This brief essay from the British Medical Journal is worth thinking about. Here’s the quote about overutilization that pulled me in: There is a hidden curriculum in medicine that encourages trainees to do extensive workups to demonstrate their knowledge and curiosity. As a resident I rotated through one consult service where I was encouraged to strive for 10 ... Continue Reading about Overutilization and Clinical Exhibitionism
Medical Virtualist – A Specialty with a Tenuous Future
A JAMA article this week proposes the a new specialty, the medical virtualist. But the suggestion that the virtual connection of doctors and patients will be restricted enough to be a medical specialty is shortsighted. The medium does not define the doctor Because the medium doesn’t define the doctor. In fact, it should be the other way around. Communication ... Continue Reading about Medical Virtualist – A Specialty with a Tenuous Future
We Heard You Were the Best Doctor
I get this sometimes from patients on their first visit: We came to you because you’re the best. But every doctor gets this from time to time. Some doctors believe they truly are the best doctor. But let’s get something straight. I consider myself a solid clinician with good skills and work habits. I also work directly with some 40 pediatric gastroenterologists ... Continue Reading about We Heard You Were the Best Doctor
Kidney Boy and the Slow Shift of Medicine
If you missed it, Dr. Joel Topf (aka kidney boy) was recently awarded the coveted Robert Narins award for education from the American Society of Nephrology. You can read about him here. But what you’ll see beyond some traditional stuff is someone who has leveraged social tools in the most creative way to facilitate engagement and education among nephrologists. He’s a ... Continue Reading about Kidney Boy and the Slow Shift of Medicine
Doctors, Scientists and My Identity
I recently overheard a practicing physician on Twitter characterize herself as a scientist. It was in the context of countering an alternate health claim. I think she was suggesting that her training allowed her to understand evidence. While understanding science is important for physicians, I would never insult my scientist colleagues by referring to myself a ... Continue Reading about Doctors, Scientists and My Identity
Technology and Our Lack of Direction
The conversation with my Uber driver leaving the airport in Chicago en route to the American Academy of Pediatrics annual meeting Me: “So I'm headed to the Marriott Marquis in Chicago. That's the new one by the convention center. You have that, right?” Uber driver: “Actually I don't pay attention to where riders are going. I just follow this (points to phone). ... Continue Reading about Technology and Our Lack of Direction