MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'greatness'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:55:04 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4522145&cid=t_222878_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F02%2F25%2Fhow-abraham-lincoln-used-faith-to-overcome-depression%2F Abraham Lincoln is a powerful mental health hero for me. Whenever I doubt that I can do anything meaningful in this life with a defective brain (and entire nervous system, actually, as well as the hormonal one), I simply pull out Joshua Wolf Shenk’s classic, “Lincoln’s Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness.” Or I read the CliffsNotes version: the poignant essay, “Lincoln’s Great Depression” that appeared in The Atlantic in October of 2005. Every time I pick up pages from either the article or the book, I come away with new insights. This time I was intrigued by Lincoln’s faith — and how he read the Book of Job when he needed redirection. I’ve excerpted the paragraphs below from the article on ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4522145 Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:09:22 +0100 4522145 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4318497&cid=t_222878_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fflame-lit-by-consuming-fire.html Note: All the photos in today's post are courtesy of my husband,who is much better at pausing for beauty than I. He captures the skies.And I look at his photos in awe. Miss you, honey!Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket,but on a stand, and it gives great light to all in the house.In the same way, let your light shine before others,that they may see your good works and give glory to your Fatherwho is in heaven. (Matthew 5:15-16)It is tempting, at times, to listen to the hushing voices that would have you question your walk with God or authenticity of your faith. But He is not a quiet God who listens to other voices. He lights our skies day and night with the most fantastic, ever-changing display of color, light, and even sound and fury, for all men to see...and even enjoy.I... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4318497 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:59:00 +0100 4318497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4125232&cid=t_222878_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fnote-to-heaven-i-need-help.html I traveled this weekend, to the funeral of a dear great-aunt who lit the world with her kindness and housed me for many halcyon childhood nights in her rambling farmhouse in a field on the flats of the White Earth Indian Reservation. Her sons bent to scoop the mound of dirt onto her urn with their hands, loving her so much they didn't even use the spade to scrape the dirt back over what remained of her gentle and beautiful body.And in the pale yellow light of early afternoon, a trouble brewing deep in my body for weeks blossomed and felled me to my knees in a church bathroom. I fainted several times, grew gray, heart aching and throbbing and that horrible sense of dread rising like a lump in the throat. I guess I was out of it enough, gray enough, to cause many relatives concern...which ma... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4125232 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:19:00 +0100 4125232 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119585&cid=t_222878_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fhearing-wild-heartbeat-in-storm.html I didn't have enough handsto hold the pieces of my brokennessDidn't have enough tearsto dry out my heartBut on the other side of the stormwhere the sunshine is wonderful warmthI've much to liveand more to giveand laughter comes so easy~Other Side of the Cloud, Sarabeth Geoghegan~A half hour east of Chicago, my eyes were a sand-filled abyss of fatigue and my knuckles ached from clutching the steering wheel, as if I could haul myself out of the drag of slumber if only I pulled hard enough on the faux leather grain of the wheel.The clouds stacked up for miles, tens of thousands of feet of mist piled in mounding thunderheads all around the city.  At 4 p.m., the last straggling suburbanites filed out of downtown with lights glowing in the gloom of the gathering storm.  A few fingers o... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119585 Tue, 26 Oct 2010 21:51:00 +0100 4119585 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3862165&cid=t_222878_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fbroken-china-is-still-china.html "In the darkness of despair and the prison of pain, we often say things that we later regret, but God understands all about it and lovingly turns a deaf ear to our words but a tender eye to our wounds." ~ Pause for Power, Warren W. WiersbeMy mother brought me a china plate for my collection of mismatched china (we eat off beauty every day) and I promptly broke it.  The very next day.  My first reaction, unfortunately, is still to throw a tantrum.  I remember her warning me, as a teenager, that I if I chose that agitated state of heart in the quiet of my room and privacy of my brain, it would settle in and become a habit that was nearly impossible to break.  And, I regret to say, I went on heedlessly...nay, obstinately...and let it settle in.  Now I struggle with th... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3862165 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:55:00 +0100 3862165 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3740795&cid=t_222878_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fmilk.html It's what Abraham chose to serve the angels that visited him to announce the upcoming birth of his son in Genesis 18.It's how mothers have let love flow since the beginning of time.It is a reward (Exodus), a blessing (Leviticus), and provision (Psalms).In the Old Testament, the Law is compared to milk given back to children already weaned.Who is it he is trying to teach? To whom is he explaining his message? To children weaned from their milk, to those just taken from the breast?So the word of the Lord shall become to them: Do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule; a little here, a little there.(Isaiah 28:9 & 13)In the New Testament, these verses hit me hard.  