Communication Breakdown: A Personal Account

Michael R. Marks, MD, MBA

Editor’s note: This article concludes a two-part series on shared decision making and patient-centered care. The previous article, “Communication Skills Are Critical to Improving Patient-centered Care and Shared Decision Making.” In 2018, my wife was involved in a serious skiing accident and had to be taken down the mountain in a sled by the ski patrol and transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

Tort Reform and the Impact on Medical Malpractice

Eeric Truumees, MD

This editorial column concludes a two-part series on medical malpractice lawsuits and payouts. Insights following a record malpractice payout In July, the largest single patient medical malpractice payout occurred: A then-10-year-old girl underwent scoliosis surgery. Postoperatively, she experienced pain and neurological dysfunction. The plaintiffs contended that the surgeon ignored the complaints and went on vacation (twice).

A Book Review of ‘Scalpel’s Cut,’ a Fictional Thriller by Richard A. Brown, MD

John P. Lubicky, MD, FAAOS, FAAP, FAOA

Up until about 15 years ago, my nonorthopaedic reading consisted of fiction, particularly Stephen King, John Grisham, and Patricia Cromwell books. I then switched entirely to non-fiction topics—biographies, politics, business, and nutrition/fitness. But when the opportunity to review “Scalpel’s Cut,” written by Richard A. Brown, MD, presented itself, I thought, “Why not? I’ll do it.” I really enjoyed reading this thriller and couldn’t put it down, despite its incredulous plot and storyline.

Why Doctors Don’t Call In Sick When They Should

Jennifer M. Weiss, MD

Research from Florida Atlantic University and Cleveland State University has found a direct correlation between preventative health care and the number of paid sick days to which an employee is entitled. Workers with more than 10 paid sick days annually access preventative care more frequently than those without paid sick days. Preventative care, in turn, leads to better overall mental and physical health. Doctors in private practice function like small business owners.