Leah B. Gilliam, MD

Imagine being angry with the local tobacco shop because they “don’t care for their customers” when you buy a vape that loses charge too quickly. It’s a tobacco shop. They profit by selling you things that kill you. Why are you shocked that they don’t care for you?

Call me crazy, but a tech company using the line “with this power we’ll see how far we can go” in their jingle gives me the ick at this point.

The phrase “2000s throw back theme night” is offensive. I won’t hear arguments to the contrary.

Tomorrow, you borrow my ladder. You borrow my ladder and you give him the test. If he doesn't set up that ladder correctly for you, so you can climb safely - dump him. If he doesn't set up that ladder safely for you, it means he's a selfish man and you're only seeing the tip of the iceberg.

Imagine it. 5:52 am. A physician mom tends to her son who woke with a fever, a headache, and a tummy ache two days after having licked the shopping cart at Sam’s Club. The dog stands nearby, barfing in the floor. It’s ok. I know you want my life.

Hi, I’m a 40 year old woman and my superpower is setting boundaries because I don’t have the time or the energy for this nonsense. *gestures vaguely*

How much are you paying the dog for making the driveway better?

Why are kids so bothered by the suggestion that they need to pee? Offended every time. Needs to go every time.

What happens when you speak with a “clinician” in insurance appeals: “This medication is only FDA approved for children over the age of 6.” “She is 5 yrs, 11 mos, & 3 days. Do you think her metabolism will significantly change in that time?” “… I don’t know.” “Are you a physician?” “…………. No.”

Carpal tunnel brace. Plantar fasciitis boot. This is 40. 😒

Here’s the thing. These tech bro types keep saying that AI is going to change everything. But what is it going to do about the fact that patients can’t pay for the tests that AI says we should get or the meds that AI says they should take?

AI doesn’t fix the fact that my patients don’t have a car that can make it far enough to get their colonoscopy. AI doesn’t fix that I have multiple adult patients who can’t read. AI doesn’t fix poverty or hold the check for a patient’s meds for a week until their paycheck gets deposited.

I love that my adult patients get excited about getting a fish-shaped nebulizer. Everyone deserves to be happy.

If you love me, you’ll go vote in the Fat Bear Week polls and support 901. She’s a strong, independent woman and I love her.

Patient’s insurance requires them to use CVS Caremark. I see patient last week. BP elevated. I send rx to increase valsartan from 160 mg to 320 mg. CVS Caremark sends me a notice that they’re out of refills for the 160 mg dose and that this may affect their compliance. Yes. I suppose it will. 🫠

I don’t know who needs to hear this (yes, I do) but please screen men for OSA before starting testosterone replacement. Untreated OSA is a contraindication to treatment. TYSVM for your attention to this matter.

If you’re going to take issue with the use of “y’all”, I’m going need to you stop using the word “don’t”. Both are contractures. It’s not “folksy”. It’s a legitimate word.

Notice from patient’s insurance: this patient is late to refill their Rybelsus. Yes. Because that medication is no longer produced. And the replacement prescription for Ozempic tablets was filled three weeks before this notice was sent. The insurer paid for them. Super helpful.

My husband just asked me to cut his fishing line. For a second I panicked. Would it be too long? Too short? #medschooltrauma

I might send one patient to the ER per week. I sent two before 10 am today and I don’t like it.

Corona Radiata would make a lovely name.

I’ve never wanted to see it more.

Happy Wrensday Wednesday! Here's one from my archives. A superb fairywren portrait. This is the common type of fairywren where I live. #wrensday

My receptionist brought me back a T-shirt from Seattle Pride. Ignore my face. It’s been a rough couple of weeks.

Imma leave this here for the curious. www.jacc.org/doi/epdf/10....

The time remaining on the front of my washing machine is a complete and utter fabrication.

Ok. The little pop-it things that pop loudly when you throw them on the ground… I’m the only one at this cookout who has ever snapped them with their fingers to make them pop. Tell me someone else here has done this.

I have words for the physician extender who I just heard say that hospice was for people who are “checked out” or “not feeling mentally strong”.

Suturing a laceration can be meditative.

Hey I may not do your stupid modules, or publish enough, or close all those charts, or volunteer to teach at the medical school, but I always try to drop everything and go the extra mile for *actual* patient care

If you were in *that* group chat in the old place, know that we are resurrecting. For some reason it won’t let me add everyone. Message me.

My dog got sprayed by a skunk last night. Despite having showered this morning, I smell like a skunk today since I had to bathe her. Embarrassed, I warned the tech doing my mammogram and she agreed. While I appreciate honesty in general, this is the one time when I’m begging you to lie to me.

I got my nails done today and TBH, you can’t tell me a damn thing right now.

Yoda is already flesh-colored. Flesh comes in multiple colors.

When this cat snuggles up with sixteen bags of Cheetos it’s cute, but when I do it, it’s disordered eating? Not fair.

My four year old remains unconvinced that he shouldn’t put some of his Hot Wheels stickers on Pickles, the bitey cat, because “she’s one of the monsters that attacks Hot Wheels City.”