I just failed mycomprehensive exam.  The doctoral degree that was just aboutwithin my grasp...nay, my strong ... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3740795 Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:24:00 +0100 3740795 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3691064&cid=t_222878_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fdark-path.html But that was a long time and no matter how I tryThe years just flow by like a broken down dam.There's flies in the kitchen I can hear 'em there buzzingAnd I ain't done nothing since I woke up today.How can a person go to work in the morningAnd come home in the evening and have nothing to say.Just give me one thing that I can hold on toTo believe in this living is just a hard way to go~John Prine~Searching.  I am sure I have questions answered, so positive I practically skip instead of walking.  And then, in the darkness of a new time of testing, I turn my ankle in the same holes.  One minute, I have the clearest sight and surest perspective, as a worshiping woman confident in her faith.  The next, I am blinded by my ignorance and my tears as I struggle with the weight o... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3691064 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 19:49:00 +0100 3691064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208644&cid=t_222878_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fshaking-things-up.html Here once the Deluge plowed,Laid the terraces, one by one;Ebbing later whence it flowed,They bleach and dry in the sun.~ Ralph Waldo Emerson, My GardenThe sun-bleached images of late winter wash over my soul and reveal the new structure God has built in the last few months.  New terraces for hope and solace.  New supports for faith and fear - the good kind of fear, the fear that is awe of the Holy.  I am pondering Haiti, and disasters, and what they tell us about the face of the God we cannot see.  What does it mean to be planted in a prosperous culture, and what is our burden as Christians...even as people with humanity and empathy...to do for those who suffer great losses with few resources for recovery?The mass grave I visited in El Salvador comes to mind in strobe-l... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208644 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 05:28:00 +0100 3208644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3205089&cid=t_222878_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fthis-is-test-this-is-only-test.html I think the testing is a very loving thing.  I want to put my full weight down on the faith that I have in Christ and see if it holds me up.  Here are the questions for the "faith exam":1) Do you believe God is in control?2) Do you believe that God is good?  No matter what you see, no matter what you face?3) Will you wait on Him by faith until the darkness become light?God is trying to get you to the place where you pass the test, the place where you answer these questions correctly.  That's a difficult process."I would have despaired unless I believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Psalm 27:13~ from James MacDonald's Life is Hard seriesI remember the days when double-slinging a 2 year old and a 6 month old seemed like the very har... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3205089 Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:31:00 +0100 3205089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3171949&cid=t_222878_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F01%2F14%2Fintroducing-a-new-blog-bipolar-advantage%2F Bipolar disorder can be devastating… but it doesn’t have to be. I’m pleased to announce the introduction of Bipolar Advantage, hosted by Tom Wootton and his colleagues. I’m pleased to present this alternative view of bipolar disorder and depression, focused on how it can be used to achieve rather than simply endure. Tom said it best: The mental health field is plagued with the bigotry of low expectations. Far too many people are talking about “changing the stigma,” while creating the worst stigma of all — the idea that we are not capable of achieving greatness. While their intentions are good, they are doing terrible harm to everyone with a mental condition and those who love and support them. This “can’t do” attitude is rampant in professionals, consum... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3171949 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:11:15 +0100 3171949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3153597&cid=t_222878_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Freconciling-complicated-god.html I was in too much pain to sleep, so I read Jeremiah.Behold, I will lay before this people stumbling blocks, blocks against which they shall stumble; fathers and sons together, neighbor and friend shall perish. Rejected silver they are called, for the Lord has rejected them...the Lord has rejected and forsaken the generation of His wrath. (6:21, 30; 7:29)In times of sorrow, suffering, anger, questioning, how do I reconcile verses like these with verses on which I lean on for strength: Behold, I will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5b);Blessed is he whose sins are forgiven, who trespasses are not counted against him (Psalm 32:12);though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me (Psalm 23:4);the LORD your God goes with you; he will ... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3153597 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:38:00 +0100 3153597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3119037&cid=t_222878_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fcrying-outcelebrating-christ.html Break forth, intone the lamentable psalm,"Out of the deeps, Lord, have I cried to thee!"~ Robert Browning, The Ring and the Book, Book II just can't seem to break out of this funk. This blog is helpful to me so often - of late, I checked back to remember my own radiation timeline from last time, and also how I felt post-dose. It is amazing how much you block out of the bad stuff that happens. I am thankful for the forgetfulness - except that it also makes it feel as though it is the first time I've felt this low. Reading back through entries from December, 2008 and April, 2009 have helped me put this experience in perspective - turns out, it is exactly the same each time. And yes, my housework and homeschooling escape me for about a month afterward. So I guess that just helps me relax into... