Blogs
10 Things To Do in 2019
Resolutions are about the new and better you. Yet most people discard resolutions, largely because they are satisfied with the status quo or are afraid of change. Here's are some suggestions for being the best version of yourself in 2019.
Best of 2018: Rheumatology Dead Word Cemetery 2019
I recently heard of a secondary school assignment wherein students were challenged to “bury” a word that was no longer useful or appropriate. Their exercise has now evolved into an unofficial RheumNow task force to retire diagnostic terms that have grown into misuse in rheumatology and medicine. How did we decide which words should perish? And by what criteria? Who has the final say?
Best of 2018: The Millennial Doctor- Mighty or Mediocre?
A 3rd year medical student started his rotation with me this past week and the rotation was a challenge for us both.
Best of 2018: Dealing with Drug Reps - Dead or Alive
Several years ago, long before promotional lectures, I traveled for a series of lectures. I flew north for 4 days and 4 lectures, 2 at major university programs and 2 dinner lectures to local rheumatologists.
The first lecture went well but the weather turned bad, with a snow storm in the overnight forecast. Hence my host, a local drug rep, suggested we drive at night to beat the snow and get to the next city for the 10 am University lecture the following morning.
The one-hour drive felt like a week in Cleveland.
Best of 2018: The Delayed Diagnosis of Spondyloarthritis
You see them from the corner of your eye, standing with a kyphosis in the waiting room. They are filling out their paperwork, standing up because sitting is just not pleasant. You are the rheumatologist with an interest in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and spondyloarthritis, so more likely than not, the patient with the bent spine is going to be your next new patient. In the back of your mind you are hoping that they are not so far along so that the therapy you may prescribe can make a difference in their life.
Advice for Young Rheumatologists
You may not want my advice, but I’m going to give it to you anyway.
Pain: Objectifying a Subjective Symptom
My typically pleasant 76 year old male was livid when I walked into the exam room. He was pacing back and forth with furrowed eyebrows. I gingerly inquired what was bothering him the most.
Rheumatology Dead Word Cemetery 2019
I recently heard of a secondary school assignment wherein students were challenged to “bury” a word that was no longer useful or appropriate. Their exercise has now evolved into an unofficial RheumNow task force to retire diagnostic terms that have grown into misuse in rheumatology and medicine. How did we decide which words should perish? And by what criteria? Who has the final say?
The "No Show" Problem
As the healthcare landscape continues to change, “no show” rates will be an important factor for clinical practice. Implementing even one or two of the following proposed changes may help improve your no show rates.