During the COVID-19 pandemic, medicine became mechanical. Patients lined up for temperature checks and COVID tests, and doctors often switched to autopilot, focusing on public health guidelines and hospital protocols. Real, thoughtful medicine seemed to take a back seat.

But good physicians stayed engaged, never losing sight of the art of patient care.

One patient, a 20-year-old, came into the outdoor respiratory clinic feeling fatigued with a persistent sore throat for two weeks. He had a mild fever, no cough, and no respiratory complaints—symptoms that didn’t align with COVID-19. Something didn’t add up.

I remembered a piece of advice from an infectious disease professor: “If it sounds like Epstein-Barr virus (mono), you have to consider an HIV panel.” Despite the patient denying any high-risk behaviors, I ordered a comprehensive set of labs, including an HIV RNA test, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) test, a complete blood count, a COVID-19 test, and a throat culture.

The results came back: the HIV RNA test was positive, though antibodies hadn’t developed yet, meaning he had contracted HIV just weeks earlier. We caught it before seroconversion—an incredibly critical window for intervention.

We immediately connected him with support and started highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), a treatment that manages HIV and dramatically improves long-term health outcomes. This timely intervention gave him the chance to live a long, healthy life with the right medication and care.

This is why personalized medicine matters. It’s not just about following protocols—it’s about taking the time to engage with each patient, listen to their story, and apply critical thinking. In this case, the right decisions made a world of difference.

At Personalized Medicine and Health Coaching, this is the level of attention and care I provide. Our patient panel will never exceed 100 clients, ensuring that each patient receives the focus and personalized care they deserve. You’re more than a number or a billing code. Here, real medicine means delivering the care you’d want for your own family.

Why Personalized Medicine Matters:

• Early detection and timely intervention save lives.
• Doctors must engage critically, not just follow protocols.
• Personalized care leads to better health outcomes.

By choosing Personalized Medicine and Health Coaching, you’re choosing care that’s tailored, thoughtful, and centered on your long-term health.