Category Archives: Health

My COVID-19 vaccination experience

Just a few weeks ago, on Dec. 11, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, making it the first vaccine to be authorized for the prevention of COVID-19. A week later, an additional order was issued by the FDA approving Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine. While this is a huge step forward in our fight… Read More »

When thinking of what to be thankful for, dig a little deeper

There are times when expressing gratitude flows out of me like a waterfall, and other times when I feel squeezed out of the ability to be grateful like a dried-up sponge. Unfortunately, the ability to be grateful can be conditional, and 2020 has pushed us all to our limits. Growing up as a Christian we are taught to… Read More »

Careers aren’t upward straight lines, they’re waves

Last night, I watched from across Elliot Bay as a sea of colors illuminated the sky. One second past midnight brought a burst of reds and blues and purples and whites, proudly announcing that the New Year has come once again. I truly love the holidays, that’s for certain. I think they are so valuable for a lot… Read More »

Corgis and COVID-19: How our furry family members have helped us through 2020

The last six months have been, to put it lightly, a blender of panic, stress, confusion, worry, and many sleepless nights. From managing patients, coordinating team members, to (remotely) spending time with loved ones, we are all navigating through an unprecedented time for most of us. While there were many nights where that jar of Nutella seemed to… Read More »

Burnout: Finding your why to avoid the burn

You’ve been practicing as an associate dentist for a couple of years, and you feel pretty confident in your skills. No longer is seeing patients and carrying out complex procedures terrifying, and your imposter syndrome is mostly in check. You should feel like you’re at the top of your game, but perhaps you’re gradually feeling like you’re stuck… Read More »

A reflection during a pandemic

My name is Dr. Peter Markov and I am a pediatric dentist and the owner of VK Pediatric Dentistry in Arlington, Virginia. I shut down my practice for three and a half months starting in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nothing during my dental school education, pediatric dentistry residency, or private practice experience could have prepared me for… Read More »