May physician targeted performance payment finally receive its death toll

We have made this point repeatedly for over 10 years.  Yet, politicians and regulators seem enamored with “measuring quality”.

Thanksgiving Challenge 2017

For many years I set a Thanksgiving Challenge to myself.  The goal was to lose weight between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.

When to give bicarbonate for metabolic acidosis – increased versus normal gap acidosis

Last week I posted a list of topics that we discussed during a 5 day period of rounding.  I was asked to share my teaching points.

Being a physician – lessons learned from Harry Bosch

The great clinicians that I know and have known always honor their patients.  Our job should be simple, do what is best for the patient.

Being a physician – lessons learned from Harry Bosch

Michael Connelly is my favorite current crime novelist.  He has created a character who is flawed, but always honors the victims.

The major medical issues of 2017

There are certainly many major issues that I have not recalled or forgotten.  Please let me know what we should add to this list.

Rekindling the Joy of Medicine – thoughts after Dr. Kelley Skeff’s Grand Rounds

I believe my colleagues at UAB in general internal medicine will do our best to help Kelley succeed in that mission.

Patients need more time with their physicians; Physicians need more time with their patients

We waste resources trying to cram too many patients into the physicians day.  We cannot say this often enough.

Antibiotic duration – a Goldilocks problem

Both sides have salient points in this debate, but we cannot judge the debate until we get better duration studies.

FeverPAIN vs the Centor Score

On twitter this week, several British tweeters discussed whether they should use the FeverPAIN score or the Centor score.