Inside the psychiatric unit: a PhD’s god-like status, ECT, and the harsh reality of mental illness treatment

Conditions
May 18, 2023

PhD, the big man on the psych unit’s eighth floor, puffed on his pipe while listening to the dialogue of the broken, misfits, psychotics, schizophrenics, and bipolar patients. Many were beaten at birth, both physically and emotionally. In this land of serpents, he felt like a god. He’d select patients one by one for ECT, electroconvulsive therapy, with electrodes attached to their heads and a mouthpiece in place. They were …

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The ABCs of parenting an LGBTQ+ child

Physician
May 18, 2023

Today’s politicians have gone amok with their unchecked and uninformed rhetoric and have decided to turn a blind eye to the new number-one killer of children in America. They have chosen to focus on matters that don’t matter, such as my child’s gender.

Supportive families like mine are persecuted daily, and affirming physicians like me are being threatened with the worst nightmare of any physician: the loss of our license to …

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Why a business education is essential for financial stability and cutting-edge medical care

Finance
May 18, 2023

Physicians today are being flooded with information about finding the best ways to increase their practice incomes. Secondary employment may be appropriate for desperate physicians in financial distress, but the usual short-term nature of such employment is shrouded with low income, covering unexpected hours outside agreements, weekends working, management issues, and being labeled as the “fill-in” doctor.

I say that because I worked at the local Planned Parenthood clinic for a …

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How I overcame a heart attack and health challenges with the help of faith, family, and skilled doctors

Conditions
May 18, 2023

I stood outside in my yard, which had been dormant during the winter season and was now awakening to the spring. Yard work was a familiar and enjoyable activity for me, one that I had been doing for years. But as I walked across the yard, I found myself out of breath and fatigued, to the point of needing to see if taking a nap would help. It did not. …

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From cancer survivor to health care advocate: a touching tribute to an irreplaceable radiologist [PODCAST]

Podcast
May 17, 2023
YouTube video

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Join us on this emotional episode as we hear the touching story of a patient’s journey with cancer and the irreplaceable radiologist who played a crucial role in her care. Our guest Kim Downey, a physical therapist …

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Adapting to health care’s financial maze: Anesthesiologists tackle AI, competition, and soaring costs

Physician
May 17, 2023

In the health care business, as in other industries, there are marginalized and privileged payers. The number of patients covered determines which health care payers can sell at wholesale pricing, benefiting themselves while expecting providers and institutions to make up for lower reimbursements with patient volume. Uninsured patients typically pay retail prices unless they can secure rare waivers from providers or institutions. These waivers are uncommon due to the complex …

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The myth of wealthy doctors: Why business education is vital for every physician

Finance
May 17, 2023

“Money makes the world go ’round.”

Whether you believe this this figurative adage or not, it is a hard truth. Money is ubiquitous; it pervades everyday life. And money is the cornerstone of business. So I’m shocked to hear “pretty much nothing” when I ask residents what they’re taught about business and money these days.

Not to insult anyone’s intelligence, but I’ll venture an assumption. If you are a medical student, resident, …

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Unveiling the hidden damage: the secretive world of medical boards

Physician
May 17, 2023

For years, I have tried to interest journalists in the machinations of state medical boards, but all we ever see in the media are notices of doctors sanctioned by state boards. Unfortunately, when journalists report only on sanctioned physicians, the public has little understanding of how medical boards really function.

So, I am delighted to see Scott Jensen go after the Minnesota Board of Medicine (MNBOMP) for singling him out time …

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Why perfect parenting is a myth and how choosing love over judgment can save your teen’s future

Physician
May 17, 2023

As a new parent you look at your baby with a bright full future ahead of them. So much potential there swaddled in your arms. You look at parents of troubled teenagers and secretly look down on them; your perfect baby will never do anything like that. They must be poor parents. Too easy on their teenager. Not enough structure in the house, no rules or oversight. There is no …

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Behind the erosion of patient-physician relationship and how organized medicine can save it [PODCAST]

Podcast
May 16, 2023
YouTube video

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Join us on this episode as we discuss the changing landscape of medical practice with guest Edmond Cabbabe, a plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience. We delve into the impact of corporate medicine on the …

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The game-changing impact of AI regulation: Unlocking the potential in health care and society

Tech
May 16, 2023

The regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a hot topic in recent years, especially as AI systems like ChatGPT continue to grow in prominence. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, recently testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, emphasizing the need for collaboration between the government and private companies to create appropriate regulations. This article explores the pros and cons of AI …

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Navigating the levels of knowledge, skill, and passion to create a high-value patient-doctor relationship

Physician
May 16, 2023

An excerpt from Standing Up & Speaking Out for Patients & Doctors: First Steps Toward Focused Healthcare Solutions.

