Saddam Zaidi, MD

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I am an internal medicine physician committed to evidence-based, patient-centered care. I integrate current clinical guidelines and NEJM-supported research into my approach to prevention, chronic disease management, and overall health optimization. With experience in both hospital and outpatient settings, I focus on delivering compassionate care grounded in continuous learning and clinical excellence.
    • From Connecticut Snow to South Carolina Sunshine: My Move and Winter’s Adaptation

      From Connecticut Snow to South Carolina Sunshine: My Move and Winter’s Adaptation

      Moving from Connecticut to South Carolina changed everything, for me and my Siberian Husky, Winter. The catalyst? An exciting career opportunity with TeamHealth at HCA Healthcare facilities. After years in Northeast healthcare, joining TeamHealth’s dynamic teams in emergency medicine and hospitalist services at HCA’s South Atlantic Division hospitals (like Trident, Summerville, Grand Strand, and Colleton Medical Centers) was a game-changer. It offered professional growth, strong support, and the chance to impact lives in expanding facilities.

      Winter Is Enjoying The Snow In The Last Day In CT

      Weather Shock: Snowy Winters to Humid Summers

      Connecticut means real winters, 20-30°F lows, 20-60 inches of snow, shoveling, and icy drives. Pure New England charm.

      South Carolina? Mild winters (rarely below freezing) and hot, humid summers (90°F+ highs, sticky air, thunderstorms). No snow, but endless sunshine, palm trees, and nearby beaches. 5 “LARGE” 6 “LARGE”

      The first summer was intense—no cool breezes, just heat. But perks abound: year-round outdoors, no blizzards, flip-flops over snow boots.

      Winter the Husky: From Snow King to Heat Survivor

      Winter thrived in CT snow, zooming through drifts, digging endlessly, his thick coat perfect for the cold. 2 “LARGE” 3 “LARGE” 4 “LARGE”

      I worried about the heat for this Arctic breed, but he’s adapted brilliantly. Key tips:

      • Morning/evening walks only, shaded paths, paw booties for hot pavement.
      • Cooling aids: kiddie pool, frozen treats, fans/AC indoors.
      • Regular brushing (never shave the coat, it insulates!).
      • Constant water and overheating watch.

      Now, he lounges in shade, splashes in pools, and even enjoys mild beach days digging in sand. 7 “LARGE” 8 “LARGE” 9 “LARGE” 10 “LARGE” 11 “LARGE”

      Thriving Through Change

      This move, fueled by TeamHealth/HCA opportunities, proved change breeds growth. I’ve advanced in medicine, and Winter’s happier than ever. Proof that stepping outside your climate (and comfort) zone pays off.

      Considering a similar leap? Do it, the rewards are worth it!

      Saddam Zaid, MD

    • Two Kinds of Medicine, One Doctor

      Some people ask:
      “Can one doctor work nights in the hospital and still run a clinic during the day?”

      I don’t know if it is easy.
      I only know it is possible when the wish to help is stronger than the wish to rest.

      Very soon I will start working full-time as a hospitalist.
      I will be there when patients are the sickest — nights, weekends, holidays.
      I will stay until they are safe.

      At the same time, I have been given the chance to take care of an office where families come back year after year.
      Same faces, same stories, same smiles when someone feels better.

      Two different kinds of days.
      One doctor who says yes.

      I am a father.
      I am human.
      Some weeks I will be tired.
      Some weeks the drive will be long.
      But when a patient says “Doctor, you remembered me” or when a family says “Thank you for saving my loved one,” that feeling is bigger than any tired day.

      Medicine is hard.
      Family time is precious.
      Rest matters.
      But the chance to be there for people — in the hospital at 3 a.m. or in the clinic on a quiet afternoon — is a gift I cannot turn away from.

      So I will try.
      I will show up.
      I will keep learning.
      And I will keep the same promise everywhere I go:
      I will take care of you like you are my own family.

      Thank you for trusting me on this road.

      Dr. Saddam Zaidi

    • Hospital Medicine vs. Office-Based Practice: Simple Thoughts From My Experience

      Choosing between hospital medicine and office-based practice is an important decision for many physicians. Both sides have good things and difficult things, and the choice can change depending on our age, goals, and lifestyle.

      Hospital medicine has many advantages. Hospitals usually provide good benefits like health insurance, life insurance, and retirement plans. The system is already built, and you don’t have to worry about running a business.
      But hospital work can be very demanding. Long shifts and high-pressure situations can be hard to continue as we get older. For many people, this becomes a real limiting factor.

      Office-based practice is almost the opposite. The beginning can be tough. You need to build your patient population, learn the business side, and deal with many challenges. But in the long run, it can be rewarding. You get to know your patients over many years, and you create more stability as your practice grows.
      The difficult part is compensation—handling insurance company rules and billing can be stressful compared to working in a hospital with a large billing department.

      Personally, most of my experience is in hospital medicine. This is where I built my clinical skills. But when I think about private practice, even though it offers the hope of a stable patient base, there is still fear and uncertainty. It is natural to worry about how this chapter will turn out and whether it will be successful.

      In the end, both paths have benefits. Hospital medicine offers strong support and structure, while office practice offers long-term relationships and personal growth. The best choice depends on what matters most to you at this stage of your life and career.

    • A stunning view of the white star-shaped structure framed by vibrant autumn foliage and mountain vistas.

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