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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Can local health care survive in a world of mega-corporations? [PODCAST]

Podcast
July 7, 2024
YouTube video

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We delve into the evolution of health care with our guest, Brian R. Jackson, a pathologist. Once a local industry where doctors and hospitals were deeply integrated into their communities, health care has …

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President Biden’s debate performance: episode or condition?

Conditions
July 7, 2024

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said that it is valid for people to ask whether Joe Biden’s June 27, 2024 debate performance against Donald Trump, which was weak at best and incoherent at worst, was just “an episode” or part of a “condition.”

“I think it’s a legitimate question to say, is this an episode, or is this a condition,” Pelosi remarked less than a week after the debate.

“It was …

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The ethical dilemma of accessible parking permits

Physician
July 7, 2024

As a pain management physician, I often receive requests to authorize or renew patients’ accessible parking permits. These usually are routine, but not always. One morning, a patient, whom I’ll refer to as Steve, came into my clinic.

Steve was mainly a healthy man in his 40s. He had had chronic pain since an accident on a construction job site several years ago. He had successfully filed for disability, with a …

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Toxic energy: Confronting the carcinogenic risks of fossil fuels

Policy
July 7, 2024

The evidence is clear: Proximity to fossil fuel infrastructure poses a significant cancer risk to millions of Americans. Studies consistently link exposure to pollutants like benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and particulate matter from fossil fuel facilities to elevated rates of lung cancer, leukemia, and other malignancies.

Alarmingly, 17.6 million Americans live in close proximity to active oil and gas wells, transportation pipelines, and processing facilities, …

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Uncovering hidden challenges: Women in medicine [PODCAST]

Podcast
July 6, 2024
YouTube video

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Join Hala Sabry, an emergency physician and the founder of the Physician Moms Group. We will dive deep into the multifaceted challenges faced by women in medicine beyond the often-discussed issues of childcare …

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Can AI truly improve hospital staffing?

Tech
July 6, 2024

By now, you have probably heard of AI and tools like ChatGPT. But you still may be wondering how these tools apply to your clinical practice.

Let me share an experience I recently had that completely changed how I think about AI (artificial intelligence) in health care. 

In one of the MBA classes I am taking at NYU, we write code to help analyze large datasets. …

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The hidden truths in medicine: What doctors may not always disclose

Physician
July 6, 2024

“The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.”
– Voltaire

The medical profession is rooted in trust and transparency, but there are certain realities that doctors may not readily disclose to their patients. Recognizing these truths can empower patients to make more informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Doctors are highly trained and knowledgeable, yet they are not infallible. They may not always identify the exact …

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Photography made me a better doctor [PODCAST]

Podcast
July 5, 2024
YouTube video

Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes!

Join us for an insightful discussion with Moksha Patel, an internal medicine physician, as we explore the fascinating parallels between clinical reasoning and photography. Moksha shares how principles like focus, zoom, and flash …

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Medicare’s 14-day rule is hurting cancer patients

Policy
July 5, 2024

It is no secret that we are making great strides in reducing the mortality of lung cancer. From improving screening rates which have reduced the chances of dying from lung cancer due to earlier detection, increased adoption of minimally invasive surgical techniques, and exciting new drugs that have been shown to improve survival even in metastatic disease, there is reason to be hopeful in what has usually been a devastating …

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Decoding burnout: the complex symptoms and hidden tolls in health care

Physician
July 5, 2024

Deciphering burnout can sometimes feel like interpreting the orders of your favorite attending physician. Though I don’t consider myself “old,” I started my medical career before electronic medical records, when paper charts were the norm and computers were rare. We carried little pocket notebooks filled with essential information because at 2 am, after weeks of little sleep, that crucial detail always seemed to slip our minds.

Back then, we relied on …

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Success reinvention: a guide for health care professionals

Physician
July 5, 2024

Success in the health care industry often demands technical expertise, a resilient mindset, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth. We will delve into key lessons, focusing on how health care professionals can leverage these insights to excel in their demanding careers.

The importance of a strong “why”

Motivation. In health care, the “why” often stems from a deep-seated desire to help others and make a difference. This intrinsic motivation is essential for …

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Abused physicians: Quitting practice only hurts yourself and your patients

Physician
July 5, 2024

Quitting your practice rarely happens when you have a backup support system in place. Have you ever wondered why so many of our physician associates are permanently leaving medical practice intentionally or rapidly jumping into medical practice employment positions without hesitation? The temptations are enormous.

Our business advisors, medical literature, and articles exposure pound us with jobs outside of medical practice on the fringes. But who wants to start a new …

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Traditional academia is not dying. It’s evolving.

Physician
July 4, 2024

“Tradition” comes from the Latin word tradere, meaning to “transmit” or “hand over.” In contrast, the word “academia” is derived from the Latin phrase acadēmīa (Greek: Ἀκαδημία or Akadēmía), which refers to Plato’s “Academy” – a school residing by olive trees where teachers and learners gathered to educate each other and share knowledge through undefined curricula of readings, lectures, debates, and discussions. “Traditional academia,” then, etymologically describes the passing …

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Thriving as a doctor: Why I still love my medical practice amidst burnout fears

Physician
July 4, 2024

I have always felt that I was in the mainstream of medical thought and actions. Recently, however, I have been subjected to a barrage of articles on physician burnout, depression, and even suicide! I am happy to be working in my medical practice. What is wrong with me?

Like everyone, it is difficult to drag myself out of a nice, warm bed each morning. But as I begin to dress for …

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