The casual observer, the season ticket holder, the player, and the coach have very different levels of knowledge, skill, and passion for a professional sport. The casual observer may be confused, not even understanding the fundamentals of the game. The season ticket holder …

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Powerful strategies to overcome burnout and reignite passion in your medical career

Physician
May 16, 2023

Medical professionals have consistently demonstrated high levels of burnout and job dissatisfaction in recent times. This has become a significant concern for the health care sector and the general population since it affects the quality of health care services provided to patients. The stigma surrounding burnout and increasing awareness has made it easier to discuss openly among medical communities. The problem seems rooted in how doctors view themselves as medical …

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How digital care solutions are changing the game for patients with long COVID, diabetes, and Crohn’s disease

Conditions
May 16, 2023

“Ever since I had COVID, it always smells like something’s burning,” explained a patient suffering from symptoms of long COVID. This burning smell has plagued her for more than three months and is coupled with fatigue, difficulty breathing, and a persistent cough. Long COVID recently joined other diagnoses, such as diabetes and Crohn’s, as one of the most common chronic conditions Americans are facing today. Treatment for chronic conditions requires …

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Breaking the silence: the truth about mental health challenges among medical students and why medical schools must take action

Education
May 16, 2023

Medical school can be a challenging and demanding experience, and it’s no secret that many medical students struggle with mental health challenges as a result. In fact, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA, the prevalence of depression, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation among medical students is higher than in the general population. Despite this concerning trend, mental health support for medical students has often been lacking …

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Revolutionizing health care with AI: pros and cons of integrating ChatGPT [PODCAST]

Podcast
May 15, 2023
YouTube video

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In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of integrating ChatGPT, an advanced AI technology, into our health care system. Our guest, Liudmila Schafer, a board-certified medical oncologist, guides us through the potential benefits, such as …

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The unintended consequences of centralized EHR scheduling

Physician
May 15, 2023

One of the not often discussed challenges of our EHRs may be getting patients to the right medical resource at a time most suitable for their medical condition. Our electronic systems, whether automated by algorithm or assigned to a person given a protocol have become too separated from medical care itself. Our schedulers are no longer ourselves or our secretaries trained in the variability of patient needs, which can then …

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Revolutionizing depression treatment: Breaking free from ineffective medications for rapid relief

Conditions
May 15, 2023

If you want to know whether a standard-of-care medication will work to treat your depression, flip a coin.

More than half of all patients treated for major depressive disorder (MDD), the clinical name for what is typically thought of as depression, don’t respond to the first treatment option prescribed to them. Even those who do respond often won’t see the full clinical benefit for up to 12 weeks. And yet, prescribing …

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Revolutionizing health care: lessons from Michael Jordan’s partnership with Nike

Finance
May 15, 2023

One of the more-anticipated movie releases in my household this spring was Air, which tells the story of Nike’s now-famous partnership with Michael Jordan. Their landmark shoe deal redefined what it meant to be a professional athlete: players evolved beyond serving as brand ambassadors to become brands unto themselves.

Jordan’s partnership with Nike marked a true industry paradigm shift. I can’t help but feel that health care is also at an …

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From defensiveness to compassion: How shifting your mindset can help physicians overcome negative patient reviews and burnout

Physician
May 15, 2023

One thing that has changed in medicine over my career is the emphasis on patient reviews. As time has passed, more of what we do as physicians has been attached to various metrics, and our identities and success or lack thereof have been defined by these metrics. A huge part of these metrics is patient reviews. In speaking with many of my fellow physicians and seeing numerous comments on physician …

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