Here’s what the NFL could learn from ancient Rome and the gladiators
It seems unlikely that Paramount Studios released Gladiator Part 2 immediately after the presidential election to diffuse political rancor. They didn’t intend to provide a cathartic release for the nation’s pent-up frustrations. The goal wasn’t to help remove the hissing American tea kettle from such a divisive political flame.
Hollywood made the film to entertain us and make some money in the process. The studio probably released it during the holiday …
The criminal enforcement of HIPAA
Congress passed the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in 1996. This federal regulation was aimed at maintaining the privacy of medical records while ensuring the smooth flow of medical information pertinent to patient care. Penalties assessed for violations of the HIPAA Act mostly involve financial penalties (between $25,000 per violation up to $100,000 per violation). Congress also included criminal penalties for violations of HIPAA rules enacted under 42 …
The weight of the white coat: imposter syndrome among medical students
For students, medical school is more than just an educational opportunity: it’s a major stage of life that can evoke profound self-reflection. Between classes, clinical experiences, and interactions with classmates, one of these reflections may be the following: Do I really have what it takes to be here?
This is known as imposter syndrome, a phenomenon whereby a person’s perception of their merits or skills doesn’t match their actual accomplishments, leading …
As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces confirmation, a look at his vaccine stance
The nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services raises concerns about the potential impact on public health policy. As hearings on his candidacy take place, it is important for senators to consider how his views and public statements have influenced physicians, children, and the broader health care system.
Kennedy has been a prominent figure in the discussion around vaccines, often promoting claims that contradict established …
Why doctors must fight health misinformation on social media
A tweet on “X” (formerly known as “Twitter”), dated Jan. 2, 2024, and attributed to Elon Musk stated:
“… heavy use of C-sections allows for a larger brain, as brain size has historically been limited by birth canal diameter.”
For some reason, this statement was recently circulating on social media, even though it is a year old. I first came across the statement in a Facebook group for physicians, where a colleague …
How artificial intelligence is transforming medicine [PODCAST]
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Janet A. Jokela discusses the profound impact of artificial intelligence in health care, exploring how AI is reshaping clinical decision-making, reducing physician burnout, and strengthening the patient-physician bond. She highlights the potential of …
The emotional toll of a broken health care system
As a physician and health care leader, I initially declined to comment on the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. I felt that speculating about the shooter’s intent would only sensationalize a terrible act.
Regardless of the circumstances, vigilante violence has no place in a free and just society.
But now, more than a month later, I feel compelled to address one aspect of the story that has been widely misunderstood: the …
Small language models and edge technology: Transforming health care delivery
Artificial intelligence (AI) advances are ushering in a new era of health care innovation, and small language models (SLMs) deployed on edge devices are leading the charge. Unlike large-scale AI systems, SLMs are lightweight, efficient, and capable of operating on localized devices such as smartphones, wearables, and IoT sensors. By combining the power of edge computing with the adaptability of SLMs, health care professionals can benefit from real-time, cost-effective solutions …
Medspa madness: How illegal practices are putting patients in peril
An excerpt from Med Spa Mayhem: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly Secrets of the Aesthetics Industry.
Over the last 20 years, the medical aesthetics industry has grown from infancy to a $20 billion industry. Botox was approved for cosmetic use in 2003, giving birth to a new Wild West of medicine. It may have started in the offices of plastic surgeons and dermatologists, but now there are med …
The silent cry: somatic symptom presentations of Chinese heritage patients
Returning home from medical school for the holidays, I had an all-too-familiar experience for medical trainees, but with a cultural twist. My Chinese American family bombarded me with medical questions. “I wake up at 4 a.m. every day, 不舒服 (bù shū fu; body feels uncomfortable), feels like 心跳 (xīn tiào; heart palpitations).” “I get woken up at 3 a.m. every day, 胃痛 (Wèitòng; stomach pains), but I …
When “do no harm” falls short: a pediatrician’s plea for long COVID care [PODCAST]
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Navigating the uncharted waters of long COVID in children, Elham Raker shares a deeply personal journey of advocating for her daughter’s health while questioning the medical system’s approach to chronic illness. This episode …
How motivational interviewing transforms patient care and outcomes
Dr. Steven Pearce, Dr. Bruce Berger, and I had an inspiring discussion about motivational interviewing. Bruce offered specific and practical suggestions for clinicians to help patients explore their motivation for treatment adherence. Steven responded, “I’m thrilled. I’m sitting here saying I can’t wait for him to give me more examples because I’m going to go use them in about an hour!”
