Bridging attorneys and doctors: the role of medical/legal consultants

Physician
September 13, 2023

Engaging in medical/legal consulting offers a valuable opportunity to apply your medical training in a non-clinical capacity that genuinely benefits people. Physicians across the nation are increasingly embracing medical/legal consulting as a rewarding part-time endeavor.

Among the array of services that medical/legal consultants offer, one prominent role is that of a liaison between attorneys and treating doctors. Additionally, we occasionally serve as intermediaries between attorneys and families, and more frequently between …

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Balancing opioid medication in chronic pain

Conditions
September 13, 2023

She walked in with a cane, bent over like a question mark. She was in her seventies and as sweet as people in that age group tend to be. I think most of the cranky ones don’t make it that far. She was something of an emergency because her doctor had just passed away, and it was time to refill her medications. It would not be safe for her to …

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From academic medicine to private practice [PODCAST]

Podcast
September 12, 2023
YouTube video

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Join Carmen Fong, a colorectal surgeon, as she shares her journey through the world of medicine. Carmen’s experiences highlight the challenges women face in academic medicine, from gender disparities to work-life balance. We delve into her decision to transition to private practice, …

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Physicians have a hidden addiction treatment superpower

Conditions
September 12, 2023

When it comes to addiction treatment, doctors have a superpower. Even if you’re not board certified in addiction (most of us are not), you possess knowledge and skills uniquely suited to caring for patients with addiction. Many professions purport to treat patients with substance use disorder, but the physician’s toolkit makes us uniquely effective at treating people with addiction. I can teach you how to unlock this hidden power if …

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The need for adaptability is imperative in the era of artificial intelligence

Tech
September 12, 2023

In a world increasingly dominated by technology and artificial intelligence (AI), adaptability is no longer just a desirable trait—it’s a necessity. Leon C. Megginson’s insightful quote, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change,” serves as a timely reminder of this reality. This article explores why adaptability is crucial, especially in the …

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Mourning the silent epidemic: the physician suicide crisis and suggestions for change

Physician
September 12, 2023

I am rattled as I read the headlines. Another bright, incredible physician has ended her life. I feel numb with horror as I read the details. I want to scream, cry, and punch the wall. Wiping my tears away, I try to focus on the needs of my whining toddler as she tugs at my dress.

I am in mourning for every doctor’s death by suicide. Yes, for every one of …

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Physician strategies for asset management [PODCAST]

Podcast
September 11, 2023
YouTube video

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Join Scott Kyle and Patrick Fischer, authors of The Compound Code: An Expert Guide to Trading Stocks & Options. We’ll explore how stocks and options can be utilized to generate income, enhance returns, and provide downside protection. Gain valuable insights into the …

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Arrogance and lack of business education in medicine

Physician
September 11, 2023

Dr. Osler was a physician who believed that dignified opinions in the medical profession created a destructive potential for the facts and truth about medical knowledge. The wisdom of his belief has traveled far beyond his time. In fact, his view of arrogant opinions has been dominating the medical profession far worse than one could imagine.

A profound example of the ignorance of the medical school education structure and the omissions …

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A new approach shifts thought patterns to improve mood

Conditions
September 11, 2023

Imagine this …

You’re shown a number of words one after another: “lettuce, tomato, green, head, vegetable, cabbage, carrot, food, leaf, salad, hamburger.” Then, you’re shown a different set of words: “thread, needle, shot, nurse, drugs, alcohol, wine, cheese, mouse, cat, dog, bone.” Notice any difference between the two chains of words – or even how you feel?

These two sets of words were part of a groundbreaking Massachusetts General Hospital and …

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Insurance struggles in pediatric headache care

Conditions
September 11, 2023

Most of the time, I enjoy my job as a pediatric nurse practitioner working with chronic headache and pain patients. I enjoy the relationships with the families, figuring out what can help manage the headaches and life issues best to allow optimal functioning. I enjoy performing certain procedures, like Botox for chronic migraines or injection procedures for my patients, which very often improve their headache profile. I can even find …

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Job search sabotage: Avoid common mistakes

Physician
September 11, 2023

People can inadvertently sabotage their job search efforts in several different ways when searching for jobs. This can happen in a variety of ways.

An unfocused job search results from not having a clear vision of what you are looking for or which industries and roles match your skills and interests. The goal and position you are aiming for should be clearly defined. It’s not enough to say, “I want to …

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Challenges of prolonging hospital stays

Physician
September 11, 2023

In a recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine, a rheumatologist at a teaching hospital lamented about “hospital problems,” a phenomenon where patients are not allowed to stay in the hospital when they no longer have a medical necessity for hospital care, even though the physician may want to keep the patient longer to wait for test results or get prepped for a test. He proceeds to …

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Podiatry and direct care [PODCAST]

Podcast
September 10, 2023
YouTube video

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Join Grace Torres-Hodges, a podiatrist with a passion for physician autonomy and patient-centered care. We’ll delve into the significance of clarity in purpose and how the direct care model empowers physicians to prioritize their patients’ well-being. Discover how this approach not only enhances the doctor-patient relationship but …

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A chance encounter in Chicago: lessons in compassionate medicine

Education
September 10, 2023

It was a frigid January night in Chicago. My whole body felt cold as flurries of snow landed on my clothes, prompting me to quickly enter the restaurant to find my friend.

The dinner began to unfold how I had imagined. My friend, a fellow medical student, and I eagerly chatted about our life updates. I shared stories from my days in the hospital, and she described the progress of her …

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REITs: Should they be a part of your portfolio?

Finance
September 10, 2023

Many of us own our practices and the buildings in which we work. Well, this is one way to understand investing in REITs.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are investment vehicles that cover many sectors, including health care and many other industries, such as storage facilities, commercial real estate, and many others. For doctors seeking investments that provide income, REITS may offer one alternative.

Of course, with all investments, discussing this option …

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Doctor convictions: Unmasking the 3 threats you need to know

Physician
September 10, 2023

Why would anyone lie about you? And what makes you prone to conviction? There are three types of people that will absolutely bring your world crashing down on you, and you need to know who they are. But first, we need to understand the formula that prosecutors have developed to target doctors.

Prosecutors go after doctors because they are easy targets. The formula developed by prosecutors has three steps: First, make …

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The complexities of healing and faith

Conditions
September 10, 2023

As a physician, there are moments during the day when you must deliver a disheartening diagnosis to your patient: pancreatic cancer, ALS, leukemia, and unfortunately, the list goes on. The patient must face the harsh realities that are now placed before him/her. Those realities, at times, leave him with a very small window of hope for improvement. Sometimes, solutions cannot be found with the use of a scalpel, chemotherapy, or …

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Perseverance in medical school [PODCAST]

Podcast
September 9, 2023
YouTube video

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Join Marthena Phan, a medical student who shares her story of perseverance, setbacks, and ultimate triumph. From struggling with academics to facing the daunting prospect of starting over, Marthena’s story is a testament to resilience, the power of support, and the importance of embracing challenges.

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A season of emotions: spring, trauma, and healing

Physician
September 9, 2023

Spring is an interesting time of the year for me. April 15 may actually be my favorite day, but certainly not because income taxes are due. My dad was born on April 15, but that’s not the reason either.

Let me set the scene. I lived in a beautiful home in a wooded area outside Philadelphia for ten years. The area is known as the Brandywine Valley. It’s the site of the …

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