Administrative harm is destroying the practice of medicine

Physician
July 13, 2024

“Rules and regulations, who needs them? Throw them out the door.”
— Graham Nash (lyrics), from “Chicago,” sung by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Business entrepreneur and billionaire Michael B. Kim recently was quoted as saying: “Leadership without ethics is a body without a soul.” Kim donated $25 million to his alma mater, Haverford College in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to start a new Institute for Ethical Inquiry and Leadership. His goal is …

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What would you save if your house was on fire?

Physician
July 13, 2024

The obvious answer is just that, of course. I would save my wife and myself. Everything else is replaceable—well, almost everything. Read on.

Twenty years ago, before the launch of the iPhone and before social media ruled the world, two of the most important things in any traditional American family’s house were the family Bible and the family’s pictures. I will leave the Bible and commentary on it for another question …

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Cinnamon versus brain cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and insomnia

Conditions
July 13, 2024

I’ve always adored cinnamon. Its aroma warms the cockles of my heart, and its flavor makes me feel as if I’m wrapped up in an old fairy tale. However, I was floored when I reviewed some of the latest research regarding the effects of cinnamon on brain health.

Cinnamon is a type of laurel plant (believe it or not, there are almost three thousand members of the Lauraceae family). Cinnamon happens …

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Overcoming diabetes and chasing dreams [PODCAST]

Podcast
July 12, 2024
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Join us as we sit down with writer Robin D’Amato to discuss her book, Sugar-Free. Robin delves into the inspiring journey of Ginny Eastman, a girl whose passion for basketball begins at six …

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Concierge medicine: exclusive access or equity dilemma?

Physician
July 12, 2024

When demand exceeds supply, a resource is limited. Allocating those resources “involves a tension between efficiency and equity.” The market has several ways to allot those limited resources, beginning with cost. For example, frequent flyer miles, a form of resource allocation, may not seem controversial, except to those getting on last, where there is no room for their carry-on. Health care is a limited resource for many reasons, and equity …

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Beyond traditional cancer treatment [PODCAST]

Podcast
July 11, 2024
YouTube video

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Join us as we delve into the growing interest in holistic approaches to cancer care with Wayne B. Jonas, a family physician. We explore the benefits of integrating complementary therapies, such as nutrition …

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Why teaching medicine feels like being Santa Claus year-round

Physician
July 11, 2024

The yearly arrival of Santa Claus was a wonderful ritual of my early childhood years and later as I became a parent and a grandparent. It was exciting and fun, and the production provided mystery and joy. The fact that millions of people look forward to giving without getting accolades for doing so symbolizes the best in human nature. We willingly give credit to a myth for bestowing on those …

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The role of locum tenens in bridging the physician shortage gap: Can retiring physicians save the day?

Physician
July 11, 2024

The aging baby boomer generation is creating a multitude of new challenges for our already stretched thin health care sector. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, all baby boomers will be older than 65, with about one in every five residents being of retirement age and increasing demand for health care services. Simultaneously, many of our clinicians are nearing retirement or choosing to retire early. The …

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From punitive measures to radical compassion for late charting

Physician
July 11, 2024

A few years into my faculty career, my division chief met with me to discuss late charts. “Britt, charts,” she said. “You just have to make it happen.” I don’t remember much about the specifics of what was said in that meeting, but I know exactly how I felt: a flood of shame overlying simmering anger. This someone that I respected, someone who had carved a way for the department …

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Avoid these common mistakes in your first doctor employment contract [PODCAST]

Podcast
July 10, 2024
YouTube video

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Join us for an insightful episode as we navigate the complexities of negotiating your first employment contract as a doctor. Our guest, attorney Ethan A. Nkana, shares invaluable advice on avoiding common mistakes, …

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Why my 5-year-old is helping with my PhD thesis

Conditions
July 10, 2024

My five-year-old daughter is helping me with my PhD thesis. I wish she didn’t have to.

No, she’s not a prodigy (even if she is very clever!), and I’m not that desperate for assistance. She just happens to be a subject matter expert.

My thesis in human nutrition is on food marketing to kids and every time we go to a grocery store together, I see that marketing at work. She is …

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Surviving medical residency: the untold story of resilience and hope

Physician
July 10, 2024

Working as a resident in medicine can be tiring. You are expected to study, pass exams, take care of your patients without making any mistakes, keep your seniors happy, have friendly ties with your co-workers, work extremely long hours, and avoid conflict at all times. No one will ever think of your well-being or happiness. You’ll be blamed and criticized even when your work is exceptional. You have to deal …

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Balancing diabetes and mental health: the medication challenge [PODCAST]

Podcast
July 9, 2024
YouTube video

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We sit down with Jennifer Jonsson, a patient advocate, to explore the complex world of medication interactions and their impact on mental health. Jennifer shares her personal journey of managing ADHD, bipolar disorder, …

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To anesthetize, or not to anesthetize: a pervasive dilemma of the GLP-1 era

Meds
July 9, 2024

Since the United States Food and Drug Administration approved exenatide in 2005, it took decades for the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) to identify and address perioperative safety concerns, if any, among patients using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) such as exenatide. This delay could be due to several factors: GLP-1 RAs were initially used only for managing diabetes and later for obesity, and now potentially for a wide …

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A group of 4 successful surgeons negotiate better contracts: a case study

Finance
July 9, 2024

How can a group of dedicated general surgeons transform their compensation and work conditions in six months? Here’s their story.

The group’s story: facts and dynamics

Four general surgeons, one NP, and one PA for a specific physician have been practicing at a small community hospital with three ancillary facilities in the Northeast for many years. The group and staffing have been dependable, without turnover, for the past three years. Three physicians …

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Mastering patient inquiries: Streamline your practice communication

Physician
July 9, 2024

Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.”
-William Shakespeare

“Oh, I forgot to ask my doctor something” is a line as old as time itself. This happens within 0.6 seconds of starting the ride back home. So you then decide to call the office. Then you’re probably greeted with a “listen carefully to our menu options.” It’ll be a long day before you get a hold of anyone. Even …

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Key strategies for private medical practices [PODCAST]

Podcast
July 8, 2024
YouTube video

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We dive into the challenges and strategies for private medical practices to thrive, featuring our guest, pediatrician Nneka Unachukwu. We discuss the importance of adopting an entrepreneurial mindset, effective business practices, and the …

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Transform relationships: Embrace real interactions over digital distractions

Conditions
July 8, 2024

As a health care writer and subject matter expert in public health policy for the treatment of chronic pain and opioid addiction, I spend a lot of time online reading or writing. Nearing the age of 80, I have time for such occupations. In that context, I recently ran into a quite profound quotation on Facebook:

I lived when simply waiting was a large part of ordinary life: when we waited, …

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Where did the physician to physician courtesy go?

Physician
July 8, 2024

In recent years, the medical landscape has seen significant changes, not all of them favorable. One of the most noticeable shifts is the increasing reliance on physician extenders—such as nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs)—to handle a substantial portion of patient care. While this model works well for a broad segment of the population, it doesn’t suit everyone’s needs. As a physician myself, I understand the importance of efficient …

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