David Sherer, MD

David Sherer, MD, is an American physician, author and inventor. He is the lead author of Hospital Survival Guide: The Patient Handbook to Getting Better and Getting Out and What Your Doctor Won’t Tell You. He is a member of Leading Physicians of the World, and a multitime winner of HealthTap’s leading anesthesiologists award. Dr. Sherer has retired from his clinical anesthesiology practice in the suburbs of Washington, DC, and now focuses on patient education, writing and patient advocacy. He holds two US patents in the fields of critical care medicine and telecommunications.

Appearing in all forms of media, he is a tireless advocate for hospitalized patients, and believes that individual responsibility, and not government intervention, is the key to improving the general health and wellbeing of all Americans. His memoir, The House of Black and White: My Life with and Search for Louise Johnson is his first work of non-medically related nonfiction.

Are You Fit to Fly?
Travel

Are You Fit to Fly?

David Sherer, MD | May 10, 2023

Most of us take for granted that air travel is safe, so our preplanning typically centers on what we’ll do…

Protect Yourself From Anesthesia Errors

Protect Yourself From Anesthesia Errors

David Sherer, MD | December 18, 2022

If you’ve ever had a biopsy, colonoscopy, joint replacement or heart procedure, you’ve experienced the miracle of anesthesia firsthand. Medication…

Get A Second Opinion

Get A Second Opinion

David Sherer, MD | September 1, 2022

Perhaps you have been diagnosed with something as serious as cancer or something less serious such as a torn rotator…

Beyond COVID… The Age of Self-Testing

Beyond COVID… The Age of Self-Testing

David Sherer, MD | July 1, 2022

Not long ago, at-home health tests were only for pregnancy and g­lucose monitoring. But advances in understanding of the human…

Headed to the Hospital? Protect Yourself from an Infection
Wellness

Headed to the Hospital? Protect Yourself from an Infection

David Sherer, MD | December 16, 2021

The hospital is the place we go to get well and feel better. But far too often, patients seek medical…

C-Section Anesthesia Linked to Post-Partum Depression
What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You

C-Section Anesthesia Linked to Post-Partum Depression

David Sherer, MD | March 20, 2021

Expectant mothers, beware! There’s a clear link between depression in mothers who deliver by cesarean section and the use of general anesthesia. Here’s why, and self-defense.

The Benefits of Music in Our Difficult Time
What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You

The Benefits of Music in Our Difficult Time

David Sherer, MD | February 20, 2021

Music therapy is an inexpensive and easy way to transform your mood. You might be surprised by the positive benefits you will accrue, whether by listening or making your own.

Take the Pain Out of Immunization Shots
What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You

Take the Pain Out of Immunization Shots

David Sherer, MD | January 16, 2021

There are proven ways to give vaccinations that are virtually painless. And less pain is what a fatigued and scared populace needs now, don't you think?

What Exactly Do We Mean By a “Vaccine”?
What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You

What Exactly Do We Mean By a “Vaccine”?

David Sherer, MD | December 19, 2020

The news is full of stories about the new vaccines against COVID-19: who is producing it, safety, effectiveness, etc. But few people fully understand what vaccination actually mean...

Beware of Atrial Fibrillation After Any Surgery
What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You

Beware of Atrial Fibrillation After Any Surgery

David Sherer, MD | November 21, 2020

A new study shows that an irregular heartbeat (Afib) can develop following any type of surgery, not just cardiac. Steps to protect yourself or a loved one from this dangerous risk.

COVID-19 Revisited 7 Months Later
What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You

COVID-19 Revisited 7 Months Later

David Sherer, MD | October 17, 2020

Let's examine what has happened in seven months about our understanding of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and gain some perspective for the future.

How to Survive the Hospital

How to Survive the Hospital

David Sherer, MD | September 25, 2020

Hospitals can be life-saving but patients risk new infections in this time of COVID-19 and other dangers. A new roadmap for surviving your stay.

Your Medical Record: Is it Truly Yours?
What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You

Your Medical Record: Is it Truly Yours?

David Sherer, MD | September 19, 2020

Who owns your medical record? Is it you, the doctor or healthcare organization(s)? What if you’ve seen doctors at different hospitals and clinics? The answers may surprise you.

Humans vs. Virus: Curing Hepatitis C
What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You

Humans vs. Virus: Curing Hepatitis C

David Sherer, MD | August 15, 2020

In the battle against COVID-19, we can find hope from another long-feared viral disease, hepatitis C. If you are at high risk, talk to your doctor about getting tested.

What You Don’t Know About What Doctors Know
What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You

What You Don’t Know About What Doctors Know

David Sherer, MD | July 18, 2020

You likely know more your hair stylist than the people watching over your health. Here’s the education and cost doctors endure to be able to treat you.

Don’t Let Spinal or Epidural Anesthesia Give You a Headache
What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You

Don’t Let Spinal or Epidural Anesthesia Give You a Headache

David Sherer, MD | June 20, 2020

New mothers are especially at risk of migraine after giving birth, whether vaginal or by C-section. Self-defense against this anesthesia side effect.

Make the Most of Your Telemedicine Visit
What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You

Make the Most of Your Telemedicine Visit

David Sherer, MD | May 16, 2020

Prepare in advance for better care during a telemedicine consult. Eight-point checklist to help you communicate efficiently and effectively.

What Does It Mean to Be on a Ventilator?
What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You

What Does It Mean to Be on a Ventilator?

David Sherer, MD | April 18, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised fears about being on a ventilator. Here’s what it means…plus tips should that unlikely but daunting prospect arise.

What They’re Not Saying About Coronavirus—Sarah Hiner Talks with David Sherer

What They’re Not Saying About Coronavirus—Sarah Hiner Talks with David Sherer

David Sherer, MD | April 2, 2020

The fear and anxiety surrounding coronavirus are off the charts.

Should We Really Panic About the New Coronavirus COVID-19?

Should We Really Panic About the New Coronavirus COVID-19?

David Sherer, MD | March 11, 2020

As a physician who has studied epidemiology, statistics and infectious disease, I believe the risks of the new coronavirus are overblown. Here’s why…