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 MoreA first aid-kit can come in handy on a hike or even just around town. A kit for the car and
another to carry in a bag will help make sure you have it when you need it. Put some thought into what might be most useful. A lot of what you pack depends on what you intend to be doing. A longer hiking trip requires more supplies than a quick trip to the park. Also who the intended user is can make a difference. Kits for kids will likely contain different supplies than kits for adults. Despite these variations there are some common themes.
Read MoreMake sure you know what your medications are for and why you are on them. The cheapest medication is the one you don’t have to take.
Using insurance is not always the cheapest way to buy a medication. Use the GoodRx app or ask your local pharmacist or primary care doctor about cash pay pricing.
For long term medications, asking for a 90-day supply may be more cost effective.
Infusion centers, such as those at urgent care centers, are often cheaper than hospitals for medication infusions.
In almost all cases generic meds work just as well as brand name.
Residency 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.
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