Not a Doctor

Systemic racism and police brutality are hurting all of us. Welcome to Not a Doctor. I’m Melody Schreiber, a journalist and the editor of What We Didn’t Expect. There have been many times, in the past few weeks, when I have found myself at loss for words. And that is a good thing. Instead, I have been watching…

This isn’t some metaphor. It’s soup. (Okay it’s also a metaphor) Welcome to Not a Doctor. I’m Melody Schreiber, a journalist and the editor of What We Didn’t Expect. I find myself grappling with a strange stage of grief — I want to keep talking and writing about it, but not all of the time. In the previous…

Many of you have written to me (either by posting comments or sending emails) about ways you’ve coped with pain and grief in the past. It’s been so helpful, I wanted to open up a discussion thread to share some of this wisdom with everyone. From any setbacks, large and small, what do you tell…

Safer at home, hon. But where’s home? Welcome to Not a Doctor. I’m Melody Schreiber, a journalist and the editor of What We Didn’t Expect. Earlier this week, I went out in public for the first time in nearly three months. Aside from walks around our neighborhood and one drive-by birthday party, I haven’t left the house —…

I miss you, I love you, I’m so sorry Welcome to Not a Doctor. I’m Melody Schreiber, a journalist and the editor of What We Didn’t Expect. And today, I’m talking about grief. My youngest brother, Casey, died on Friday. The day before, he was happy and smiling, and the next, he never woke up. He was 23.…

And does that make it more contagious? Welcome to Not a Doctor, the only newsletter about health and science that sadly deletes X-Men puns. I’m Melody Schreiber, a journalist and the editor of What We Didn’t Expect. I’m not a doctor, or a scientist, or really an expert of any kind. I just like to ask questions and try to find…

It all depends on what surface it is, and how many virus particles landed on it. Welcome to Not a Doctor, the only newsletter about health and science that reminds you to leave your shoes at the door. I’m Melody Schreiber, a journalist and the editor of What We Didn’t Expect. I’m not a doctor, or a scientist, or really…

We’re all experiencing this pandemic in different ways. But that doesn’t mean we’re not in it together. Welcome to Not a Doctor, the only newsletter about health and science that breaks into song about solidarity. I’m Melody Schreiber, a journalist and the editor of What We Didn’t Expect. I’m not a doctor, or a scientist, or really an expert of…

WHEW! What a week. Sorry I haven’t been updating — several freelance deadlines hit at once. I’ll be back next week, but until then, I want to hear from you! Is there anything different you’re doing right now — establishing new habits, playing old or new instruments, cutting hair for the first time, getting back…

Is it better to cook and go shopping ourselves? Welcome to Not a Doctor, the only newsletter about health and science that quotes The Good Place. I’m Melody Schreiber, a journalist and the editor of What We Didn’t Expect. I’m not a doctor, or a scientist, or really an expert of any kind. I just like to ask questions and try…

Researchers have begun testing people for antibodies to the coronavirus. But do we know enough about immunity to make this a big part of our response? Welcome to Not a Doctor, the only newsletter about health and science that adds massive (and hopefully figurative) grains of salt to your diet. I’m Melody Schreiber, a journalist and the…

Hint: Order supplies way in advance Welcome to Not a Doctor, the only newsletter about health and science that’s not crying, you’re crying. I’m Melody Schreiber, a journalist and the editor of What We Didn’t Expect. I’m not a doctor, or a scientist, or really an expert of any kind. I just like to ask questions and try to find the…

You have NO idea how many hand puns I wanted to put in this subject line. Welcome to Not a Doctor, the only newsletter about health and science that deletes more puns than you could ever imagine. I’m Melody Schreiber, a journalist and the editor of What We Didn’t Expect. I’m not a doctor, or a scientist, or really an…

Happy Monday, and happy holidays, if you’re celebrating them. Today seemed like a good day to open a discussion on the role of faith in these times. How have your beliefs changed or remained the same? How are you practicing your religion given physical distancing and stay-at-home orders? Have you been called to minister to…

Facing a crisis — from the pandemic to climate change — sucks, big time. But we’re making progress. Welcome to Not a Doctor, the only newsletter about health and science that sings off-key that it’s Friday, Fridaaaaay, and we made it through another week! I’m Melody Schreiber, a journalist and the editor of What We Didn’t Expect. I’m not a…

And other important ways to protect yourself and others Welcome to Not a Doctor, the only newsletter about health and science that talks about washing your underwear regularly. I’m Melody Schreiber, a journalist and the editor of What We Didn’t Expect. I’m not a doctor, or a scientist, or really an expert of any kind. I just like to ask questions…

Recommendations about wearing face masks are changing. Why? Welcome to Not a Doctor, the only (free!) newsletter about health and science that talks about the filtration quality of vacuum cleaner bags. (What a world!) I’m Melody Schreiber, a journalist and the editor of What We Didn’t Expect. I’m not a doctor, or a scientist, or really an expert of any…

And being human. It’s Friday! We made it through yet another week. I’m so proud of you! I’m sorry this newsletter has been patchy this week (but I don’t really feel that bad). I’ve been publishing several articles and working on several more, and I’ve got some more big news. Loyal subscribers have already been…

These are difficult times, and you are doing an amazing job! Welcome to Not a Doctor, the only (free!) newsletter about health and science that warns you about the dangers of CROCODILES. I’m Melody Schreiber, a journalist and the editor of What We Didn’t Expect (Nov. 2020). I’m not a doctor, or a scientist, or really an expert of any kind. I…

We’re learning more about this virus and disease all the time. But here’s where the research currently stands. Welcome to Not a Doctor, the only (free!) newsletter about health and science that prizes a functioning thermometer above all other devices. I’m Melody Schreiber, a journalist and the editor of What We Didn’t Expect (Nov. 2020). I’m not a doctor, or a…