I read a lot online, not only blogs but several regional and national newspapers. My favorite items from the past weeks are listed below, and reveal some of my odder interests.
NYT: Deported in Coma, Saved in the U.S.
Illegal immigration is a politically charged subject, and this article in the NYT focuses on the inequities of hospital care for immigrants, both legal and illegal in status. No matter where you stand on the issue of illegal immigration, there is a lot of food for thought in this piece.
A tragic outcome for an anesthesiologist who abused the tools of his trade. Substance abuse is a big problem among physicians, and with diversion programs being cancelled in many states, including my own, I'm left wondering what we're going to do to help professionals in trouble. For more commentary, see the Anesthesioboist's reflections upon this tragedy in her post, Fallen
After an unexpected home birth, a father unpacks his fear, anger and sadness when he considers how the birth presaged the end of his marriage.
I'm committed to alternative energy and sustainable lifestyle practices. I have solar electricity and hot water heating in my home, but I'm quite interested in installing a rainwater collection and irrigation system for my yard. It is great to see the NYT featuring this practice.
I found this article via a link on Movin' Meat's blog. Until reading this piece I'd never heard of Dr. Copass, but he sounds like--dare I say it?--a maverick. He's endured a lot of criticism about his resistance to modernizing the Emergency Medicine residency at his hospital, but there's something in the way he is described that reminds me of Dr. Santell. I'd like to meet Dr. Copass. Doctors like him are a dying breed.
As a hospitalist, I see a lot of older people with hip fractures after a significant fall. I agree with this article's assessment of the need for aggressive rehabilitative efforts for minor falls to prevent recurrence.
Payday loans and check cashing services have always been a pet peeve of mine, because I have always felt they victimized poor people by charging outrageous fees to advance money and provide liquidity to people without checking accounts or credit histories. This long article discusses how check-cashing companies might actually be the basis of innovation in the wake of the financial services crisis.
An interesting case of teratoma related encephalitis.
Hospitalist tips from the med blogs:
- Get ready--Dr. Happy tells of his ten patient night shift. I agree this is an example of why hospitalist programs are worthwhile.
- Shadowfax reminds us all how to code for critical care. A helpful review for both ER and hospitalist physicians alike.
- Scalpel or Sword describes some patients who actually want to be admitted to the hospital all the time.
And other medical news of note:
- Ramona Bates describes skin changes and pannus reduction after major weight loss at Suture for a Living.
- Bongi explains why he's special, and why he's not.
- A Country Doctor Writes describes an interesting case of renal failure presenting with recurrent car wrecks.
- The Rural Blog discusses a study comparing child health in rural versus urban communities.
Good reads, all. Get thee to clicking links!
Why should you consider taking out a payday loan? Because they are fast, convenient, and a lot less than a return check fee or late fee charge.
Posted by: payday loan software | November 17, 2008 at 04:04 PM
It's important to know what services are available and how they can benefit you.
Posted by: Check Cashing Services | November 17, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Great summary and assortment doc. Now. Get back to work
Posted by: The Happy Hospitalist | November 14, 2008 at 10:47 AM