Latest news with #HarvardMedicalSchool
Newsroom
3 days ago
- Health
- Newsroom
Tomorrow's doctors no longer all lectures and labs
Comment: What does it mean to train a doctor – not just for today, but for the decades ahead? It's a question we don't often stop to ask. Many people still imagine medical school as endless lectures, anatomy labs, and late-night cramming. In reality, that image is as outdated as leeches and handwritten prescriptions. Much has changed over 150 years, but some outdated assumptions still persist. Let's tackle a few common myths: 1. 'It's all lectures and labs.' Though that may have been true 50 years ago, today's training integrates classroom learning with hands-on experience from day one. Half of the six-year medical degree is now spent in clinical workplaces – including hospitals, GP clinics, and rural health settings. 2. 'Medical training stops after graduation'. A century ago, graduating doctors could walk into general practice. Not any more. New Zealand medical graduates complete a two year-long internship before being fully registered. Most go on to train for another three to six years in a specialty such as general practice, paediatrics, or surgery. Even then, learning doesn't stop – doctors must keep up to date to renew their practising certificates. 3. 'It's a rigid hierarchy'. Though medicine retains some hierarchy, the modern doctor is just one member of a broader healthcare team. Medical schools now put much more emphasis on inter-professional education – learning with and from nurses, pharmacists, paramedics, and others. 4. 'The degree sets you up for life'. It's only the starting point. One former Harvard Medical School dean told his students: 'Half of what we've taught you will be wrong in 10 years – and we don't know which half.' That's why adaptability and lifelong learning are now core goals of medical training. 5. 'Doctors always know best'. There's growing recognition that patients are experts in their own lives. Modern doctors are trained to listen, partner, and collaborate — and to earn trust through ethical, patient-centred care. 6. 'Good communication is something you're born with'. Not so. Communication and professionalism are complex skills that must be taught, practised, and assessed – just like taking blood pressure or reading an X-ray. 7. 'Bodies are machines, and doctors are mechanics'. This 1950s mindset is outdated. As people live longer with chronic conditions, the emphasis today is not just on curing disease, but on caring for the whole person and helping them live well. 8. 'Illness is just an individual problem'. Today's students learn about the social and environmental factors that shape health: housing, income, discrimination, family dynamics, and more. Understanding inequity is now central to becoming a good doctor. Innovation at Otago hasn't always been smooth – but when it works, the results can be transformative. A standout success story is the Rural Medical Immersion Programme, launched in 2007. This fifth-year placement puts students into rural communities for an entire year, where they work alongside GPs and local health teams. This model – a 'longitudinal integrated clerkship' – gives students deep exposure to real patients and communities. It's been shown to increase the likelihood of graduates choosing rural practice by six times. Today, Otago students are placed in 57 locations across New Zealand, 48 of them rural or regional. The philosophy: 'A lot for a few, and some for everyone.' Even students who won't go on to practise rurally benefit from understanding the challenges their rural colleagues face. Otago has also been recognised internationally. It was only the fifth medical school in the world to receive the prestigious Aspire Award for excellence in medical education assessment – especially around professionalism. Its work in Hauora Māori and Indigenous health, inter-professional education, and inclusive admissions has also received global praise. If the past teaches us anything, it's that medical education must be ready to evolve. The future won't just be about what we teach, but how, where, and to whom. Competency-based education is one promising direction. Instead of simply spending a fixed number of years at university, students progress once they demonstrate specific skills. This allows greater flexibility – both for students and the system. Rural training may also expand. Some Australian universities now offer entire medical degrees based in rural areas — a bold approach to ensuring doctors train where they're most needed. Simulation is another fast-growing tool. Using lifelike manikins, virtual reality, and other technology, students can practise everything from resuscitation to tough conversations in a safe, structured environment. This doesn't replace real patient care, but complements it – helping ensure all students meet consistent standards. Artificial intelligence also looms large. While it raises questions about diagnosis, privacy, and the doctor-patient relationship, it also offers new ways to personalise learning: tailoring lessons to each student's pace, style, and needs. Across 150 years of change, some qualities remain timeless: professionalism, empathy, clear communication, and critical thinking. The tools of the trade have evolved – from stethoscopes to scanning apps – but the purpose remains constant. The role of the doctor is changing from lone expert to team player. Teachers are no longer gatekeepers of knowledge, but facilitators of learning. Students are