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Second Opinions

Essays and opinions from our readers, always thought-provoking, sometimes controversial

Can the Joint Commission Lead Healthcare to a Greener Future?

Environmental protections and patient health can never be taken for granted

A photo of an anti-abortion center in Worcester, Massachusetts.

How to Spot Anti-Abortion 'Crisis Pregnancy' Centers

And why you and your patients need to know what they really are

A photo of a blue rubber gloved hand holding a pre-filled syringe.

Why Is One Dose Suddenly Enough for the mRNA COVID Vaccines?

FDA and CDC have made yet another questionable decision

A photo of a table of free food set up on the sidewalk in front of a home with a sign which reads: FREE FOOD COMIDA GRATIS

Does the General Public Understand the Social Determinants of Health?

It's time for better education

A computer rendering of police crime scene tape over the US map printed in the US flag.

The Viral Illness of 'Gun Violence'

The most virulent feature is polarization

A photo of a person holding up a sign outside the Supreme Court building which reads: DEFEND DREAMERS

It's a Precarious Path From Dreamer to Doctor

DACA recipients face barriers to education and practice

A photo of a mother and her son riding on an autism awareness float in Laredo, Texas.

How Every City Can Promote Health Equity for People With Autism

Lessons from Laredo, Texas

A female physician speaks to her female patient prior to a mammography.

It's Time for a Risk-Adapted Approach to Breast Cancer Screening

A race-based approach has the potential to address disparities in mortality

A photo of Xavier Becerra speaking during this hearing.

Untangling the 'Big Mess' of the No Surprises Act

Further rulemaking is needed to improve the system

A photo of Anthony Chin-Quee, MD, next to the cover of his book.

How Could I Possibly Know What Was 'Best' for My Patient?

An excerpt from Chin-Quee's new book, I Can't Save You

A computer rendering of scissors cutting the word COSTS

Don't Cut Costs You Don't Understand

The case against cutting healthcare spending

A photo of a male physican talking to his female patient.

Here's How to Start Treating Alcohol Use Disorder

We must recognize and treat all of our patients' diagnoses

A photo of various kinds of pills spilling out of a rolled up $100 bill.

You Choose: Food or Medications?

The suffering caused by exorbitant drug prices is all too clear for doctors to see

A photo of a boy suffering from autism sitting at a desk in a special needs school.

Will Proposed ACGME Requirements Have Consequences for Kids With Autism?

More strategic and thoughtful updates are necessary

A photo of the Peter Grinspoon, MD, holding his book SEEING THROUGH SMOKE

Doobie No Harm: Doctors and the War on Drugs

An excerpt from Grinspoon's new book, "Seeing Through the Smoke"

A photo of a man wearing a suit and holding a briefcase facing a group of healthcare workers wearing scrubs.

Suits vs Scrubs: The Evolving Healthcare Workplace

The patient pays the ultimate price

A photo of surgeons performing bariatric surgery.

Will Obesity Drugs Change the Bariatric Surgery Landscape?

The two approaches can fit together in practice, but questions remain

A photo of a little boy in his room holding various pills and capsules in his hands.

Polypharmacy Isn't the Answer for Adolescent Mental Health

Youth need broader access to non-pharmaceutical interventions from trained professionals

A photo of a mature man sitting on the edge of his bed and holding his painful back.

We're Treating Low Back Pain All Wrong

Let's reexamine the current approach to treatment

A computer rendering of a covid virus in front of the U.S. flag.

The Promise of the $5 Billion Investment in 'Project Next Gen'

Here's how to make it money well spent

A photo of doctors and nurses talking in a hospital hallway.

The 'Flow' Framework Can Help Retain Healthcare Workers

We need a workplace that supports clarity of goals, personal control, and concentration

A photo of a banner hanging over the entrance to a building which reads: PLEASE HAVE READY Vaccination Record

Vaccine Mandates Are Not Enough to Solve Our Infectious Disease Problem

Addressing social and structural factors is essential

A photo of a man sitting at a table outdoors and lighting a marijuana cigarette.

Marijuana Is Not the Solution for PTSD

Evidence shows it does not treat PTSD in the long-term, and may worsen symptoms

A photo of a depressed looking surgeon.

The Most Agony-Filled Scream I've Ever Heard Came in the Wake of a Shooting

We cannot stand idly by as the death toll grows

A photo of a tired male doctor sitting on the floor in a hospital hallway.

A Policy Guide to Fixing the Doctor Shortage

More than one factor led to this crisis

How to Help Patients Who Are Losing SNAP Benefits

Food insecurity puts the health of our patients at risk

A photo of a female physician discussing a hearing aid with her senior male patient.

Are Your Patients Aware That Hearing Loss May Affect the Brain?

Patients of all ages need to be better informed of the risks and interventions available

A photo of a surgeon holding a kidney prior to transplantation.

Monopoly Be Gone: A New Chapter in U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation

A recent announcement from HHS has the power to transform our deeply flawed system

A photo of a young male physician talking to a mature male physician in a hospital hallway.

Nepotism's Deep Roots in Medical Education

The consequences for fairness and diversity are far-reaching

A photo of a female healthcare worker holding out her pink rubber gloved hand.

The Best Medicine for Healthcare Workers: A Living Wage

California's proposed minimum wage increase is a model for other states to follow

A photo of the entrance to the Moderna headquarters in Cambridge, MA.

Moderna's Steep COVID Vaccine Price: Corporate Greed or Capitalism?

Lessons learned and next steps for public-private vaccines

A photo of physicians and nurses having a team meeting in a hospital.

Resiliency Starts With High-Reliability Healthcare Systems

Individual team member resilience will follow

A computer rendering of drug capsules decorated with $100 bills.

Is It Business as Usual for the Drug Industry?

Drugmakers continue to raise prices despite new legislation

A photo of a male physician holding his female patient’s hand who has a pulse oximeter on her index finger

Simply Owning a Pulse Oximeter Isn't Medical Care

Patient and provider knowledge and cultural competence are critical

A photo of a senior man sitting on an examination table in a hospital.

Health Inequity Should Be Labeled as a 'Never Event'

Let's set a goal of zero

A computer rendering of an open cooler labeled: HUMAN ORGAN

Our Organ Transplant System Isn't the Failure It's Made Out to Be

Upholding the system will save lives

A computer rendering of two generic health and dental insurance cards.

A Conservative Blueprint for Universal Healthcare

Achieving universal coverage is possible using the ACA as a framework

A photo of an upset looking young man with his hands on his head sitting in front of a laptop.

The Unmatched Need Not Suffer Alone

Here are a few ways medical schools can provide proactive support

A photo of a upset looking man sitting in the kitchen table holding a piece of mail.

The No Surprises Act: Debunking the Myths

Misinterpretation could influence the implementation of the law

A photo of the signage outside of the FDA headquarters in Washington, D.C.

FDA Has Neglected Clinical Trial Transparency — Plus $45 Billion in Fines

It's time for more aggressive enforcement of the law

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