I’ve worn a lot of hats and been involved in a wide range public health and health care issues throughout my career. Front-line work as an emergency physician in public hospital ERs in Seattle, Memphis and Atlanta and service as medical director of a fire department based EMS
How George Washington Defeated Smallpox And Won America’s Independence
In 1776, 90% of deaths in the Continental Army were due to disease. To win, George Washington not only had to defeat the British Army; he had to defeat smallpox.
Supreme Court Abortion Decision Leaves Patients And Doctors In Limbo
In states with near-total bans on abortion, ER doctors and consulting specialists who treat women with severe complications of pregnancy remain caught between what their training and professional ethics directs them to do, and fear that taking medically appropriate action will expose them to criminal prosecution.
Heat Kills. Here’s How To Prevent Weather Emergencies And Deaths
The best way to deal with extreme heat is to prevent its worst consequences. Individual actions matter, but so do choices made by communities, states and our nation.
We Can Save More Victims Of Cardiac Arrest. 3 Ways To Improve Odds Of Survival
When a spouse, another family member or a passerby witnesses a cardiac arrest and takes prompt action, they can dramatically improve a victim's odds of recovery.
A Hidden Hero
Little known to the public, Dr. Burkle is revered by three generations of military medical officers for his exploits in wartime and his humanitarian contributions
White House Plan To Curb Drug Shortages Doesn’t Address Generics’ Quality
The plan proposes incentives and penalties to induce more resilient sourcing, but it does not promote testing to help purchasers identify high-quality manufacturers.
Elon Musk Equates DEI With Racism. An ER Doc Offers A Different Take
Attacks on DEI could hurt patient care by discouraging or ruling out clinicians with compassion, judgment and the skills needed to improve American healthcare.
The Top Threat To Americans’ Health Is Not A Virus. It’s Disinformation
As the world marks marks the fourth anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic this week, the rise of medical disinformation threatens to undo more than a century of progress in public health.
Doctors In Crosshairs Of Upcoming SCOTUS Fight Over Emergency Abortions
ER care it is the only health care to which Americans have a legal right. The Supreme Court will decide if it applies to women with dangerous complications of pregnancy
America’s First Paramedics Were Black. Their Achievements Were Overlooked For Decades
We should take time to learn about lesser-known heroes, many of whom are overlooked because their deeds were hidden from view.