encouraged to curate their own learning resources – drawing from a sea of information online and off. Yet a tension remains. If medical education is increasingly personalised, how do we keep it grounded in collective care? We assess students as individuals, but doctors work in teams. We individualise education, but illness – and healing – are shared experiences. So what does the future hold? Some parts of the medical school of tomorrow are already here. Otago's commitment to diversity, rural health, and Indigenous education is helping shape a workforce that better reflects – and serves – Aotearoa. Its reputation for assessment and professionalism is globally respected. Its graduates are not only smart and skilled, but also ready to listen, collaborate, and grow. The challenge now is to continue adapting – to new technologies, new health priorities, and new expectations from the public. That includes teaching future doctors how to think critically, work in teams, partner with patients, and stay curious throughout their careers. Ultimately, training doctors is about more than producing medical experts. It's about shaping professionals who can walk alongside patients in times of vulnerability and complexity. Professionals who can adapt to change without losing sight of their values. Medicine will keep changing. But our purpose must not.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
How 30 Minutes Of Sudarshan Kriya Daily Can Transform Your Health
In today's fast-paced world, stress has quietly become a chronic health hazard. While many turn to medications or therapy, ancient practices like Sudarshan Kriya offer a holistic alternative. Developed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and popularised through the Art of Living Foundation, Sudarshan Kriya is a powerful breathing technique that combines cyclical breathing patterns with mindfulness. Scientific studies, including those by the International Journal of Yoga and Harvard Medical School, show that just 30 minutes of daily practice can significantly reduce stress, enhance immune response, and improve overall mental well-being. Here's how simple practice of Sudarshan Kriya can profoundly transform your health. Here's how Sudarshan Kriya can transform your health Sudarshan Kriya isn't just spiritual, it's biological. Regular practice aligns breathing with the body's natural rhythms, impacting key systems including the nervous, respiratory, and endocrine systems. Let's explore the benefits of Sudarshan Kriya. 1. Reduces stress and anxiety Sudarshan Kriya significantly lowers cortisol levels, the body's main stress hormone. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that regular practitioners report reduced symptoms of anxiety and improved emotional resilience. The rhythmic breathing soothes the nervous system and fosters a deep sense of calm. 2. Improves sleep quality Practising 30 minutes of Sudarshan Kriya daily can improve the quality and duration of sleep. Research from NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences) showed participants had fewer instances of insomnia and reported deeper, uninterrupted sleep after incorporating the kriya into their nightly routine. 3. Enhances immunity Regular breathing exercises increase oxygenation and improve lymphatic drainage. This strengthens your body's ability to fight infections. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many doctors and yoga experts highlighted Sudarshan Kriya's potential in supporting respiratory function and boosting immunity. 4. Balances emotions and boosts mood This kriya activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is associated with 'rest and digest' functions. It helps regulate mood swings, enhances dopamine and serotonin levels, and may aid in managing mild to moderate depression, according to research from Harvard Medical School. 5. Supports cardiovascular health Breathing practices like Sudarshan Kriya help regulate blood pressure and heart rate variability. A study in Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback found participants experienced improved heart rate patterns and better circulation, which reduces the risk of heart-related diseases over time. 6. Improves focus and clarity Regular practice increases alpha brainwave activity, responsible for alertness and creativity. Many corporate professionals and students practise Sudarshan Kriya to improve their concentration, mental clarity, and decision-making abilities, particularly during high-stress periods. 7. Detoxifies the body naturally The kriya involves deep and rhythmic breathing, which facilitates oxygen exchange and expels toxins through breath. It also massages internal organs gently, enhancing digestion and the body's natural detox process. 8. Can be practised by all age groups Whether you're a teenager dealing with academic pressure, a middle-aged professional battling burnout, or a senior looking for balance, Sudarshan Kriya is safe, effective, and customisable for all age groups under proper guidance. Breath is the bridge between the body and mind. Just 30 minutes of Sudarshan Kriya each day can lead to long-term improvements in physical health, emotional stability, and mental clarity. With strong endorsements from global health organisations and mounting scientific evidence, this ancient technique offers a simple yet profound path to holistic well-being, one breath at a time. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Health
- USA Today
Yes, biking can be a lot of fun. But is it good exercise?
