How the 3 laws of thermodynamics illuminate the pathways of health care and AI

Tech
August 21, 2023

The principles governing the universe are not confined to physics and chemistry. In health care, a field that profoundly examines life’s intricacies, we find parallels with the three laws of thermodynamics. This article unveils these connections, offering a physician’s insights into the applications of these principles in patient care, medical innovation, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care.

The First Law of Thermodynamics: energy conservation

Thermodynamic principle: Energy in …

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Explore the rise in facelift options and embrace the trending popularity

Conditions
August 21, 2023

The facelift procedure was first described in 1901 by Eugene Hollander and in 1916 by Erich Lexer. Over the last century, the facelift has become the gold standard for facial rejuvenation and continues to grow in popularity. One of the reasons we can attribute this growth spurt to is the options and advancements in how facelifts are handled. Let’s delve into the fascinating realm of modern facelifts, exploring the incredible …

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Exploring consequences of early physician departures [PODCAST]

Podcast
August 20, 2023
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Join Dennis Hursh, an attorney with over 40 years of experience in health law. We explore the complex decisions physicians face when considering leaving a position without proper notice. Discover the legal, financial, and reputational consequences that …

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The old man’s friend: Refuse antibiotics to achieve a peaceful death

Conditions
August 20, 2023

“If you don’t know how to die, don’t worry; Nature will tell you what to do on the spot, fully and adequately. She will do this job perfectly for you.”
– M. Montaigne (1533-1592)

In 2021, former U.S. President Bill Clinton was rushed to a California hospital suffering from a urinary tract infection that had developed into sepsis, a life-threatening blood infection. According to the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence, …

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From stress to wellness: Navigating burnout in health care [PODCAST]

Podcast
August 19, 2023
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Join Sarah Samaan, a retired cardiologist and physician development coach. Discover how burnout is a response to workplace stress, not a personal flaw, and how it relates to grief and compassion. Gain valuable insights into distinguishing burnout …

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As suicide and gun violence rise, we need gun purchase waiting periods now

Policy
August 19, 2023

In 2018, physicians began #ThisIsOurLane, a movement arguing that gun violence is a public health epidemic that medical professionals have a vital role in dismantling. Gun suicide rates are increasing across America – particularly in states with the fewest gun laws. Guns are the most lethal method of self-harm, with a fatality rate of 90%, yet only 11 states are enforcing …

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Mitigating physician burnout: Rediscovering your dignity

Physician
August 19, 2023

Treating patients with dignity is a fundamental cornerstone of our profession. Although we can all cite situations where we or our colleagues fell short, most of us aspire to helping our patients feel safe and respected. Yet the flip side of this equation is rarely mentioned. And the truth is that physicians are often not treated with the same dignity by their systems or their patients.

In this article, I’ll go …

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The government should establish a Youth Behavioral Health Advisory Council

Policy
August 19, 2023

Even as the declared public health emergency for COVID-19 ended on May 11, two other public health emergencies continued. The first such emergency, the opioid crisis, was initially declared in October 2017, more than two years before COVID-19. A second emergency was declared for youth mental health in October 2021 by three major national associations, including the American …

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Michael J. Fox asks: “Am I still me?” in a new documentary – a question many with critical illness face

Conditions
August 19, 2023

Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie was recently released by Apple TV+ and provides a ringside seat to the daily, formidable challenges facing the actor since he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease more than 30 years ago.

There is, of course, tremendous irony in this movie’s title, given Parkinson’s disease, a non-curable neurodegenerative disease that affects well over six million people around the world, denies those afflicted the ability to keep …

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A pediatrician embraces direct primary care [PODCAST]

Podcast
August 18, 2023
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Join Andrea Wadley, a pediatrician who navigated career burnout to embrace the direct primary care (DPC) model. Discover how DPC transformed her practice, offering personalized care, shorter wait times, and improved doctor-patient relationships. Andrea’s journey sheds light …

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Patient complaints prompt hospital to reevaluate doctor’s bedside manner

Physician
August 18, 2023

Tom, a doctor friend, recently told me he was reprimanded by Michael, his hospital’s medical chief of staff, after two patients lodged complaints against him.

One instance involved a man whom Tom informed of a cancer recurrence. When the man cried, Tom put his hand on the man’s knee, attempting to comfort him. However, the man didn’t find it comforting. He said nothing to Tom but complained to administration, stating that …

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Avoid being an uninformed financial patient

Finance
August 18, 2023

As doctors, we all know that when we care for an informed patient, the conversation is more meaningful, and the patient can make a more informed decision about their care.

The same is true in the investing world. We are all very busy, but it is important we understand some basic financial terms so when we are either picking our own stocks or mutual funds or talking with a financial advisor, …

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TikTok aging filters may help those considering cosmetic surgery

Conditions
August 18, 2023

There’s a new viral trend on TikTok, and it’s motivating a lot of people to consider plastic surgery. It’s the platform’s latest facial filter, meant to show one’s older self, and many people are taking it as accurate and predictive. However, while it can be accurate in several ways, it does have its faults. TikTok has many of these filters that use programming and AI to change how a …

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Addressing clinician burnout: an occupational health perspective [PODCAST]

Podcast
August 17, 2023
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Join Mara Buchbinder, a medical anthropologist, and explore the pressing issue of clinician burnout within the health care system. Delve into the shortcomings of conventional mental health approaches and the potential of an occupational health lens to …

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Star Trek’s profound narrative on trauma and healing

Conditions
August 17, 2023

In the vast and intricate universe of Star Trek, we often find narratives that reflect our own realities, despite their setting in the distant reaches of space. One such narrative is found in the eighth episode of the second season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, “Under the Cloak of War.” This episode offers a profound exploration of the psychological aftermath of war, serving as a mirror to our struggles …

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