When it comes to medical malpractice lawsuits, forewarned is forearmed

Physician
January 30, 2025

Medical malpractice is a subject about which I am passionate. I am an obstetrician-gynecologist; I have been sued five times (one case ends in a mistrial, two in settlements of convenience, and two are dismissed with prejudice); I paid over $1 million in medical malpractice premiums over a career, and I abandoned my specialty because of threats of medical malpractice. These are reasons enough to be passionate.

There are 85,000 medical …

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Why creativity in medicine can inspire the next generation of doctors

Physician
January 30, 2025

It was like being struck by lightning during the chorus, the recognition that Paul Simon was singing directly to me. “Medicine is magical, and magical is art,” he sang, and I turned up the radio, convinced that I was supposed to hear these lyrics—a tender moment in which I was vulnerable to possibility. The hair on my neck stood up and warmth washed over me, the telltale signs that this …

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Pain management for IUD procedures is not a one size fits all: A patient-centered conversation about women’s pain doesn’t have to be painful

Conditions
January 30, 2025

On August 8, 2024, the CDC updated its selected practice recommendations for contraception for the first time since 2016. This revision emphasized the importance of discussing pain management options with patients undergoing intrauterine device (IUD) placement. Although the steps involved in IUD insertion are widely recognized as painful, this update marked the first time the CDC recommended tailoring pain management strategies based on open conversations with patients.

Despite the well-known discomfort …

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Telepsychiatry’s role in a post-pandemic world: challenges and triumphs [PODCAST]

Podcast
January 29, 2025
YouTube video

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Muhamad Aly Rifai shares his journey as an early advocate for telepsychiatry, highlighting its role in addressing the U.S. mental health crisis and providing access to care in underserved areas. He delves into …

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Here’s what the NFL could learn from ancient Rome and the gladiators

Physician
January 29, 2025

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 …

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The criminal enforcement of HIPAA

Physician
January 29, 2025

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 …

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The weight of the white coat: imposter syndrome among medical students

Education
January 29, 2025

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 …

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As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces confirmation, a look at his vaccine stance

Physician
January 29, 2025

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 …

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Why doctors must fight health misinformation on social media

Social media
January 29, 2025

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 …

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How artificial intelligence is transforming medicine [PODCAST]

Podcast
January 28, 2025
YouTube video

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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 …

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The emotional toll of a broken health care system

Physician
January 28, 2025

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 …

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Small language models and edge technology: Transforming health care delivery

Tech
January 28, 2025

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 …

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Medspa madness: How illegal practices are putting patients in peril

Physician
January 28, 2025

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 …

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The silent cry: somatic symptom presentations of Chinese heritage patients

Conditions
January 28, 2025

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 …

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When “do no harm” falls short: a pediatrician’s plea for long COVID care [PODCAST]

Podcast
January 27, 2025
YouTube video

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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 …

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How motivational interviewing transforms patient care and outcomes

Physician
January 27, 2025

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

Physician
January 27, 2025

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, …

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My totally wrong expert predictions for health care in 2025

Policy
January 27, 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 …

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From the waiting room to billing: How small changes improve patient care [PODCAST]

Podcast
January 26, 2025
YouTube video

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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

Conditions
January 26, 2025

“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 …

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