Yes, biking can be a lot of fun. But is it good exercise? Show Caption Hide Caption Improve gut health with these targeted exercises These targeted exercises can help with bloating, inflammation and gas. Reviewed Few summer activities are as popular as cycling. Whether you're going for a leisurely ride along a city bike trail, hopping on a mountain bike to practice stunts and explore nature or using your bicycle as a mode of transportation to and from the store or work, you're sure to spot other cyclists nearby. In fact, cycling is the third most popular recreational activity in the U.S. with more than 56 million Americans doing it in 2024 alone. But beyond being a lot of fun and good for one's mental health by improving social connections and spending time outside, is cycling actually good exercise? Here's how biking can be good for both your heart and your muscles, plus how to get the most out of a cycling workout. Is biking good exercise? Biking – or cycling, as it is more commonly called – "is considered an excellent form of exercise due to its numerous health benefits," says Dr. Michael Fredericson, director of the physical medicine and rehabilitation division of Stanford University. As a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, it boosts cardiovascular health by elevating your heart rate, lowering your blood pressure, strengthening cardiac tissue, improving respiratory fitness and reducing your risk of heart disease. "It's also helpful in stabilizing blood glucose levels, lessening insulin resistance and lowering cholesterol by improving blood lipids," says Daryl Parker, emeritus professor of exercise science at Sacramento State University. Such benefits are among the reasons research shows "a strong relationship between commuter cycling and decreased all-cause mortality," says Fredericson. Cycling also builds endurance, releases feel-good hormones and improves flexibility and joint mobility. And the activity burns plenty of calories, with research from Harvard Medical School showing a 155-pound person burning 252 calories in just 30 minutes of moderate intensity cycling and close to 300 calories when doing so vigorously. The exercise also "enhances metabolic function," says Brad Schoenfeld, a professor of exercise science at Lehman College of the City University of New York, which means it's using more energy that other movements, leading to burning more fat stores for energy. This is why studies show that cycling can be helpful in preventing obesity and maintaining a healthy weight. What is aerobic exercise? And what are some examples? Does cycling build muscle? Along with such cardiovascular and weight management benefits, regularly riding your bike can also help you build muscle. While cycling involves muscle groups throughout most of the body, most growth occurs in the lower body and hip flexor muscles. "The quadriceps muscle group is particularly heavily engaged during pedaling," says Fredericson, "and the hamstrings are also activated." He points out that hip flexors are involved to aid with balance and stabilization and glute muscles are also strengthened. "And it's fair to say that upper body muscles such as the trapezius, latissimus dorsi and anterior deltoid are also engaged," he adds. Cycling accomplishes such growth through the force of resistance that propelling one's weight forward, but it also releases "chemicals known as metabolic stimuli in the muscle that can lead to an increase in muscle size," says Parker. What's more, the activity has the advantage of aiding in muscle growth and maintenance while still being a low-impact exercise – meaning it's unlikely to aggravate your bones and joints. At the same time, you're only likely to keep building muscle to a certain point before most of your time on a bike will be spent maintaining the muscles you already have. Because you're not able to keep adding more and more weight to the exercise, "cycling does not progressively overload your muscles," Schoenfeld says. "For continued increases in muscle size, a person would need to perform resistance training." Resistance vs. strength training? Learn how to build strength and muscle mass How often should I bike for exercise? Capitalizing on the cardiovascular and muscle-building benefits of cycling means participating in the sport regularly. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. Cycling is one of many exercises that qualify, but meeting this recommendation means doing it or other similar activities for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. No matter how often you engage in cycling, it's important to do so safely. "To stay safe while bike riding, wear a helmet, be visible with bright clothing and lights, follow traffic laws, use hand signals and be aware of your surroundings," advises Fredericson. He also recommends inspecting your tires, brakes and other components often to ensure they are in good working order and making sure your bike frame is the correct size for your body. Parker agrees, noting that local bike shops can be helpful with fitting you to the best size of bicycle. "And don't neglect learning how to handle your bicycle effectively," he adds. "The knowledge of how to stop quickly and dismount and how to make quick turns to avoid obstacles, other riders and automobiles are all important skills in staying safe."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Judge Rips Government for Acting Illegally in Harvard Scientist Case
