On September 30, a week from today as I write this, the US government will release the long-anticipated Sunshine Act Open Payments data to the general public. Or at least some of it, maybe two thirds. It’s not clear. What is clear is that Open Payments has gotten off to a rocky start, reminiscent of… Continue reading The Approaching Sunshine Apocalypse
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AutoLayout Headaches
The new larger iPhones and iOS 8 are here. Xcode 6, upgraded to deal with these new beasts, is also ready for download. Anyone who has written apps designed for the iPhone has to make sure their apps run on these new devices and the new iOS. Previous iPhones had two different heights (3.5 and… Continue reading AutoLayout Headaches
Don’t Turn Your Back on Your Patient
One of the most important “tricks of the trade” that I learned in Medical School was what some might have considered a little “throw-away” bit of advice. During my psychiatry clinical rotation the preceptor advised that, when applying the stethoscope to the patient’s back, one should rest the other hand gently on his or her… Continue reading Don’t Turn Your Back on Your Patient
What Motivates Doctors?
As a recently retired physician, I still maintain an interest in medical research, though I have to ask myself: Why? Surely not just from the point of view of a potential future patient. But not from the point of view of a practicing physician either. Perhaps I keep up just from a lifetime of habit?… Continue reading What Motivates Doctors?
Doctors Concerned About Possible Brain Injury From the Ice Bucket Challenge
Well, not really. But it does seem ironic to me that the ALS Foundation has embraced what is essentially a blow to the head with ice cubes and water as a fund-raising activity, in order to treat a disease which may in part be related to head trauma. A large number of football players have… Continue reading Doctors Concerned About Possible Brain Injury From the Ice Bucket Challenge
A New Treatment for Chronic Health Syndrome
The XYZ Drug Company Internal Memo August 29, 2014 CONFIDENTIAL For internal use only AntiRobustium™ Marketing Strategy Introduction With the anticipated FDA approval of AntiRobustium™ (arsenic trioxide), the first and so far only treatment for CHS (Chronic Health Syndrome) will soon be available to the general public (prescription only). As with the introduction of drugs for other… Continue reading A New Treatment for Chronic Health Syndrome
Using Social Media in Moderation
I’ve been backing off from social media recently. For someone who writes a blog as well as publishing medical apps this may appear to be a risky tactic. In truth this retreat has not been completely voluntary. Something known as “real life” has been seeking my attention and gotten in the way of my online life… Continue reading Using Social Media in Moderation
Is a Mobile Electronic Health Record Possible?
It’s been a while since my last rant about Electronic Health Records (EHRs), so let’s remedy that right now. EHRs in their current iteration are — how to put this delicately? — an unmitigated disaster. Nevertheless, much of the criticism of EHRs, including mine, has been in the destructive category. What about some constructive criticism?… Continue reading Is a Mobile Electronic Health Record Possible?
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ambulance Ride
(Another American health care fable) The ambulance siren wailed loudly and the madly rushing vehicle careered through the narrow streets. Time was of the essence, as is always the case when a life is in danger. The occupant, the center of attention of the concerned paramedics, grasped the side-bars of the stretcher. The violent gyrations… Continue reading Mr. Toad’s Wild Ambulance Ride
Lanark — A Life in Four Books
Sometimes a statement that is ridiculed still bears a kernel of truth. The Internet really is a “series of tubes” — tubes that I tend to journey through frequently without a clear destination, much like the “mystery tours” my wife and I will sometimes take in our car. Sure, these wild expeditions may be considered… Continue reading Lanark — A Life in Four Books