Physicians Practice
As a practicing gastroenterologist, so deeply affected by the implementation of the Hospitalist system that I wrote a novel satirizing medical care in the 21st century titled "The Hospitalist," I feel compelled to respond to the perspectives offered by Drs. Wachter, Goldman, and Gunderman in the Sept. 15th issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. I respect the statistics showing the advantages of Hospitalists quoted by Wachter and Goldman, but as Mark Twain said — "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics." I think far more important than statistics are the opinions of doctors like myself who have been forced to work in the Hospitalist system and even more importantly, the opinions of the people most affected by this change in healthcare that none of us were told about or asked our opinion about, our patients. Continue to read more ...
Letters from Readers
I always enjoy hearing from those who attend my book discussions. Here’s an excerpt from a recent letter.
FRIDAY THE 13th
Here's a short story 'Friday, The 13th' which I originally wrote when I was in college working a summer job as an orderly in a hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida. Years later, I edited it further and won 1st prize - short story category in a contest at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas - 2011
The Catheter
We recently helped my father celebrate his 90th birthday in good health and surrounded by family and friends. Three years ago I wrote the following poem reflecting on when my father was ill and hospitalized. Savor the time you have with your parents.
THE GRADUATE
Springtime brings to mind new beginnings which includes graduations. When my son Reid graduated high school and started college, I wrote the following poem. Enjoy time with your children and make positive memories.