A Harvard University scientist detained by immigration authorities for over three months was granted bail by a federal judge Wednesday in a rebuke to the Trump administration. U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss ruled that Kseniia Petrova's detention and the revocation of her J-1 visa for failing to declare frog embryos at Boston's Logan Airport in February should not have happened, and raised serious legal concerns. 'There does not seem to be either a factual or legal basis for the immigration officer's actions,' Reiss said in her ruling, adding that the samples Petrova brought into the U.S. were 'wholly non-hazardous, non-toxic, non-living, and posed a threat to no one.' 'Ms. Petrova's life and well-being are in peril if she is deported to Russia,' Reiss added, which the Trump administration has said it plans to do. Petrova has said that she fears returning to the country due to her protests against the war in Ukraine. Over three months ago, Petrova arrived back in the U.S. from a vacation in France with frog embryo samples, which she agreed to bring from a laboratory affiliated with her own at the request of her supervisor at Harvard Medical School. When her bags were inspected at the airport, a customs official immediately canceled her visa and began deportation proceedings. '[W]hat happened in this case was extraordinary and novel,' Reiss said. If she did not take action in Petrova's case, Reiss said that 'there will be no determination' if Petrova's constitutional rights were violated. Petrova was recruited from Russia in 2023 to work at Harvard's Kirschner Lab, studying the earliest stages of cell development as part of the lab's work to find ways to repair cell damage that leads to diseases such as cancer. She has admitted to failing to declare the embryo samples, and her lawyer says that this would normally be punished with a minor fine. Petrova still may not be released, as she also faces felony charges in Massachusetts for allegedly smuggling the embryos into the U.S., and is currently in federal custody in Louisiana. For now, though, Reiss's ruling is another rebuke to an administration that is trying to fast-track mass deportations of immigrants while ignoring the law.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Judge takes step toward possible release of detained Russian Harvard scientist accused of smuggling
A federal judge in Vermont ruled in favor of a Russian Harvard scientist who was detained by ICE and accused of smuggling goods into the U.S. on Wednesday. Kseniia Petrova, 31, was first detained by ICE before being transferred to criminal custody earlier this month. Wednesday's ruling ensures that if she is granted bail and released at her criminal hearing next week, ICE cannot detain her once again. President Donald Trump's administration is seeking to deport Petrova back to Russia following her detention at Boston's Logan Airport in February. She has worked as a researcher at Harvard Medical School for more than two years, and colleagues at the school testified in her defense at Wednesday's hearing. Authorities charged Petrova with smuggling biological material after TSA at the airport allegedly found clawed frog embryos and embryonic samples in her luggage. Russian Scientist At Harvard Medical School Detained By Ice At Boston Airport The judge determined on Wednesday that Petrova is not a flight risk and does not pose any danger to the community. Her criminal bail hearing is set to take place next week in Massachusetts. Read On The Fox News App The judge also noted that Petrova's work at Harvard has benefited the U.S., as her team is focused on cancer research. The U.S. Attorney's Office said that Petrova allegedly denied having the biological material at first but later admitted to carrying it. Prosecutors also claim that Petrova's text messages show that she was aware that she needed a permit to bring in the clawed frog embryos and embryonic samples that were allegedly found in her luggage. In one text message exchange cited by the office, Petrova was asked whether she had a plan to get the biological material into the U.S., and she allegedly responded by saying, "No plan yet. I won't be able to swallow them." Gregory Romanovsky, the attorney representing Petrova, argues that customs experts confirmed that his client "did not need a permit to bring her non-living scientific samples that are not considered biological material under U.S. Customs law." Petrova said in a recent New York Times op-ed that she was returning to the U.S. after vacationing in Paris when she was detained by ICE in February. She also expressed her fear of being arrested in Russia if deported, as she has been a critic of the war in Ukraine. While she admitted in the op-ed to not filling out a customs form regarding the frog embryos in her luggage, she believed it would result in a fine or warning, not an arrest. "At Logan International Airport, I did not complete a customs declaration for frog embryos (for use in our lab's research) in my luggage. I'm told this would normally result in a warning or a fine. Instead, my visa was revoked, and I was sent to a detention center in Louisiana," Petrova wrote. Fox News' Rachel Wolf contributed to this article source: Judge takes step toward possible release of detained Russian Harvard scientist accused of smuggling
