The state of digital health and innovation Q3 2023
We witnessed a digital health explosion during the pandemic, marked by significant investments in telehealth and other sectors. However, the market could not maintain its pace in the post-pandemic era. However, the year 2023 is showing clear signs of market emergence.
Though the last two quarters have shown a reduction in funding and deal volume, the third quarter is satisfactory for investors and startups.
So, what is the state of digital …
Let’s close the gap between physician writers and writers who are physicians
“Oh, I didn’t know you’re a writer,” my neighbor said as I handed her a complimentary copy of my recently published book.
“Not really,” I replied. “I’m just a physician who likes to write.”
The conversation ended, but later, I began to think: What’s the difference between a physician writer and a writer who is a physician? What should I say to somebody else who makes a comment like my neighbor? I …
Ikigai in health care: Mastering work-life balance and purpose for medical professionals
In the high-pressure health care environment, finding purpose and fulfillment is a significant challenge. The Japanese concept of ikigai offers a unique perspective, helping health care professionals discover deeper meaning in their work and personal lives. This article explores ikigai’s essence, its benefits and challenges in health care, and practical steps for embarking on this transformative journey.
Understanding ikigai
Ikigai is a Japanese term …
The shoulders of giants
I regretfully told my 65-year-old patient in the preoperative area, “I’m going to have to cancel your case.” We both knew this was coming. He suffered from a large inguinoscrotal hernia that was symptomatic but not dangerous, a condition that had threatened his welfare for the past several months. Given his education level and social issues, his career prospects were limited to manual labor. I sensed his desperation to return …
Are clinicians complicit in the Fentanyl epidemic?
I have a friend. He is non-medical, just a person who knows a lot of people. He grew up on the rough side of town.
He has lost five friends or relatives this past year, he tells me. All to Fentanyl overdoses.
Most were young, in their twenties or thirties. Two were friends of his son, who is in his early thirties.
Most had been on prescribed opioids for a confirmed back injury—a …
Advocating for health and humanity: a physician’s call to action amidst conflict
The unfolding events in Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank present a complex and deeply concerning situation. The entire area is smaller than the state of Vermont. My experiences in the West Bank, supported by a U.S. Scholar Fulbright award, have given me firsthand insight into the disruptions faced by individuals in these regions. The war may be focused in Gaza, but routine life is also disrupted in the West …
From mental illness to maximum sentence
An excerpt from Mars Hospital: A Doctor’s Novel.
“Patient’s ready. This one will be interesting,” Sally said with a smirk. “Mom brought her nineteen-year-old son in, and she says he’s the devil.” I rolled my eyes.
Terrific. I entered the room with trepidation and saw the patient sitting quietly on the exam …
Prayer in the COVID ICU [PODCAST]
The fine line between childhood illnesses and Munchausen syndrome by proxy
“Fine lines” in medicine often refer to situations where decisions are not clear-cut and require careful judgment. Perhaps the most tenuous of lines is the one between “real” childhood illnesses and those caused by Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP), also known as factitious disorder imposed on another (FDIA), refers to a specific form of child abuse in which a caregiver, typically a parent or guardian, fabricates, exaggerates, …
Adolescent exposure to alcohol may predispose to addiction
Have you ever wondered why some people always seem to be in pain? Or why someone can receive a prescription for a minor procedure and immediately feel drawn to drug use?
Scientists may have recently figured out one of the reasons for these behaviors, and they may start early in life. The developing neuron is remarkably similar to a tree. The branches are the dendrites that receive electrochemical signals from the …
Why physicians need financial independence and how to achieve it
In the modern world, physicians are respected and highly regarded for their compassion, dedication, skill, and knowledge. People value the effort physicians put into taking care of others often before taking care of themselves. While this noble profession was once lucrative, many now find it challenging to make ends meet, given falling reimbursements, lack of independence, and exorbitant student loans. Achieving financial independence is not just a personal goal; it …
Genetics, opioids, and addiction [PODCAST]
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The crisis of physician burnout and the promise of technology
“I am no longer a physician. I have become the typist.”
