By Breanna Lathrop At the clinic, we are regularly asked by patients to complete paperwork to assist with social supports. Paperwork for handicap stickers, half-fare public transportation cards, rent relief, affordable housing eligibility, and the list goes on. Sometimes we know the patient well and other times we are just meeting. However, it always feels … Continue reading The Missing Box
When My World is Too Small
By Breanna Lathrop My one-and-a-half-year-old points out any dog within a half-mile radius any time we are out. “Harry!!!” She yells, waiving at the dog. Harry is the name of our dog at home. “Yes,” I answer trying to encourage her while gently correcting, “that’s a dog!” She gives me a look like, that’s what … Continue reading When My World is Too Small
On the Road for Healthy Neighborhoods
This week has been full of talking about social determinants of health, health equity, and healthy neighborhoods in a variety of places. We started the week at the Park Pride conference in Atlanta, a gathering of planners, advocates, volunteers, and landscape architects committed to creating public green spaces. We spoke about how built environment is … Continue reading On the Road for Healthy Neighborhoods
On Being the Patient
Having been a nurse practitioner for 11 years now, most of my experience in the health care system has been from the perspective of a provider. Even during my two pregnancies, I received care from a midwifery practice started by friends who graduated with me. For the most part I felt knowledgeable, in control, and … Continue reading On Being the Patient
Thoughts on Handmade Blankets
By Breanna Lathrop My one year-old daughter has a beautiful red and white handmade dress that finally fits her. I have been waiting for her to be able to wear it and she has a sweet blue dress with ribbons to match. One of my patients made them for her months ago and they are … Continue reading Thoughts on Handmade Blankets
I’m Sorry
Two weeks ago, our book was released into the world. I’ll admit, I was a little nervous that this project of two years was leaving the comfort of trusted reviewers and friends for readers across the country. While I was apprehensive about the first negative review or an interview question I couldn’t answer, I was … Continue reading I’m Sorry
On a Cold Night
On Friday night we had the honor of celebrating our book at Little Shop of Stories during our book release party. My family parked in the parking garage which is a short walk from the bookstore. I walked ahead with the kids while my husband loaded up a cart with supplies for the event. I … Continue reading On a Cold Night
If You Don’t Ask
At 24, I was a new nurse practitioner is a small urban clinic, suddenly keenly aware of how much I didn’t know. One day I stood at my boss’s desk summarizing a patient I had just seen and seeking advice on how to proceed. “Did you ask her about sex?” my veteran NP boss asked … Continue reading If You Don’t Ask
Building Hope
We took down all the Christmas decorations today. I hate doing that. Not only is it a lot of work, but I really love Christmas and taking down the décor seems to signify that it is really over. However, we always get it done before New Years because I don’t want to spend the first … Continue reading Building Hope
