Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs. I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I reflect on the defining moments of my 45-year career in healthcare—moments that shaped my understanding of medicine, humanity, and the unexpected intersections of politics and patient care.

Two events stand out: the AIDS epidemic, which marked the beginning of my career, and COVID-19, which brought it to a close. Both crises forced healthcare professionals to navigate uncertainty, fear, and evolving science, often without clear answers.

In this episode, I recount the heartbreaking story of a young man in San Diego, isolated and alone, as we struggled to understand the mysterious illness that would later be identified as AIDS. I also share the deeply personal experience of caring for a woman in Cape Cod, whose diagnosis challenged my own fears and assumptions.

Fast forward to COVID-19, and I found myself once again facing an unknown virus—this time, with patients already battling terminal illnesses. From the impossible decisions families had to make to the devastating reality of patients dying alone, I explore the emotional toll of healthcare in crisis.

Join me as I share these stories, reflect on the lessons learned, and consider how we can do better in the future. Because healthcare, at its core, is about people—and we owe it to them to get it right.