About Me

Thanks for taking an interest in my work! I started Present Illness as an effort to push conversations about the intersections between healthcare, politics, media, and technology into new places. I want to breakdown real-world conditions which negatively impact our cultural, social, interpersonal, and intrapersonal lives. Then, examine how we got there, and what we can do differently.

I am not apolitical, nor is it my goal to present both sides of a topic. I am a 27-year-old liberal progressive deeply uninspired by many of the visions for the future presented to me by politicians. I’m currently a DO, MPH student hoping to have a career supporting the health both of individuals in my community, and the community as a whole. A rising tide truly does lift all boats.

Although I’m somewhat skeptical of specific promises made by the tech sector, I believe the coming decades will continue two modern trends: the pace of change will continue to accelerate, and key institutions upholding our society will lag behind.

William Ogburn’s term “culture lag” describes this phenomenon, wherein media and technology shape society more rapidly than we can process. This disconnect encourages short-term planning, and often loses sight of optimistic, creative visions for a future which lifts all boats.

My plan is to write at least a couple times a month. I hope you engage thoughtfully and are motivated to think creatively about the problems facing modern life. To create a better future, we must first imagine it!