Andrew Spector is a neurologist.

The unexpected truth about restless legs syndrome treatments

Conditions
November 7, 2024

For decades, patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS) have been prescribed medications that, unbeknownst to them, were making their symptoms worse. Many doctors who have been prescribing these drugs are unaware that these treatments—primarily ropinirole and pramipexole—are exacerbating the condition. Thankfully, this is about to change.

In September, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) released new clinical practice guidelines that recommend against these drugs (marketed as Requip and Mirapex, respectively) …

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The unexpected truth about restless legs syndrome treatments

Fairness in medical publishing: Reforming the peer review process

Physician
November 8, 2020

In the middle of a busy week of balancing clinical, research, educational, administrative, and parental responsibilities, I receive an email request from a prominent journal to review a manuscript. If I agree, I will spend a couple of hours reading the manuscript, offering comments, and registering my opinion. Several weeks later, I’ll probably be asked to review an edited version all over again. And in exchange for this effort? Nothing. …

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Fairness in medical publishing: Reforming the peer review process

Racially equitable decisions in the era of COVID-19

Conditions
March 31, 2020

Several weeks ago, Americans physicians started receiving reports that our Italian colleagues were being forced to decide which of their patients would receive life-sustaining therapy for COVID-19. Across the United States, American physicians are on the brink of similar devastating choices, if they’re not there already. Some states have started preparing by creating guidelines to help physicians make …

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Racially equitable decisions in the era of COVID-19

What medicine can learn from Wells Fargo

Physician
September 20, 2016

In 1996, Jerry Maguire was fired for advocating a reduction in his sports management firm’s client base thereby risking the firm’s profits.  While writing his infamous memo (or as he would tell you, his mission statement), he recalled his mentor’s advice: “The key to this business is personal relationships.”

Tom Cruise’s voiceover continues: “Suddenly, it was all pretty clear. The answer was fewer clients. Less money. More attention. Caring for them, …

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What medicine can learn from Wells Fargo