As we spring into spring, as well as our 21st year, I am excited to share here that Dr. Alan Spira will be joining #TeamTVD as of April 1! Alan and I have known each other for longer than I (or he) care to admit (can I get a UCLA 8 clap?). We’ve trained together, traveled together, and taught together, and now we get to, again, work together. We even share a DTM&H. I’m delighted.
Alan Spira, MD, DTM&H graduated UCLA with a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Microbiology, Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude. He then graduated from the UCLA School of Medicine in 1988. He has specialty training in Emergency Medicine, Tropical Medicine, Travel Medicine, Hyperbaric/Diving Medicine, Occupational Medicine and Acupuncture.
Captain Alan Spira was honorably retired from the US Navy Medical Corps in 2000 and has been decorated multiple times by the Marine Corps, Navy and Army. Dr. Spira has a non-profit, Jamii Health International, which helps develop health centers in the developing world. He has volunteered or taught as a physician in the developing world for over 30 years. Lastly, Dr. Spira has practiced martial arts since he was sixteen and was a UCLA Karate Team captain during medical school, though now he is dedicated to Wing Chun, which was Bruce Lee’s original style. He paints, writes and travels whenever he has a little free time.
Dr Spira has supported The Village Doctor intermittently since 2009 and is delighted to return as a full-time physician:
“I am thrilled to work with the Village Doctor team and care for patients in the old-fashioned, caring, dedicated way that has been lost in the modern world of homogenized medicine.”
Welcome Alan, this has been a long time coming.
Eric
Eric Weiss, MD, DTM&H, March, 2025
Understanding Baby Sleep Patterns: How They Change by Age and the Impact of Sleep Regression
One of the biggest topics parents ask me about is their baby’s sleep. It changes every month in the beginning and can cause a lot of stress. I reassure parents that understanding their baby’s sleep patterns is a normal part of navigating early childhood. Sleep is crucial for a baby’s growth and development, but it can be quite a puzzle for many parents. Baby sleep patterns evolve significantly in the first few years of life, and knowing what to expect can help parents adapt to their little one’s changing needs.
Acupuncture for Stress
When stress enters our lives, it can have negative physical and mental consequences such as muscle tightness (which I’m feeling now), insomnia, digestive issues, lack of focus (another symptom I am having), and irritability, just to name a few. Stress, anxiety, and feelings of overwhelmedness are normal; however, when they interfere with our daily well-being, it is time to take action. Be back in a bit….Time for some acupuncture.
Woodside Fire Turns 100 (!)
I have been involved with the Woodside Fire Department since my early days at Stanford when I was the Director for Emergency Medical Services, and then in the early 2000’s when I was their Medical Director. Fast forward ten years, and I joined the Board of the Woodside Fire Foundation. So all to say I am very proud to have been a small part of this 100 year journey, and a big congratulations to those who have played a much larger role.
During the recent ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate these 100 years AND the opening of the brand new Station 7, Fire Chief Tom Cushieri (pictured above) noted, “One hundred years ago, a small group of brave residents came together with a vision to protect this community from the dangers of fire, and to serve as a beacon of hope in times of crisis. From humble beginnings, our fire department has grown and evolved, adapting to the changing needs of the community we cherish. … “
I encourage you to read more about the history of Woodside Fire and the brand new Station 7 in this nice piece in The Almanac. Enjoy.
Lastly, TVD Newsletter is a labor of love. If you enjoy reading this, please share widely! Was this forwarded to you by a friend? Please subscribe here.
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Yours, in health,
Eric and the TVD MD team…
The information contained in this newsletter is provided for general informational and education purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare provider to discuss whether any treatment, medication, or information is appropriate for you, and for guidance on any emerging updates in care. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice based on the information provided here.
