Articles related to PRACTICE PEARLS

The Journal of Clinical Oncology has a heartfelt account of one family’s struggle to access medical records after the death of a child from a brain tumor. Closing down online access to medical records is a common practice at hospitals and healthcare clinics following the death of a patient, often to the pain of family members who still have questions and seek answers.

You want speedy access to comprehensive records. Clinical decision-making tools. Optimized communication and data exchange. EHRs should be as unique as you, so whether you’re looking to replace or implement your first, this list can get you started.

Although the 2020 numbers will likely look MUCH different, the Merritt Hawkins survey from 2019 showed increased gains from previous years. Of the 62 responses representing 93 hospitals, cardiovascular surgery drove the most revenue. Still, the outlook remains bleak post-pandemic.

How could complete silence possibly be considered music (John Cage’s 4’33”), or a blank canvas a masterpiece of art (Robert Rauschenberg’s White Painting)? This oncology medical student explains how after truly listening to a dying patient’s wishes, the student’s silence provided the canvas for the patient’s thoughts, becoming an advocate for his needs: “Silence is not merely the absence of sound but rather an invitation for others to be heard.”

Poker is a game of chance and strategy that demands many skills, whether it’s reading a situation, making the appropriate bet, dealing with difficult decisions, or dealing with uncertainty. All of these situations mirror the daily decisions doctors are required to make, and whether you’re a novice at the table or a regular player, here are seven circumstances in the game of poker that can be teaching moments for the physician.

In this article/podcast from KevinMD.com, Dr. Kristin Yates, an OB/GYN, describes her work as a doctor, which “brings me fulfillment and joy. It makes me a better doctor.” Dr. Yates also explains: “The fact of the matter is, I am not a doctor. I am a human being. Doctoring is what I do, not who I am. This distinction is very important to me because it is what has made medicine sustainable and fulfilling.”