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Articles written by Debra Johnston M.d.


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  • The Prairie Doc: Prevention is the Best Treatment

    Debra Johnston M.D.|Sep 22, 2021

    What I remember most is the silence. She was 19 years old, just starting her first semester of college. She had been transferred to our level 1 trauma center, intubated and in a medically induced coma. I was a third-year medical student, being introduced to the realities of medicine. Our team was clustered around her in the procedure room adjacent to the ICU while my senior resident inserted the central line we would use to quickly administer large volumes of medicine and fluids. ICUs can be busy, noisy places. This ICU was a large open room,...

  • The Prairie Doc: With A Little Help

    Debra Johnston M.D., The Prairie Doc|Mar 31, 2021

    As a primary care physician, I walk with my patients as they face many of life’s challenges. Facing the diagnosis of dementia may be one of the hardest. Any chronic illness involves loss, but dementia threatens the loss of not only ability and independence, but of the very self. It is important to realize that people with dementia can have rich and rewarding lives. For most patients there is an initial period where their losses are mild. There is likely time to work on that bucket list, to enjoy hobbies new and old, and laugh with loved o...

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