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3119037 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 01:56:00 +0100 3119037 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3037077&cid=t_222878_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fmost-wonderful-time-of-year.html In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice;in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil.Let all who take refuge in you be glad;let them ever sing with joy.Spread your protection over them,that those who love your name may rejoice in you.For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous;you surround them with your favor as with a shield.O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am faint;O Lord, heal me, for my bones are in agony.My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer.My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.The song of my heart echoed in pictures & the words of Ps... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3037077 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:42:13 +0100 3037077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2424091&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fquote-of-year-so-far.html "Status post bitch-stompin'" (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2424091 Tue, 19 May 2009 18:37:00 +0100 2424091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2210489&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fpitibull-situation-in-chicago.html Shadowfax has been following the case of the child in Chicago who was attacked by a Pit Bull and discharged from the ER without his apparently severe facial lacerations being closed. This post started as a reply but got too long, so here it is.Delayed wound closure, even of a dog bite to the face, is not necessarily unethical and in some cases (heavy contamination, lack of specialist availability, delayed presentation) is itself the standard of care. Referral of uninsured or Medicaid patients to county facilities is not unethical either, and in many situations is the only reasonable option available. More and more physicians are refusing Medicare, Medicaid, and the uninsured, so there is no guarantee these patients will be seen when they follow up as an outpatient unless they go to a count... Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2210489 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:36:00 +0100 2210489 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2156454&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fquote-of-day.html Sorry about the dearth of medical posts, I haven't had the BUMA lately. But this quote is simply delicious:"Here's a question for (Tom) Daschle : When you amended your taxes and coughed up about $140,000 in back taxes plus interest, did you feel like you were stimulating the economy as much as you would have if you had spent that money yourself?"And for that matter, did you feel more patriotic?via Instapundit (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2156454 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:23:00 +0100 2156454 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2144560&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fsuper-bowl-stadium-snack-tray.html TOTAL CALORIES: 24,375TOTAL GRAMS OF FAT: 1,285TOTAL COST: $86.47Step by step instructions here. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2144560 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:02:00 +0100 2144560 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2137569&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Ffour-chord-songs.html Pretty cool.h/t Ace. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2137569 Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:29:00 +0100 2137569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2121631&cid=t_222878_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F01%2F20%2Freflections-on-obamas-new-presidency%2F History — and hundreds of millions of people around the world — will mark today as the day that the first African-American takes office as President of the United States of America. It is not only a historic event because Barack Obama is of a different race than all prior Presidents, but because his race was enslaved by the very same country (albeit not the same people) which he now leads. Obama has a lot to do, and I fear that expectations are so high and the work so expansive, he may not be as successful as we all would like. History will likely judge George W. Bush’s presidency as decidedly mixed. His litany of failures are well-known — a failure to stave off the largest recession since the Great Depression, a failure to devise and implement a realistic strate... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2121631 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:00:08 +0100 2121631 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2121669&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Frationing-aicds-in-canada.html Dr. Wes on rationing of electrophysiology services in Canada:I asked how many defibrillators (they) performed a year and asked who paid for them, and she said the government. "But we got authorization to do five more devices next year," she said."Only five?" I asked in disbelief."Yep, and we were lucky. Other centers got fewer. They're expensive, you know. We have to be very careful about who we select to get one of those. It's not like America - people here are used to waiting."And then I wondered: would America ever be capable of overt rationing, as in Canada?I hope not. