I trained as a Family Doctor so that I would be ready to help patients with any challenge. The old school family doc used to take that skill set out into the community on house calls, sports sidelines, and town hall meetings. At some point the job description was boiled down into a job that started and ended with a 7 minute office visit. That setup is not good for patients, and it's not good for doctors. In this column I hope to start to push the boundary of where the doctor patient interaction takes place - onto the page, into the community, and beyond 7 minutes.
As a family doctor I try to stay up to date on the most recent research. The most interesting article I have read in some time was in the New Yorker magazine, “The Promise and Price of Cellular Therapies.” It talks about advances in cancer treatment. There is some interesting research going into using the body’s natural immune defense to fight cancer. The research is still in its preliminary stages but could change the way we treat people with cancer.
Read MoreResidency training is between 3 and 7 years. All Resident Doctors carry a medical
degree and have passed all the necessary training to provide medical services. In
fact step into any major hospital in the US and your treatment from start to finish is
likely to be carried out by a resident doctor.
Read MoreResearchers looked at a cohort of 1,688 middle aged men and women in Finland and analyzed how often they used a sauna and the risk of dying from heart disease. What they found is that people who used a sauna more often were less likely to have a fatal heart attack. The amazing part of the study is that the effects were so significant. Using the sauna 2 or more times per week led to a 75% reduction in fatal heart attacks. That effect is far better than any drug on the market!
Read MoreWinter time cold symptoms are annoying and tiring. Whether it’s a sore throat, runny nose, cough or all three being sick is no fun! Although there is no cure for the common cold, there are definitely things you can do to give yourself the best chance of staying healthy. If you do get sick, there are some great remedies to try at home. Of course, Portland Direct Primary Care is here if you need us. Advice from the internet should never be a substitute for advice from a doctor who knows you.
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