What's new in Medicine
Ahem! Time to get back to basics. We are through with the election and President-elect Obama has his hands full. The CEO of the auto industry testified today that the industry's problems are caused by the world economy. He ignored the fact that I and people like me have not bought an American made car for 30 years because it is our impression that they are inferior. The CEO of Citigroup says there is nothing wrong with their business plan and to prove it they will all get giant bonuses provided by Paulson's bailout program. Paulson sees nothing contradictory that he has totally ignored the provisions of the law regarding TARP that provided for relieving the mortgage crisis directly. Did anyone else hear him say that without passing TARP the economy would collapse. Is this the alter ego Paulson who voted against TARP?
Time to get back to basics. What is new in cosmetic surgery? What is new in medicine? There is an advanced degree in some states for nurses that allows them to have the title "Doctor". They can wear white coats, hang a stethoscope around their neck, and call themselves "Doctor". And they can practice independently of a physician. They were surprised when it was argued that some patients might think they had an MD or DO degree with a medical license to practice medicine as a physician. What an accusation! They never wanted to confuse anyone!
A patient came in several weeks ago and saw Dr. Rachel for a "tumor" in her ear. She had had multiple scans and had spent $5000.00 out of her own pocket. She was not pleased when Dr. Rachel removed the "tumor" from her ear canal and it was a ball of wax. Her two "doctors" turned out to be physician assistants. An assistant connotes someone who assists. Foolish me. That was in 1970.
You might get an idea I am angry with medicine. Actually I have the best job in the world and interacting with patients is the most fun anyone could have. Going to work is great. I am irritated by bureaucrats and by dishonest people whether professionals or patients who abuse the system. As we used to say in the 60's "if these people would spend half as much energy doing good as they do scheming to do evil, they would accomplish great things". I promise to tell you about new lasers next time.
Edward Lack MD www.metropolitanmds.com
Time to get back to basics. What is new in cosmetic surgery? What is new in medicine? There is an advanced degree in some states for nurses that allows them to have the title "Doctor". They can wear white coats, hang a stethoscope around their neck, and call themselves "Doctor". And they can practice independently of a physician. They were surprised when it was argued that some patients might think they had an MD or DO degree with a medical license to practice medicine as a physician. What an accusation! They never wanted to confuse anyone!
A patient came in several weeks ago and saw Dr. Rachel for a "tumor" in her ear. She had had multiple scans and had spent $5000.00 out of her own pocket. She was not pleased when Dr. Rachel removed the "tumor" from her ear canal and it was a ball of wax. Her two "doctors" turned out to be physician assistants. An assistant connotes someone who assists. Foolish me. That was in 1970.
You might get an idea I am angry with medicine. Actually I have the best job in the world and interacting with patients is the most fun anyone could have. Going to work is great. I am irritated by bureaucrats and by dishonest people whether professionals or patients who abuse the system. As we used to say in the 60's "if these people would spend half as much energy doing good as they do scheming to do evil, they would accomplish great things". I promise to tell you about new lasers next time.
Edward Lack MD www.metropolitanmds.com
Labels: health care crisis, medical practice
posted by Edward Lack MD at 8:52 PM
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