The crisis of physician burnout and the promise of technology

Physician
November 17, 2023

“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 …

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Volunteering near the Dead Sea: compassion amid refugees

Physician
November 17, 2023

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 …

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Meditation: the ancient practice with science-backed benefits

Physician
November 17, 2023

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?

Meds
November 17, 2023

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, …

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Digital innovation in oncology [PODCAST]

Podcast
November 16, 2023
YouTube video

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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 …

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The significance of Mental Health First Aid in communities: a comprehensive exploration

Conditions
November 16, 2023

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

Physician
November 16, 2023

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 …

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Confirmation bias can lead to wrong conclusions

Physician
November 16, 2023

I met Dr. David Zylneck through a mutual friend when he was in the final year of his pediatrics residency. Even as a trainee, he was heavily involved in international relief work and had made several trips to Southern Africa. Over time, Dr. Zylneck and I lost contact as our careers took us in different directions. Several years later, as I was about to move to a new location to …

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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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