In the US, a bill is before Congress proposing to send trained clinicians into doctors' surgeries to provide independent data about the relative benefits, risks, and costs of drugs, following research that suggests that such "academic detailing" reduces potential prescribing bias from the influence of drug company reps.  read more »

As reported today in the Rochester Post-Bulletin, The Campaign for Mayo Clinic, Mayo's first comprehensive fundraising campaign, has reached an important milestone. The five-year campaign, which began in 2005, has raised $1 billion of its $1.25 billion goal.  read more »

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Sightline Daily | Northwest News That Matters

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1. As Spotted Owl's Numbers Fall, Some Fear It's Doomed - Seattle Times 08/13/2008  read more »

According to local radio and TV news reports, Cindy McCain paid a visit to a Detroit-area hospital for treatment when she was "injured" by someone who shook her hand too vigorously. The doctors diagnosed her pain as aggravation of carpal tunnel syndrome, and she continued her campaigning with her arm in a sling.

I'm glad Cindy was able to get medical attention when she needed it. But of course she would: she can afford it.   read more »

Critics are skeptical?  read more »

Well, it should come as no surprise that physicians and surgeons "act out" on occasion.  The fact is that most of the time, the acting out is in response to inept, poorly trained, rude and lazy medical staff. In most cases, physicians are responding based on their concern for their patients.  There is also an element of overwork, needless oversight, excess paperwork etc., etc., which play a role. To be sure, there are physicians and surgeons who are well known for their "behavior".  read more »

My grandfather (dad's dad) has lived in Germany for basically my whole life, even though he's American - he was stationed in Germany when he met his second (and current) wife and ended up staying in Germany with her. That's cool - it's how it's always been. I've met my grandpa about 2-3 times, only one of which I remember, when I got to actually fly to Germany to see him and his wife back in 2005, and to see Germany - it was very, very cool. I took pictures. And when I left I was very sad, his health not being what it used to be, I worried I might never see him again.  read more »

A common problem I have seen again and again in the medical world is people being denied access to their medical record. My beloved is currently experiencing this problem over at Beth Israel Hospital, who are holding a copy of her ultrasound, which she needs in order to seek a consultation with another surgeon, who is affiliated with a different hospital.  read more »

Lord have mercy!  Can you believe it?  Some states are not allowing hospitals to be paid for costly medical errors like cutting out the wrong body part or operating on the wrong limb.

I just have to ask "Why in the world would they EVER have allowed payment for malpractice in the first place?  Is it any wonder modern Medicine is having such problems these days.  Here's the link to the story.  I just can't believe it.  read more »

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