I was glad to hear my former chief technician’s son, a recent college graduate, had received multiple job offers. Some would argue that with low unemployment and a strong economy, his odds were good for finding a job. That observation, based upon macroeconomics, ignores the character of the job seeker. While one position was an [...]
Paul Pender, MD published on KevinMD.com May 3, 2019 During a recent walk at Crystal Cove, a splendid California State Park with miles of pristine coastline, I encountered two young women sitting on a bench with a magnificent view of the ocean. Yet their only view of interest was their cell phone screens. One of [...]
Writing and speaking about the changes in health care that have occurred in the last few decades have spawned a cottage industry online. On the social media website for physicians founded by Kevin Pho MD, we learn about what issues concern doctors and patients. The exchanges posted seem to foster a sense of group therapy—and [...]
So much of what I read from the futurists is the stuff of science fiction without the humanity. We now have cellphones with facial recognition for identification (and to create effective and personal emoji’s). Artificial intelligence is being developed to gauge the emotional state associated with facial expressions, something physicians have developed over years of [...]
It’s NOT about where you studied; it’s about what you do with it. Or is it? See the article in the WSJ from November 27, 2018 by Allan Ripp, “Take It From an Almost-Harvard Man.” Prestigious brands and labels can open doors, but it’s really about what you do after you cross the threshold. As [...]
An Emergency Physician, LS, came to me for an eye problem. After diagnosing and treating him, we talked about his current assignments. He covers hospital emergency rooms in two towns and the urgent care centers affiliated with the parent hospital. Lately, he has had to tell patients in an urgent care setting that a study, [...]
By Paul Pender MD Published on Linked-In June 22, 2018 Atul Gawande MD, a practicing surgeon and best-selling author, has been named CEO of the yet-to-be-formed health care plan envisioned by leaders of three of the most prominent companies in America: Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and JP Morgan Chase & Co. Jeff Bezos, Warren Buffett and Jamie [...]
By Paul Pender MD Published on Linked-In June 8, 2018 The President recently signed into law measures to extend the Veterans Choice program for health care, the VA Mission Act. The bill received bipartisan support but questions remain over funding. Supporters of the law claim that safeguards are built into the legislation so that veterans will [...]
By Paul Pender MD Published on Linked-In May 23, 2018 The US House recently passed a measure that cleared the Senate allowing patients access to potentially promising drugs to treat life-threatening conditions. Yet the American Cancer Society Action Network opposes the bill. Why would there be resistance to offering patients the chance to use investigational drugs for [...]
By Paul Pender MD Published on Linked-In May 15, 2018 See the speech given by HHS Secretary Azar to the World Health Conference in Washington, DC recently. https://www.healthcare-informatics.com/article/value-based-care/world-health-care-congress-hhs-secretary-alex-azar-maps-out-his-agency-s. As the American Academy of Ophthalmology puts it, the Feds are doubling down on value-based payment. Paying for outcomes, not just for sickness and procedures. Really? The focus on price transparency [...]