol, opioids, stimulants), behavioral addictions (gambling, social media), pain, trauma and burnout.

But most importantly, we talked about HOPE, faith, family, friendship. That help is available for people who are struggling. We all must work together to CONNECT to people who feel shame and stigma because of their brain disease and connect them to evidence-based treatment, recovery and harm reduction services.

Thank you Diana Rissetto Brad Thatcher Faith & Media Initiative Angela Redding for making this happen.

If your organization needs a board-certified physician speaker, please reach out to me anytime.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-177-meeting-people-where-they-are-addiction/id1434354560?i=1000742060547

Podcast Episode · Positive Sobriety Podcast · 12/19/2025 · 50m

12/22/2025

The holiday season isn’t always happy for everyone. Christmas, New Year’s, parties, shopping…it might be fun for some. But for many, the holidays can be a very stressful, sad and lonely period. This emotional pain, when unaddressed, can serve as risk factors for increased substance use, relapse or return to use and addiction. I spoke with CNN anchor Fredricka Whitfield CNN about holiday stressors and effective ways to get help [starts at 0:32]

Why does substance use and addiction increase during the holidays?

❄️ Financial pressures from gift-giving and end-of-year bills
❄️ Traveling can be a beast, e.g. flight delays, traffic
❄️ Complicated and tense family dynamics
❄️ Loneliness, sadness and grief when we miss those who are gone

How do we help people who are struggling?

✅ Please ask for help. You are NOT alone.
✅ Plan ahead: if hosting a party, offer alcohol-free beverages and healthy foods and snacks which can slow the absorption of alcohol
✅ Get professional help: talk to a doctor or a therapist. Telehealth is helpful during travel-heavy holidays. Medications and counseling are available and can make a differenc
✅ 988 su***de & crisis lifeline can be helpful when needed
✅ Social support: talk to people you trust, ask for help around the house, running errands, etc. LEAN on others. There is NO shame in asking for help

American Society of Addiction Medicine - ASAM SAMHSA NAMI The Jed Foundation - JED Partnership to End Addiction Shatterproof American Public Health Association Mental Health Foundation

12/15/2025

Current U.S. Food and Drug Administration leadership plans to place a "black box" warning on COVID-19 vaccines. I recently shared my thoughts on this public health issue with CNN host Fredricka Whitfield CNN

Black box warnings are designed to convey THE most serious risk associated with a substance, e.g. benzodiazepines such as 'Xanax' and 'Va**um' have a "high risk of addiction” or ibuprofen can cause “serious GI bleeding."

The FDA under RFK's U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is trying to connect the current FDA-approved COVID vaccines to safety risks in pregnant women and children WITHOUT any evidence. They are trying to connect 10 deaths in children based on VAERS (vaccine adverse events reporting system) data to the COVID vaccines without proper, rigorous clinical investigation. What data do they have?

Every serious adverse reaction needs to be thoroughly studied before making broad health policy decisions like the placement of black box warnings on medicines.

The response from Moderna, one of the vaccine manufacturers: The vaccine is “rigorously monitored by Moderna, the US FDA and regulators in more than 90 countries,” and with more than a billion doses distributed worldwide, those systems “have not reported any new or undisclosed safety concerns in children or pregnant women.”

mRNA technology has been a focal point for this administration: HHS released a report in August 2025 saying they were winding down mRNA vaccine development.

This proposed action is deeply concerning for physicians like me who discuss evidence-based medicine including preventive measures such as colonoscopies and vaccinations. The FDA’s unfounded black box warning plan will weaken the public’s already waning confidence in vaccines.

We must follow the best available science while holding elected officials accountable to make health policy decisions rooted in data and best clinical judgement for the public.

12/10/2025

"Women outlive men -- but not in medicine."

For a female physician like me, this data is certainly disturbing. Other key points by Drs. Anupam Jena and Christopher Worsham from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital:

👉 For certain conditions like cancer and chronic respiratory diseases, women physicians experienced higher mortality rates than male doctors
👉 Black female physicians experienced higher mortality rates than all other physician subgroups ... 128% more likely to die vs. white female MDs

WHY??

🏵️ The "2nd shift" phenomenon: female physicians still carry most of the burden of domestic duties whether their male partners are doctors or not (consistent w/ women from all professional backgrounds) ... and this can worsen a woman's health
🏵️ Women physicians experience higher rates of burnout and sexual harassment
🏵️ Women physicians are paid less than male colleagues for similar work

Appreciate the authors for highlighting this important and urgent problem.

How can we better support women physicians both inside and outside the workplace?

https://magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/surprising-demographics-physician-mortality?utm_source=SilverpopMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily%20Gazette%2020251209%20(1)

All Articles The Surprising Demographics of Physician Mortality December 2025 The Surprising Demographics of Physician Mortality Women outlive men — but not in medicine Fall 2025 by Molly McDonough 5 minute read Feature Illustration: Oliver Munday Illustration: Oliver Munday In every country in th...