Author Archives: Helane Fronek

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About Helane Fronek

Over the past 28 years I have had a fascinating and fulfilling career in medicine, initially practicing as a general internist and then as a procedural specialist, caring for patients with vein disorders. As Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at UC- San Diego School of Medicine, I’m thrilled to be teaching medical students crucial communication skills along with many other aspects involved in the practice of medicine.

Angry patients? Don’t run and don’t hide.

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Helane Fronek

During the holidays (aside from the crowds at the malls), most people are filled with generosity and kindness for those around them. But the reality is that anger is a frequent expression of fear and pain in our society. As … Continue reading →

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“Begin with the end in mind”

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Helane Fronek

Many years ago, a friend suggested that I read Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I thought it was going to be another time management book – boy, was I wrong. Covey defines a habit as “the … Continue reading →

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Looking for the perfect gift?

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Helane Fronek

What most people really want in life is to be seen – really seen for who they are, the impacts they make, and the importance they have in our lives. Unfortunately, we live in a busy world in which our … Continue reading →

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The potency of hope

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Helane Fronek

The holiday season brings many reminders of the power of belief, faith and hope. Unfortunately, we in the medical profession often focus so much on science that we forget how important these other factors can be in our patients’ healing. … Continue reading →

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Doctors are teachers

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Helane Fronek

The word doctor originates from the Latin verb, docēre, which means “to teach.” Much of our time is, in fact, spent teaching our patients about their condition, the treatments we offer, and how to stay healthy. Joanne Desmond, in Communicating … Continue reading →

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What moved me today

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Helane Fronek

In The Healer’s Art medical school elective (http://www.ishiprograms.org/programs/medical-educators-students/), we discuss the “3 question journal” in which we look back at our day and ask, “What surprised me today?” “What touched me today?” and “What moved me today?” As I contemplated … Continue reading →

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Your Own Personal Secret to Work-Life Balance

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Helane Fronek

Physicians (as part of a societal trend) are increasingly focusing on trying to balance the many demanding aspects of their lives. Below is a recent column I wrote for Vein Magazine; the link to the pdf is at the bottom. … Continue reading →

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Introductions – easy to do, profound in their impact

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Helane Fronek

Several months ago I accompanied my elderly relative to the emergency room. I sat in the room worrying as I wondered what might be causing his symptoms. Suddenly, a man entered the room and gruffly asked me, “how old is … Continue reading →

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Changing behaviors…made easier

Posted on October 8, 2011 by Helane Fronek

As physicians, we are the leaders of the healthcare team. And with medicine becoming more specialized, we depend increasingly on employees and consultants for their contributions. Unfortunately, it often seems that their vision doesn’t match ours and their behavior reflects … Continue reading →

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We’re in this together

Posted on October 1, 2011 by Helane Fronek

When I was a resident, my father suffered a severe MI – 2000 miles away from where I was training. Worried and distraught, I approached our chief resident and asked for permission to fly home to be with my parents. … Continue reading →

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