Today’s episode is the first in our series on “The Doctor as Patient”. So many times at work I have been shocked when patients find out I had the flu, had surgery or experienced a “real medical” problem. No we aren’t superheroes, and we DO share your pain.  When the doc becomes the patient, they often will experience the same struggles ,vulnerabilities and fears. This can be a very eye opening experience and impact how we see and treat our patients. This week we have the privilege to hear from Dr. Manisha Rayavarapu. She is a Family Medicine physician, diagnosed with Lupus during her 2nd year of residency training.  She describes how her faith along with her husband, have been the most important support on her journey. She shares her struggles with navigating the health system ,uncompassionate colleagues and administration, to family who may not understand how her illness affects her life. She has gone on to write a book on her experiences, struggles, fears and strength on coping with her ‘new normal’. Her memoir, “Butterflies, Boards and Blessings” is her way of helping educate and raise awareness about lupus.  She lives by her favorite quote : “life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it”! Our sponsor this week is Physician Financial Services. Reach out to Larry Keller for your disability insurance needs. He’s been around for a while in many physician communities helping them with the coverage they need. Find Larry at doctorpodcastnetwork.com/larrykeller. LINKS: Physician Financial Services:  http://doctorpodcastnetwork.com/larrykeller Butterflies, Boards, and Blessings: A Doctor’s Journey to Thriving with Lupus- Dr. Manisha Rayavarapu ( The Patient Doc) Contact Dr. Rayavarapu at mail@thepatientdoc.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/manisharayavarapu Instagram: @manisharayavarapu www.thepatientdoc.com Disclaimer: All opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are solely the guest's opinions and do not reflect the opinions of May or Tim Hindmarsh MD or BS Free MD, LLC  or any affiliates thereof. The guest's opinions are based upon information they consider reliable, but May and Tim Hindmarsh, MD, BS Free MD  LLC, nor any affiliates thereof warrant its completeness or accuracy. The guest, May and Tim Hindmarsh MD, BS Free MD LLC, or any affiliates thereof are not under any obligation to update or correct any information provided in this episode. The guest's statements and opinions are subject to change without notice.