Dr. Steven Pearce is a practicing gastroenterologist and creator of …
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The lie destroying medical careers: How lack of business education is ruining physicians
Most physicians subconsciously know there are many significant and persistent challenges to their ability to reach their ultimate medical practice potential. Coupled with the intense pressure all physicians are increasingly being forced to tolerate over decades of independent medical practice, they gradually become indentured servants of the medical-industrial complex.
The three sources of administrative manipulation of medical careers stem from the overriding desire for government control, not just of health care, …
My totally wrong expert predictions for health care in 2025
January
In a blistering commentary, the American Medical Association’s flagship journal, JAMA, condemns the corrosive effect on patient care of the profit-seeking practices of health insurers. Separately, the organization announces that it’s selling the 13 journals in its JAMA Network to a private equity firm for $375 million “in order to enhance our mission of promoting the betterment of public health.”
February
Quickly following up on a campaign pledge to slash the federal …
From the waiting room to billing: How small changes improve patient care [PODCAST]
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Denise Reich shares powerful insights as a patient advocate, highlighting the importance of front desk staff, accessibility, accurate billing practices, and the impact of small changes on patient care. This episode dives into …
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4 hacks to improve patient experience in your practice
“The doctor was wonderful, but her staff …” “The receptionist was so rude. I won’t be back.” “They never sent the referral even though I called several times.” Ever seen reviews like these?
No matter how good a doctor you might be, you’re not the one making the first impression at your practice. Your office staff and their practices set the tone of the visit. Their conduct can make or break …
How a quiet Sunday in the ER turned into a powerful lesson in female resilience
It was a Sunday, and the day was bright and sunny. I was the only doctor on duty in the emergency room that day. On Sundays, our hospital typically has only a few staff members present, as most are off for the holiday except for those who are on call.
Interestingly, there were only two patients in the ward that day. All the other patients had been discharged. For the first …
Medical malpractice lawsuits: the hidden cost of social bias
I write these words after a full week of jury deliberation in the Daniel Penny trial. I now realize that what I have been describing about medical malpractice litigation is a signal of a much more serious problem infecting the social order of the entire country. It goes far beyond 85,000 medical malpractice lawsuits filed per year and even the inability, or the unwillingness, of finders-of-fact to discriminate between a …
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What early retirement taught me about burnout and purpose [PODCAST]
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Susan Landers shares her heartfelt journey as a neonatologist navigating the challenges of burnout, the rewards of practicing medicine, and the complex emotions surrounding early retirement. From her intimate experiences in the NICU …
Past Week
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How smartphones are stealing your focus—and what you can do about it
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Staying stone free with AI: How smart tech is revolutionizing kidney stone prevention
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The heartbreaking pandemic story I will never forget
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How Earth Day can inspire better health for doctors and patients
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Why female physicians are done asking for permission
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Spreading hope one card at a time for doctors’ well-being [PODCAST]
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Past 6 Months
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How trade wars could destroy the U.S. health care system
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How hospitals are quietly taking control of physicians
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The silent crisis hurting pain patients and their doctors
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How the system hunts physicians who refuse to kneel
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Doctors don’t need yoga, they need time to smoke
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What happened to real care in health care?
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Recent Posts
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Staying stone free with AI: How smart tech is revolutionizing kidney stone prevention
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Overcoming the curse of knowledge: Why doctors need to translate medicine [PODCAST]
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Signing bonuses and taxes: What physicians should know
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Learning to trust your body again: Healing the hidden wounds of medical training
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Love, empathy, and the triangle of exhaustion: Why humanity must come first
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How smartphones are stealing your focus—and what you can do about it
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Past Week
-
How smartphones are stealing your focus—and what you can do about it
-
Staying stone free with AI: How smart tech is revolutionizing kidney stone prevention
-
The heartbreaking pandemic story I will never forget
-
How Earth Day can inspire better health for doctors and patients
-
Why female physicians are done asking for permission
-
Spreading hope one card at a time for doctors’ well-being [PODCAST]
-
Past 6 Months
-
How trade wars could destroy the U.S. health care system
-
How hospitals are quietly taking control of physicians
-
The silent crisis hurting pain patients and their doctors
-
How the system hunts physicians who refuse to kneel
-
Doctors don’t need yoga, they need time to smoke
-
What happened to real care in health care?
-
Recent Posts
-
Staying stone free with AI: How smart tech is revolutionizing kidney stone prevention
-
Overcoming the curse of knowledge: Why doctors need to translate medicine [PODCAST]
-
Signing bonuses and taxes: What physicians should know
-
Learning to trust your body again: Healing the hidden wounds of medical training
-
Love, empathy, and the triangle of exhaustion: Why humanity must come first
-
How smartphones are stealing your focus—and what you can do about it
-
