Health Care’s Broke: And I’m Outta Here
I hope you’ve enjoyed the series and it’s made you think a bit about health care, health policy, and how difficult it is to come up with solutions to our health care problems. I appreciate the civil discussion and debate, and continue to welcome any other feedback!
A few topics I wanted to cover but didn’t have time to:
- Science education – If we want our patients to understand medicine and the science behind it, they need to understand (and accept) the basic tenets of science — randomized studies, for example — and perhaps that’s where we’re failing. People seem to have a miraculous ability to accept the science they have chosen to believe (antibiotics for bacterial infections, germ theory) while ignoring rigorous science that doesn’t fit with their world view (thiomersal is not responsible for autism).
- Patient Autonomy – Has it gone too far? By asking patients or their decision-makers to decide, “Do you want to keep trying failing treatments or terminate care,” perhaps we’re putting too much decision-making in the hands of a person who clearly doesn’t want to feel responsible for “pulling the plug” on their mother (who would?)? While no one wants to die or wants a loved one to die, is it fair to other people who have a better chance of hope of recovery to take up a hospital bed to treat a demented 95 year-old man who won’t get any better?
- And many more!
On that note, it’s been a pleasure writing about my journey through medical school, and I appreciate everyone who’s joined me and supported me along the way.
I’m heading to Xela, Guatemala (aka Quetzaltenango) tonight for two months with Asociación Pop-Wuj to do some intensive Spanish and medical Spanish training (as well as seeing their cigar-smoking saint, Maximón, and hiking and exploring) before heading back to be in a friend’s wedding. I likely won’t be blogging much, but hey, who knows. Since I now have an official job as a doctor (scary), I’ll be wrapping Over My Med Body up in time for Graduation in June. Stay safe and healthy and I’ll see you on the flip side!
yours,
graham
Me on Match Day, blogging away:
Have a great trip!
We have the same computer, btw.
Have fun on your trip!
I’ve enjoyed reading. Will your blog have a new title after you start residency?
I came to your blog at the tail end of its run but I wanted to tell you that from what I have read it sounds like you are going to be a very good doctor. Never stop asking questions and looking for answers. I wish you all the best on your travels~ (ironically my niece is in Equador now for a year teaching after her graduation-she is having a blast:)Update if you have time as there are many of us that are stuck in our dreary little lives that have to live through yours-lol. All the best. Chris
I hope you’ll keep blogging, Graham. I took a medical Spanish course in Spain before I started medical school in NY. It was invaluable. You will definitely need to speak Spanish at the St. Luke’s/Roosevelt program so study hard! I think they have enough subsidized housing for the incoming residents… but if not, you’re in trouble. Triple check that you have housing before you leave, ok? :)
Thanks for all the great information and questions raised through your blog. I always was eageer to read your next post and hope you have a little time during residency to continue to update. Have a great time in Xela! :)
Hey Graham,
I’ve been reading for a long time, but don’t post comments. I hope you consider keeping up with this blog or making a new one for residency… this is my fave medblog! Your perspectives and opinions will only continue to expand in the next few years, and I’m sure the rest of us would like to hear about them. Best of luck.
I left my comments for you on my own pretty site; I will miss reading you, your words.
Hey Graham,
Thank you for sharing your words with all of us! As you finish your medical school journey, mine is just beginning. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your blog and I read it every day (mostly during my boring first year lectures). I’m studying in Canada but I’m very interested in the same issues as you and I hope your ideas can make positive changes to the American health care system one day. I’m extremely sad that your blog will be on hiatus and I just wanted to urge you to keep writing during residency! Good luck in Guatemala.
Just like everyone else, I hope you’ll continue blogging into your residency. Maybe it’s gotten under your skin just enough to keep you at it when you can find the time.
Congrats on St. Lukes/Roosevelt – buy a warm coat. (AFTER Mexico)
Good luck – enjoy. You’ve earned it (and you’re about to earn it even more!)
I recently came across your blog, and have enjoyed reading an old friend’s thoughts on health, medicine & med school. Your questions are great; your insights poignant. All with a sense of humor. I’m glad that hasn’t changed since undergrad ;)
I’ll be rejoining MD training this summer after finishing grad work studying health behavior & health care delivery. It’s expanded my toolbox, but hasn’t made the answers clearer. I’m looking forward to the clinical & personal experiences you’ve so articulately described over the past couple years. Thanks, keep sharing, have fun, safe travels & good luck!
Graham,
You’ve done your profession a great service by blogging and bringing issues out into the open. Perhaps you could do a series of ‘letters’ on your blog called “Letters from Guatamala”.
All the best for your journeys :)
Dean
1. You are adorable.
2. I will miss your blog, it is awesome.
3. Best of luck to you on your travels!
Hi Graham. I’ve been reading your blog for over a year now but, like Erin, have never commented. I know you’ll be busy during your internship and residency but I would love to see your blog continue. It’s my favorite too!
I’ll have everyone know that there are plenty of internet cafes in Xela. They are cheap. So, erm, no good excuse for not blogging at least a little?
Hola Graham,
Solo empece a leer su diario hoy, pero quiero decirte que va a ver muchas cosas interesantes en Xela. Buena suerte en su trabajo en Guatemala!
jajaja- btw, consider getting a soccerball!
do you have any idea how tragic it is that i just now discovered your blog when you are more or less done with it?
::sigh::
anyway, i like what i’ve read so far. :)
Cute pic! Miss ya. :)
You’ll be missed in the blogosphere. Have fun down in Guatemala and do some good in New York. And if you ever have the time, the stamina to come back to blogging please do.
Thanks for the spanish school recommendation. I’m in nursing school now, set to graduation in December. I’m trying to arrange to go to Pop-Wuj this summer so I appreciate all you have to share about this school.