As a highly allergic and reactive person with multiple autoimmune conditions, I am likely at risk for Long Covid. I’ve closely followed the news about this mysterious and pervasive new condition and read about its debilitating symptoms. But until now, I hadn’t personally known anyone with Long Covid. Recently, through…

When visuals can’t overcome medical bias — Gaslight (verb): to manipulate (someone) by psychological means into questioning their own sanity I recently took on a health history visualization client, a friend of a friend, through my startup Pictal Health. I’d been on hiatus from this kind of 1-on-1 work, but this case was interesting. The patient was…

How ‘small’ data visualization helps complex patients be heard, seen, and believed — Imagine your body starting to fall apart. You have heart palpitations, headaches, recurrent infections, painful fingers and toes, crippling brain fog, and body aches. You’ve become sensitive to light and have started wearing sunglasses indoors. Every day seems to bring a new symptom, and your doctors can’t figure out what’s…

Last year I put together an annual report of progress and pains related to starting a company. Now, a year later, what’s changed? (Apart from the global pandemic that has upended life as we knew it.) Accomplishments I’m now working with my 54th health history visualization client; I’ve had 32 paying…

Today, as COVID-19 social distancing, quarantines and hoarding occupy our minds and cause worldwide anxiety, I want to share a practice that has helped me stay semi-grounded over the past few years: visual gratitude journaling. …

Last summer I had the opportunity to help ten local military veterans create visuals depicting their complex health histories and symptoms. This is what I do — my company, Pictal Health, helps people visualize their symptoms and health journey so they can communicate better with their doctors. This project was…

Working alone (mostly in my house) as the solo founder of Pictal Health, it’s hard to get anything done. I find myself tossing a load in the laundry, wiping down counters, and getting into the weeds with home office organization. …

How visual health timelines might help people with PTSD — Since founding Pictal Health about a year and a half ago, I’ve been helping patients with mysterious, rare, and complicated health issues visualize their health history and symptoms so they can communicate better with their doctors. …

When I was growing up, I would refer to my godfather Don as ‘my dad’s partner.’ I’m from a small manufacturing town in northern Michigan, and everyone knew my dad, so there was little confusion. Times have changed, and now I stress ‘law partner.’ …