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2121669 Tue, 20 Jan 2009 09:47:00 +0100 2121669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2104501&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fcoo-coo-or-contra-coup.html I recently treated a very old and pleasantly demented gentleman who had slipped and fallen at home, sustaining a laceration to the back of the scalp. It was a witnessed fall, his second in less than a month, and there was no report of syncope or loss of consciousness. Other than the laceration, the patient was without complaint and neurologically intact, at his baseline mental status. He just wanted me to hurry up and close his wound so he could go home.I briefly considered not ordering a CT scan; after all, his recent head scan (reflexively ordered by one of my risk-averse colleagues) was normal, he wasn't on any blood thinners, and he seemed to be OK. Apparently there are some ivory tower physicians who think we ER docs order too many imaging studies, and I heard them murmuring like a ch... Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2104501 Wed, 14 Jan 2009 08:33:00 +0100 2104501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2084016&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fgrand-rounds.html is up, hosted this week by Dr. Edwin Leap. I hadn't contributed lately, but I happened to have a post this week which fit his topic: profit in medicine. Well done, Dr. Leap. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2084016 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:46:00 +0100 2084016 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2067413&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fspider.html It's creepy. UPDATE: There's some spoilers in the comments, so don't read them yet, just watch it. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2067413 Fri, 26 Dec 2008 18:54:00 +0100 2067413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2021449&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Ftv-on-web.html I don't watch much TV, except for sports, but I enjoy watching Family Guy and SNL clips on the internet. While surfing around, I found this website that has quite a few full-length episodes of a variety of TV shows, so you might want to check it out. Here's another one.I don't have any financial interest in those websites or anything else I ever recommend to you. Enjoy. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2021449 Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:08:00 +0100 2021449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1990773&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fsling-tells-story.html ...so you don't have to. Genius.via Tasty Booze. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1990773 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 22:43:00 +0100 1990773 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1984842&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fmore-emergency-medicine-links-i-like.html Here are a couple more great ER sites I enjoy:The National Center for Emergency Medicine Informatics, ncemi.org doesn't appear to be formatted well for firefox, so check it out on IE. I especially like the calculators.My Emergency Medicine Blog is very clinically oriented and impressive. And it's got a WhiteCoat-approved™ moniker. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1984842 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:48:00 +0100 1984842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1984843&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fhats-off.html Two of the things that make me happy are old comic books and the writing of James Lileks. So you can imagine my great pleasure to find this treasure trove:Night Nurse - "She's about 70 percent legs"Night Nurse - "She may be hot, and the cape's great, but she has no powers... except maybe to wait a few minutes after the patient started jabbing the call button."Dr. Bobbs - "Performs a fist-assisted star-ectomy"The Unicornisaurus Rex - "With Fingers!" and my favorite so far:Baldy has a point: word gets out that the Bat is on the injured list, you don’t assume he’ll come after you in a one-man copter. A large, multiperson Batcopter, yes. That’s a reasonable expectation, and you make preparations. But a one-man copter? You can’t blame a guy for not seeing that one. I mean, imagine the ... Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1984843 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:41:00 +0100 1984843 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1963952&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fwhats-wrong-with-america.html No, not the potholes. Mmmmm, I think I just had a snarkgasm.But wait, there's more:"Within an hour, two dozen patients checked in, five of which shared the same last name. It didn’t take long to ascertain that all five patients — children ranging in age from fourteen months to twelve years — were from the same family. A cough prompted their mother to bring them in.That’s right — a cough. Not a fire, not some sort of freak accident that incapacitated the lot of them… a cough.Whatever happened to Robitussin and chicken soup?"Right on. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1963952 Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:14:00 +0100 1963952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1951855&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fcouple-of-great-blogs.html Street Watch - Notes of a Paramedic is an old blog but it's new to me. Here is a great post on STEMI with evolving ECGs. I was going to do a post on the Autopulse but while researching it I found that Peter had not only found the same key studies that I had, but he beat me to the post by like a year and a half.Dr. Whitecoat's favorite new blog title, Your ER Doc is unusual among our genre in that Dr. Brian Evans not only blogs without a pseudonym but he answers specific medical questions from readers. Hey man, you should charge a fee. Talk to the MDOD guys, they're floating the idea in a poll in their sidebar. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1951855 Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:05:00 +0100 1951855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1894947&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fmedical-oddities.html Number 4 - World's largest handOddee is a very interesting site. I'm hooked!Check out the cat bomb. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1894947 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 07:47:00 +0100 1894947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1876029&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F10%2Fhistory-of-obama.html A comprehensive analysis. This is an extremely long article that chronicles in painstaking detail Obama's life from his formative years to his current position, revealing the influences that shaped his character and the methods he employed during his rise to power. I wager that you won't find a more detailed or better-researched overview of his life or what makes him tick anywhere else. An introduction:Barack Obama talks a good game about being a reformer, a good government, "new politics" guy. But somehow his priorities never extended to actually doing anything that would rock the boat in Chicago politics or get in the way of his climb up the greasy pole of the Chicago machine. Instead, his rise has depended on the exchange of favors with crooked patrons and extremist friends and on the f... Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1876029 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:25:00 +0100 1876029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1841013&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fbill-whittles-kidney-stone.html You know you're a political junkie when..."Do you want to know what my honest-to-God first thought was when the pain got manageable enough to be able to hold a thought? I tell you: I thought of John McCain. And I’ll tell you what hit me the hardest: not his pain lasted for five years when mine lasted for four hours. But to add to that raw fear, lying in filth and knowing that those footsteps in the hall would bring not relief but more pain . . . my God! When I think about those men on those fields from Bunker Hill to Baghdad, lying there for hours, awaiting rescue and relief that often simply never came . . . I end up — and I don’t expect any of you to actually believe this — I end up grateful for those few hours." (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1841013 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:27:00 +0100 1841013 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1815305&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fpicture-of-day_23.html No, that's not really 911doc. It's from a really funny website I just found. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1815305 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:16:00 +0100 1815305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1809758&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fquote-of-day.html "In the concerted effort to destroy Sarah Palin, her husband, and her children, we've seen the progressive blogosphere and professional media adopt the no-holds barred, street-fight viciousness of a community organizer fighting for scraps. The petty brutality has trickled down from the man they idolize, a man cool enough to befriend and use aging terrorists and racist ministers as they can help him, and callous enough to discard friendships decades old if it suits him, without a backward glance.For all his eloquence behind a teleprompter, Barack Obama is still at heart a thug, and his disciples learned well from their master."- Confederate Yankee (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1809758 Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:40:00 +0100 1809758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1779227&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fideal-vs-reality.html There's more funny drawings and witty insights over at Indifferential Diagnosis. I'm a new fan.(click on picture to enlarge) (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1779227 Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:18:00 +0100 1779227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1709103&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Freality-of-anwr.html Brilliant article that puts the situation in perspective. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1709103 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:29:00 +0100 1709103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1693636&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fbatman-and-joker-spoof.html This guy does an awesome impersonation of both characters. h/t HotAir (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1693636 Sat, 09 Aug 2008 19:08:00 +0100 1693636 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1660751&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fsmiting-chosen-one.html I guess I'm late to this party, but I thought it was funny as heck:And it came to pass, in the eighth year of the reign of the evil Bush the Younger (The Ignorant), when the whole land from the Arabian desert to the shores of the Great Lakes had been laid barren, that a Child appeared in the wilderness. The Child was blessed in looks and intellect. Scion of a simple family, offspring of a miraculous union, grandson of a typical white person and an African peasant. And yea, as he grew, the Child walked in the path of righteousness, with only the occasional detour into the odd weed and a little blow. When he was twelve years old, they found him in the temple in the City of Chicago, arguing the finer points of community organisation with the Prophet Jeremiah and the Elders. And the Elders wer... Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1660751 Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:49:00 +0100 1660751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1622127&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fcrap-score.html (Canadian Relativity Adjusted Pain Score) via allnurses.comCRAP=(OPS+AF)(SC)(EC)OPS=Old Pain ScoreAF=Adjustment FactorSC=Story CredibilityEC=Exam CredibilityThe key value here is the Adjustment Factor. For "LPT" patients (Low Pain Threshold) this will be calculated as follows:For every point over 10 which the patient reports, subtract one. If they say their pain is a "12" then subtract 2 points and start with an 8.For every visit the patient has had to your ER in the past 12 months for a painful condition that was either chronic or went undiagnosed, subtract 1 point.If you push on a non-painful or uninjured area of the patient's body, the shin for example, and they say "Ouch", subtract 1 point.For every allergy to a non-narcotic medication that could be effective for their condition, subtr... Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1622127 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:34:00 +0100 1622127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1522087&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fhappy-fathers-day.html photo credit (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1522087 Sun, 15 Jun 2008 11:36:00 +0100 1522087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1472477&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fin-defense-of-hsa.html Greg Scandlen of Consumers for Health Care Choices set the record straight on Health Savings Accounts (HSA's) in his recent May 14, 2008 testimony to the Health Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee of the US House of Representatives. Via We Stand FIRM:* You were told that lower-income people cannot afford the out-of-pocket responsibility that comes with an HSA. You were not told how those same people could afford the higher premiums that are required to avoid that cost. In fact, money that is paid to an insurance company for first-dollar coverage is money that is lost forever. Lowering the premium and using that saving to pay directly for services gives the low-income consumer a chance to save money that would otherwise be lost.* You were told that the tax break associated with HSA... Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1472477 Wed, 28 May 2008 14:21:00 +0100 1472477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1466043&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fgold-bond-powder.html Cranky Prof discovers the magic pixie dust.Needless to say, I'm a huge fan of the stuff. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1466043 Fri, 23 May 2008 19:25:00 +0100 1466043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1446062&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fwhere-i-stand.html OK, I'm hooked. You can look me up under "scalpel." (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1446062 Thu, 15 May 2008 20:20:00 +0100 1446062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1426345&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fmedicare-problem.html What does Alan Greenspan believe poses the greatest threat to the US economy?A) The war in IraqB) The mortgage/housing crisisC) The trade deficitD) Gasoline pricesNone of the above. The answer is Medicare.Fortune Magazine's Geoff Colvin:"Unfortunately the day of reckoning is imminent. Sometime in the next President's first term, Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) will go cash-flow-negative, and it's all downhill from there. (...) The federal budget has averaged about 18% of GDP over the past several decades. If that average holds and if the rules of our social insurance programs don't change, then by 2070, when today's kids are retiring, Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security will consume the entire federal budget, with Medicare taking by far the largest share. No Army, no Navy, no Educ... Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1426345 Tue, 06 May 2008 22:15:00 +0100 1426345 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1373452&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fjoe-snow.html A paramedic gave his life in the line of duty. A touching story from Musings of a Highly Trained Monkey. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1373452 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:42:00 +0100 1373452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1368383&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fhypocrisy-of-overbilling.html In the ER the difference between charging a 99284 and a 99285 is the addition of a family or social history (which can be as simple as "lives alone," or "nonsmoker," but not necessarily both). That one line is completely irrelevant to my medical decision-making, but increases my payment significantly. A similar situation occurs with inpatient admissions and consultations; if the useless family history is omitted, the physician's payment is reduced.Is billing for questionably-indicated procedures really any different than adding an unnecessary family or social history to increase one's charges? I say no. If I don't need to use the social/family history in order to make an accurate diagnosis and disposition, then I'm essentially overcharging just the same as a Cardiologist who orders a quest... Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1368383 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 18:58:00 +0100 1368383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1271838&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fcustomer-service.html Hello, hospital administrators! Do you really want your facility to provide outstanding customer service? Then do something about it. No, not by cracking down on the overworked staff because they don't kiss patients' asses enthusiastically enough or because they aren't meeting your precious benchmarks.How about properly staffing your facility instead of harassing the employees when your cost-saving efforts begin to undermine patient care? (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1271838 Sun, 02 Mar 2008 17:30:00 +0100 1271838 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1187138&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2F30-minute-guarantee.html I think it's a dumb idea. The Unlikely Heroine wants to know what you think about it. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1187138 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 07:01:00 +0100 1187138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1185755&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Fsuburban-emergency.html Here's a wonderful new blog by a suburban ER doc.This post is a great example of some of the trench battles we deal with. Sometimes the patient care isn't the most difficult part.h/t The Physician Executive (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1185755 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:20:00 +0100 1185755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1097655&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fgilding-lily.html From now on, whenever I think of Seaspray, I'll be reminded of her signature Bajingoland glitter. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1097655 Sun, 16 Dec 2007 20:36:00 +0100 1097655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1017643&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fweekend-in-er.html Dr. Shroom describes it hauntingly well.From part 2:"The next few hours were very ER.The details blur around me, faster and faster as the days go by. I remember his colour, a pale, waxy yellow. It's never good, but you don't need me to tell you that. His chest laid bare, the wounds on his chest so small, so innocuous looking. So little blood.That didn't last." (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1017643 Sat, 10 Nov 2007 00:34:00 +0100 1017643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1017644&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fperfect-timing.html An awesome collection of dramatic moments frozen in time through the use of high speed photography.h/t Conservative Grapevine (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1017644 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 23:15:00 +0100 1017644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1003550&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fer-waiting-room-drama.html From the incredibly prolific Girlvet, an overview of the different roles played by some patients while waiting to be seen. Too funny (and absolutely true).The MartyrThe EnforcerNervous Nelly/NedThe InstigatorDisappearing Dan/DianeMom of the YearThe Unknown PatientThe Skipping RecordThe Drama King/QueenEmotional Exiter (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1003550 Mon, 05 Nov 2007 13:38:00 +0100 1003550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=998625&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fultimate-sacrifice.html A picture that will move you to tears. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=998625 Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:25:00 +0100 998625 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=976359&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Flife-as-cruise-ship-doctor.html Sounds like fun."The clang of a gangway or thrust of engines usually wakes me up. The cabin is efficiently spacious; a double bed, computer, TV, desk, enough floor space to do some yoga (which I conveniently postpone). Best of all, is the two portholes that look out onto the ocean, and the lack of cabin mates that most crew are afflicted with. Three S’s later, epaulettes strapped to shoulders, it’s a gentle stroll to the breakfast buffet. Breakfast is rather continental, nothing to rave about.8am is the first clinic- a combination of general practice with the odd curve ball. The wonderful nurses do a great job of filtering the trivial from that which is worth consultation, so in a way, the clinics can be quite interesting. There is also the continuity of crew care. Its great working wi... Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=976359 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:17:00 +0100 976359 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=966717&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Fme-friendly.html I was recently asked to write a post on another blog as a guest blogger, something I'd never done before. When I saw that Dr. A had preceded me as a guest blogger on the site, I was honored to be in such fine company. I knew immediately what I was going to write about too...tips to make an ER visit go more smoothly. Then Dominic e-mailed me to say that Kim had already guest-blogged on that topic. Obviously Kim is a blogstress of the highest order, so she'd already nailed it. But since I have the delicacy and maneuverability of a freight train, I proceeded to add some of my ideas to her topic.The big question was, could I be friendly enough for the MedFriendly site? I had to bite my lip a few times (and delete a few lines), but I think it turned out well. Thanks to Dominic Carone, Ph.D for ... Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=966717 Sun, 21 Oct 2007 11:26:00 +0100 966717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=925270&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Foh-sht-moment.html And a cool X-ray to go with it.From Rugbygirl. (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=925270 Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:02:00 +0100 925270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=906055&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Femt-snark.html If my patients or colleagues knew what I was like when I was 18, they would run away in horror. Emily's off to a better start.Ways to suck the life out of your EMT.My favorites:"If you’re a patient...Call the ambulance. Meet us at the curb. Ask to ride in the front seat.If you’re a nurse...Ignore us when we bring you a patient. Especially if we’re EXTREMELY busy... Especially if you’re just sitting there having a cup of coffee…I know we all need coffee breaks, but A) you’ve only been on shift since 0700, it’s only 0830…I’ve been on since 1500 yesterday, haven’t slept since who knows when and I have puke on my pants from a toddler…a toddler who arrested in my rig…yea, quit your bitching, get your ass out of the chair and come get this patient report so we can go back... Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=906055 Wed, 26 Sep 2007 21:07:00 +0100 906055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=873739&cid=t_222878_88_f&fid=34857&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscalpelorsword.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fbaby-face-md.html Ten out of Ten has a great post about the drawbacks of being a young physician (or at least looking like one). I used to get irritated with those sorts of patient comments too, but after about the thousandth time I guess I got used to it."How long have you been a doctor?" - "Hmmmm.... about 6 weeks now.""You don't look old enough to be a doctor."- "It's just good clean living, ma'am.""Have you done this before?"- "Well, I've seen it done a couple of times. Just bear with me.""Where did you go to medical school?"- "Aruba. Those American schools are WAY too competitive.""What's your specialty going to be?"- "This is my specialty. Fixing people." (Source: Scalpel or Sword?) Scalpel or Sword? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=873739 Sat, 15 Sep 2007 07:25:00 +0100 873739