This is a sentiment echoing in the hallways of medical practices across the nation. This transformation encapsulates the growing disillusionment among doctors, particularly those in primary care. As a resident physician in family medicine, I am acutely aware of the escalating rates of physician burnout, exacerbated by the expectation to see between 18 and 24 patients daily. One must …
Volunteering near the Dead Sea: compassion amid refugees
A mere week following the events of October 7, I heeded the call to volunteer at a medical facility nestled on the shores of the Dead Sea. As a medical practitioner, my sense of duty compelled me to extend my expertise to those in need. What made this mission truly distinctive was the presence of my 15-year-old daughter, Hadar, who had taken on the role of clinic administrator. An exceptional …
Meditation: the ancient practice with science-backed benefits
Meditation is a hot topic with deep roots, but sometimes it feels like it’s being pushed as a modern-day version of snake oil for what ails the spirit. Often touted as an antidote to burnout, many of us know that a meditation app won’t solve the systemic issues plaguing health care today, leading some physicians to be skeptical.
I was introduced to mindfulness meditation years ago while practicing yoga. Initially, making …
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Will GLP-1s allow our society to eschew its responsibility to create a healthy environment?
Since Ozempic entered the cultural zeitgeist, I have been overwhelmed with requests from my patients – both those who meet criteria to start the medication and those who do not – for this new class of “miracle” drug. While it does work like a miracle for some, there are also those for whom the promise rings hollow – those who are unable to tolerate the medications due to side effects, …
Digital innovation in oncology [PODCAST]
Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes!
We’re joined by Andrew Norden, a physician executive, to dive into the world of digital transformation in oncology. We explore why oncology has been slower to adopt digital innovations compared to other health care fields, debunking myths …
The significance of Mental Health First Aid in communities: a comprehensive exploration
In recent years, there has been an exponential growth in global awareness surrounding the subject of mental health. As it becomes increasingly evident that mental well-being is just as crucial as physical health, community interventions such as Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) have gained prominence. Originally conceived in Australia in 2000, MHFA has since been adopted in various countries and tailored to meet the specific mental health needs of different …
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Navigating the new minefield of ER medical practice
The practice of medicine has always been difficult. In the best of times, physicians must make fast decisions under very stressful conditions. Every time a doctor navigates a crisis, they reflect on what decisions they made and how they might improve. At least the good ones do. This soul-searching often involves discussions with colleagues and staff on the events and decisions made.
Mortality and morbidity discussions, M&M as we say, are …
Past Week
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The silent crisis hurting pain patients and their doctors
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How the CDC’s opioid rules created a crisis for chronic pain patients
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What happened to real care in health care?
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How doctors can thrive despite declining reimbursements
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Medical school admissions are racing toward an AI-driven disaster
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ADHD isn’t one-size-fits-all: Why nuance in diagnosis matters
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Past 6 Months
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How trade wars could destroy the U.S. health care system
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How hospitals are quietly taking control of physicians
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Cutting opioid use in half: a hospital’s pain management breakthrough
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The hidden bias young female physicians face every day
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How to advocate for your transgender child’s health care
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How the system hunts physicians who refuse to kneel
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Recent Posts
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Fitness, mindset, and nutrition: Unlocking longevity after 60 [PODCAST]
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The altar of equity: a cautionary tale from the temple of healing
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Reuniting with a colleague reminded me why I love being a doctor
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Pope Francis dies at 88. What his care reveals about America’s failing hospitals.
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What a doctor felt when his neighbor was shot
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The surprising reason doctors might turn to unions
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Past Week
-
The silent crisis hurting pain patients and their doctors
-
How the CDC’s opioid rules created a crisis for chronic pain patients
-
What happened to real care in health care?
-
How doctors can thrive despite declining reimbursements
-
Medical school admissions are racing toward an AI-driven disaster
-
ADHD isn’t one-size-fits-all: Why nuance in diagnosis matters
-
Past 6 Months
-
How trade wars could destroy the U.S. health care system
-
How hospitals are quietly taking control of physicians
-
Cutting opioid use in half: a hospital’s pain management breakthrough
-
The hidden bias young female physicians face every day
-
How to advocate for your transgender child’s health care
-
How the system hunts physicians who refuse to kneel
-
Recent Posts
-
Fitness, mindset, and nutrition: Unlocking longevity after 60 [PODCAST]
-
The altar of equity: a cautionary tale from the temple of healing
-
Reuniting with a colleague reminded me why I love being a doctor
-
Pope Francis dies at 88. What his care reveals about America’s failing hospitals.
-
What a doctor felt when his neighbor was shot
-
The surprising reason doctors might turn to unions
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