More articles from From the Editor
- Small fibers, large impact
The wide interest in small fi ber neuropathy may reflect our current apparent epidemic of chronic pain.
- We can learn a lot from drug adverse effects
No one likes adverse effects, but they can teach us important things about human biology.
- The bias of word choice and the interpretation of laboratory tests
Words matter. Calling ALT and AST “liver function tests” can lead to premature diagnosis of liver disease.
- How well do we understand calcium and vitamin D?
I do not believe we truly understand the ideal amount of dietary and supplemental calcium or vitamin D for a given patient.
- Training physician leaders to save the health system… and us
The success of the health system and the emotional well-being and clinical skills of its physicians are clearly interrelated.
- The algorithm less traveled
At Bellevue, the RPR was a routine test; at the University of Pennsylvania not so much—it all depends on context.
- Understanding the tests we order: Comments and an invitation
Some new laboratory tests go through a life cycle, first being used by subspecialists and then by physicians everywhere.
- Deprescribing: When trying for less is more
We should periodically revisit the goals and rationale for all prescribed medications.
- Can a shared decision be wrong if made for the ‘right’ reasons?
Providing information alone is not enough; we need to understand the patient’s biases, fears, and priorities.
- A New Year’s transition and looking forward
Time to take stock of advances in—and obstacles to—the delivery of quality healthcare.