Improving medical specialty selection with pre-training examinations

Education
November 15, 2023

Considering that the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) primarily evaluates candidates’ general medical knowledge, there is a growing need to introduce specialty-specific pre-training examinations (PTEs). This is because the USMLE’s focus on overall medical knowledge may not accurately predict the performance of applicants in their specialty-specific in-training examinations (ITEs). The introduction of PTEs could serve as a more reliable indicator of applicants’ commitment and aptitude for their chosen specialties. …

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Understanding and addressing intimate partner violence in health care

Conditions
November 15, 2023

October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the United States. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 20 people in the United States are physically abused by an intimate partner per minute.

It is important to remember the vital role that health care practitioners can play in raising awareness about this issue and contributing to efforts to prevent it and care for patients impacted by intimate partner …

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A doctor’s perspective on blood cancer

Podcast
November 15, 2023
YouTube video

This article is sponsored by Loxo@Lilly, the oncology unit of Eli Lilly and Company.

In this special sponsored episode from Loxo@Lilly, I’m joined by Dr. John Pagel, senior vice president of clinical development and global head of hematology at Loxo@Lilly, to discuss blood cancer — what it is, advancements in research …

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Bridging law and medicine [PODCAST]

Podcast
November 14, 2023
YouTube video

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We sit down with Armin Feldman, a medical consultant to attorneys. Join us as Armin shares his valuable insights into the world of medical/legal consulting, where he acts as a bridge between attorneys and treating doctors. Discover …

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The search for a caring physician

Conditions
November 14, 2023

I much prefer to be called “doctor,” to be on the side listening and examining, and hopefully to help find a solution. Finding myself on the converse side; trying to explain my perspective and trying to find an explanation and solution to my own medical issue has been an illuminating experience.

Recently, I crossed over to the other side as a patient. As I waited for my health issue to go …

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4 questions every doctor must ask their financial advisor

Finance
November 14, 2023

Hiring a financial advisor can be a strategic move to ensure your financial health aligns with your professional success. However, the effectiveness of this partnership depends on asking the right questions. In this article, we’ll explore four essential questions doctors should pose to their financial advisors to pave the way for a secure and prosperous financial future.

“What is your experience working with medical professionals?”

Doctors face unique financial challenges, from managing …

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The physician of the future may not be a clinician

Physician
November 14, 2023

In a recent essay, I marveled at the qualities that will set apart tomorrow’s physicians from previous generations. And while everything I wrote I believed to be true, I suppose I neglected a major concern, a big blind spot as it were. In order to become clinicians, medical students must first enter practice. That seems obvious, but a recent report gives reason to pause and reflect on medical students’ …

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ECMO spotlight: Expanding access for improved survival rates

Conditions
November 14, 2023

The recent coverage of ECMO by the Wall Street Journal has shone a spotlight on a therapy that, despite its decades-long existence, remains relatively obscure and underutilized. While the article thoughtfully delved into the ethical considerations surrounding the extended use of this life-saving therapy, it’s important to recognize that many hospitals have yet to offer ECMO as an available treatment option. The priority focus should be on expanding access to …

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Understanding the psychological impact of chest numbness after mastectomy [PODCAST]

Podcast
November 13, 2023
YouTube video

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Join Kristen Casey, a clinical psychologist, as we delve into the emotional and psychological impact of chest numbness following mastectomy. Discover the importance of discussing this often-overlooked side effect with patients, explore potential solutions, and learn how …

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Transforming the preoperative patient consultation: from “clearance” to “evaluation and optimization”

Physician
November 13, 2023

A guest column by the American Society of Anesthesiologists, exclusive to KevinMD.

Put yourself in the anesthesiologist’s shoes. It’s 7:00 a.m., and you’ve just finished setting up the operating room (OR). You make your way to the preoperative unit to evaluate your patient and find a prescription pad note that says, “Patient cleared for …

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Surviving an EHR upgrade

Physician
November 13, 2023

My practice is about to change to a new electronic health record, and I can’t help but feel dread. The last time we did this, it was so stressful. I really don’t want to go through it again. What do I do? How do I prepare? Here is what I’m doing to get ready. I think it’s a good strategy for managing change in general, and I hope it helps …

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Addressing the health care crisis and global warming

Physician
November 13, 2023

The topic of the health care crisis has dominated the media in recent years and will likely continue to be of great interest. This issue must remain relevant. However, without united action, the health care crisis and burnout may end up like the topic of global warming – frequently discussed but often politicized and inadequately addressed.

The global warming crisis, as seen in headlines, has been described as scientists warning that …

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Legacy of a #1 party school: college alcohol abuse today

Conditions
November 13, 2023

In 2009, the famed NPR radio series This American Life aired an episode that would forever change how we looked at college life. “#1 Party School” featured Penn State University and shed light on the rampant alcohol abuse in higher education. Over a decade later, this issue remains a persistent challenge on college campuses. This article delves into the legacy of the “#1 Party School” episode …

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Medical and legal aspects of codeine cough syrup [PODCAST]

Podcast
November 12, 2023
YouTube video

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Join us for an insightful podcast discussion with L. Joseph Parker, a research physician. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of promethazine with codeine cough syrup, its medical applications, diversion risks, and the legal …

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The erosion of compassion in medicine

Education
November 12, 2023

With my first thrust on his chest, I shattered his sternum, feeling his bones crumble in my hands. His eyes were wide open but lifeless. Dried secretions crusted his lips. His dusky skin tone indicated my efforts would be futile. Nonetheless, I proceeded with cardiopulmonary resuscitation as I was trained to do.

Soon the room was bustling with medical residents and nurses. A controlled chaos ensued. We inserted a breathing tube …

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Why maternal mortality is on the rise [PODCAST]

Podcast
November 11, 2023
YouTube video

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Join Alan Lindemann, an obstetrics-gynecology physician and the author of Pregnancy Your Way: Choose a Safe and Happy Birth. We’ll delve into the critical issue of rising maternal mortality rates in the United States, exploring its causes, …

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Sending in “tougher canaries” won’t fix the problem of physician well-being

Physician
November 11, 2023

Many surveys and reports have acknowledged that physicians are unwell, and their numbers have reached crisis proportion. “We aren’t going to fix this problem by noting that canaries are dying in the coal mine and … sending out for tougher canaries,” remarked Gary Price, MD, an attending surgeon at Yale-New Haven Hospital in Connecticut and president of the Physicians Foundation, a physician empowerment organization.

Price’s remarks were actually …

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Medicare coverage saves lives. Enrolling shouldn’t be this complicated.

Physician
November 11, 2023

I never imagined I’d be crying on vacation in Hawaii, but there I was, overwhelmed with worry because my 71-year-old mother’s Medicare Part B enrollment had been denied. A naturalized U.S. citizen, my mom had been living overseas with a rare blood cancer for 20 years. By December 2021, her end-stage disease required bi-weekly blood transfusions; the only hope for cure was a risky stem cell transplant. Therefore, in …

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Emergency department burnout: a cry for change

Conditions
November 11, 2023

It’s a busy day in the emergency department. The waiting room is full, and we are short-staffed. I just read an email from administration that morning about how our treat and release times are “slipping,” and in the same breath, they remind us of the importance of patient satisfaction. There are many patients in the department with chronic medical problems or chief complaints that could be interpreted as non-emergent. I …

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