Sharing Our Desk
The Case for New Physician Literacies in the Digital Age
by Bryan Vartabedian, MD
(This is the rough narrative of a presentation delivered at Stanford’s Medicine X on September 30, 2012)
I’m convinced I was born at just the right time in history. I was trained as an analog physician but I’m a witness to medicine’s digital transformation. It’s really a remarkable time to be in medicine. And one of the key forces behind this transformation is information. What I’d like to talk about is how information is changing doctors and how we might begin to react.
Not long ago I was treating a boy with ulcerative colitis who developed a complication of UC called sclerosing cholangitis. This is a condition where there’s autoimmune activity against the duct structures leaving the liver.During one of his clinic visits the mother brought with her a paper that had just been published on the use of a particular antibiotic for the treatment of sclerosing cholangitis. It had been found to potentially stall the progression of the condition. The paper had been under discussion on a patient network and she wanted to know if this was an option for her son. (read more...)
(This is the rough narrative of a presentation delivered at Stanford’s Medicine X on September 30, 2012)
I’m convinced I was born at just the right time in history. I was trained as an analog physician but I’m a witness to medicine’s digital transformation. It’s really a remarkable time to be in medicine. And one of the key forces behind this transformation is information. What I’d like to talk about is how information is changing doctors and how we might begin to react.
Not long ago I was treating a boy with ulcerative colitis who developed a complication of UC called sclerosing cholangitis. This is a condition where there’s autoimmune activity against the duct structures leaving the liver.During one of his clinic visits the mother brought with her a paper that had just been published on the use of a particular antibiotic for the treatment of sclerosing cholangitis. It had been found to potentially stall the progression of the condition. The paper had been under discussion on a patient network and she wanted to know if this was an option for her son. (read more...)
Beginnings: Family emergency introduces first-year doc to rural support system
by Tema Jessup, DO
(This essay was originally published on Rural Roads.)
When I'm asked about my first year working as a rural physician, I often tell a story to illustrate the stressful situations that arise. A story that at the same time reveals the feeling of support I received from local physicians and the community. It was the middle of flu season, and I was on call covering the ER.
My children were with their grandparents as my husband was away at law school. While I was examining a patient, my in-laws ran through the door holding my son. He was seizing. If that wasn't scary enough, I realized my son wasn't breathing. (read more...)
(This essay was originally published on Rural Roads.)
When I'm asked about my first year working as a rural physician, I often tell a story to illustrate the stressful situations that arise. A story that at the same time reveals the feeling of support I received from local physicians and the community. It was the middle of flu season, and I was on call covering the ER.
My children were with their grandparents as my husband was away at law school. While I was examining a patient, my in-laws ran through the door holding my son. He was seizing. If that wasn't scary enough, I realized my son wasn't breathing. (read more...)
Tips for writing a curriculum vitae
by Annabeth Borg
(This essay was originally published as How to Write a C.V.on the American College of Physicians website.)
Generally, your curriculum vitae (C.V.) is the first contact you may have with a prospective program director. Therefore, you would surely want a C.V. that does more than simply impart information about your personal history, and educational and professional qualifications and achievements. Strive for a CV that establishes a favorable image of your professionalism in the mind of the reader.
It should emphasize your areas of strength and create an interest about you sufficient to result in a personal interview. Make your C.V. work for you! There are several phases in creating an effective C.V. (read more...)
(This essay was originally published as How to Write a C.V.on the American College of Physicians website.)
Generally, your curriculum vitae (C.V.) is the first contact you may have with a prospective program director. Therefore, you would surely want a C.V. that does more than simply impart information about your personal history, and educational and professional qualifications and achievements. Strive for a CV that establishes a favorable image of your professionalism in the mind of the reader.
It should emphasize your areas of strength and create an interest about you sufficient to result in a personal interview. Make your C.V. work for you! There are several phases in creating an effective C.V. (read more...)
Prepare for the next step
Fewer physicians are choosing the private practice model. Instead, many are opting for employed settings. At the same time, doctors are seeking more of a work-life balance. To achieve such a balance, choose your community as carefully as you choose your employer. Ask yourself (and your family), what do i need to live happily in a community? What are my wants and my must-haves?
Make your list and know what your priorities are, so when a great job opportunity comes your way, you are ready to take the next step!
Make your list and know what your priorities are, so when a great job opportunity comes your way, you are ready to take the next step!
Resources for employed physicians
The Physicians Foundation seeks to advance the work of practicing physicians and to improve the quality of healthcare for all Americans.
Check out the Foundation's list of resources for employed physicians. They include:
Check out the Foundation's list of resources for employed physicians. They include:
- AMA Physician's How to Manual,
- AMA Physician Employment Agreements,
- AMA Physician's Guide to Medical Staff Organization Bylaws, and
- Hospital employment pits work rules against physician rights.
