Category: Policy

Taking guns away from people in crisis: Does it work?

In his response to mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, President Donald Trump called for an expansion of state laws that temporarily prevent someone in crisis from buying or possessing a gun. A flurry of states have recently passed such…

Taking guns away from people in crisis: Does it work?

In his response to mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, President Donald Trump called for an expansion of state laws that temporarily prevent someone in crisis from buying or possessing a gun. A flurry of states have recently passed such…

A call to arms: We are all part of the health care solution

Sunlight is diminished by threatening clouds infiltrating the once azure blue sky, clouds that are framed in blackness indicating dangerous times ahead.  Nature’s creatures are seeking refuge for they are wise to see the signs of impending danger…

The government’s role in compelling individual actions for public health

I wrote about this topic a few years back, but the recent outbreak of measles has once again ignited the debate of just what the government has the right to do or not do in compelling individual actions in support of public health. This is an old quest…

Physician burnout is as much a legal problem as it is a medical one

A career as a physician has traditionally been considered to be among the best vocations that talented students can pursue. That may no longer be the case. All too many doctors report that they are unhappy, frustrated, and even prepared to leave the pr…

Physician burnout is as much a legal problem as it is a medical one

A career as a physician has traditionally been considered to be among the best vocations that talented students can pursue. That may no longer be the case. All too many doctors report that they are unhappy, frustrated, and even prepared to leave the pr…

Has your doctor asked you about climate change?

When Michael Howard arrived for a checkup with his lung specialist, he was worried about how his body would cope with the heat and humidity of a Boston summer. “I lived in Florida for 14 years, and I moved back because the humidity was just too much,” …

Physicians are not commodities to be cut. Physicians are not waste.

Another emergency physician asked me what I think will happen if the “surprise bill reform” with a benchmark fix happens.  I told her privately, but I am sharing, so everyone can understand why I am working so furiously on a seemingly boring and crass …

Primary Care First: CMS develops a value-based primary care program for independent practices

The monumental shift in health care from fee-for-service or a volume-based approach to value-based care will change health care delivery for the better in the United States.  When physicians do what is necessary and avoid over-testing and procedures of…

Scope of practice expansion: Patient safety is sacrificed for greater access

When a patient seeks the care of a professional, they expect that person to be well trained, experienced, and constantly continuing their education. As an ophthalmologist, I completed a 4-year undergraduate program at Virginia Commonwealth University, …