He was a young man, struck head-on by a drunk driver. He arrived conscious and breathing, always good signs in major trauma, but the rapid progression of a complete white-out on his chest x-ray in the ER spoke to a bad prognosis. I knew he would die. My next patient was a small obviously well…
Read more
The Unintended Consequences of Today’s Health Delivery Model
Efforts in the name of efficiency and cost reduction have unintended consequences. When I was in practice, I admitted, or at least followed, all my patients in the hospital. There were no issues of aftercare, because I discharged them with appointments to see me within a day or two (rarely more). I knew what medications…
Read more
Health Information Exchange-a 21st Century Upgrade Opinion
Not long ago, I injured my knee and discovered something else in the process: a severe sprain in the medical information system. Here’s the story: The emergency room took X-rays and an MRI and referred me to an orthopedist. He reviewed the tests and sent me to a specialist. But my specialist—an expert in his field—suddenly…
Read more
6 Ways Physicians Can Avoid ‘Buyer’s Remorse’ When Switching Jobs
As studies show, it’s a physician’s market. When you are in demand, and there are more jobs than there are physicians, the competition for you is going to be vicious. Whether you are completing a residency and getting ready to become an attending, or have been around for a while and looking for a change,…
Read more