Even with malpractice insurance, doctors opt for expensive, defensive medicine - Washington Post

Published: August 31, 2010

Some months ago, the receptionist in my clinic handed me a registered letter. The name of the sender seemed familiar. "Dear Sir," the letter read. "Please be advised that this letter serves as official notice that I am considering a potential claim against you in a medical Malpractice claim in regard to my husband. . . ." I stood, stunned. My white coat, which held the daily tools of my profession -- my list of patients, the Sanford antibiotic manual, a black stethoscope -- felt extraordinarily heavy. Read More

When a patient says she wants to sue me ...

Even with malpractice insurance, doctors opt for expensive, defensive medicine

Some months ago, the receptionist in my clinic handed me a registered letter. The name of the sender seemed familiar. "Dear Sir," the letter read. "Please be advised that this letter serves as official notice that I am considering a potential claim against you in a medical Malpractice claim in regard to my husband. . . ." I stood, stunned. My white coat, which held the daily tools of my profession -- my list of patients, the Sanford antibiotic manual, a black stethoscope -- felt extraordinarily heavy. .. Read More..

Vacation helps us recharge and refresh - Commercial Appeal

Published: August 23, 2010 

"A vacation is not a luxury but a necessity; it keeps us healthy and living longer." Try that line the next time you are negotiating vacation days with your boss. Then, quote this research to support your point.Read More

Writers, like physicians, hope to stir improvement - Commercial Appeal

Published: August 16, 2010 

A few weeks ago a young woman was admitted to the hospital with a raging fever, excessive urination and back pain. I prescribed an antibiotic for a kidney infection, and over the next several days I watched her improve and go home. As a doctor, I could see the impact that I had made.Read More

New Medicare appointee is no stranger to Memphis - Commerical Appeal

Published: July 19, 2010 

The new director of one of the largest health insurance systems in the world has been hired. He will manage health insurance for 90 million enrollees -- including many Memphians -- and wield funds of more than $800 billion -- about one-third of the national health care expenditure.Read More

Take steps to prevent severe harm from heat - Commercial Appeal

Published: June 28, 2010 

I have fond childhood memories of my summer vacations in India playing soccer (we called it football), cricket and marbles in the relentless 100-degree heat.Often, it was under the setting sun and as kids, we were unaffected by the heat. Read More

How one handles life situations is telling - Commercial Appeal

Published: June 07, 2010 

Last week, my oldest daughter graduated from high school and began her journey as a young adult. As a proud parent and the commencement speaker, I shared some life lessons with the class of 2010. Here is some of what I said: Read More