Latest news with #physicians
Medscape
18 hours ago
- Health
- Medscape
Infographic: How Happy Are Doctors With Their Career Today?
A number of US physicians feel less fulfillment from their career than when they began practicing. But most of them highly value the satisfaction they get from treating and interacting with patients. And they assessed the general level of public respect for theirs vs other professions. This infographic presents key insights from a new report offering a detailed snapshot of US physicians' career fulfillment right now. To learn more, check out the Medscape Physician Job Satisfaction Index 2025. Medscape Physician Job Satisfaction Index 2025
Medscape
2 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Earlier Palliative Cancer Care Cuts End-of-Life ED Visits
TOPLINE: A recent retrospective study found that earlier outpatient palliative care referrals for patients with advanced cancer were associated with a small increase in overall emergency department (ED) visits but significantly fewer end-of-life ED visits and improved advance care planning. METHODOLOGY: ED visits near end of life are common among patients with advanced cancer and often indicate unmet needs. Although early outpatient palliative care can improve symptom management and care coordination as well as prevent unnecessary ED visits, it is crucial to distinguish patients who require ED visits from those better managed with planned care. To understand how earlier palliative care referrals may impact end-of-life ED visits, researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study of 3560 patients with advanced cancer (median age, 68 years; 60.2% men) referred to outpatient palliative care at Seoul National University Hospital between 2018 and 2022. Patients received consultation-based palliative care services from a team of physicians, nurses, and social workers — provided 5 days per week, with telephone support available on weekdays. Researchers analyzed ED visits after outpatient palliative care referral, looking at the association between the timing of palliative care referral and end-of-life ED visits as well as the completion of advance care planning documentation in outpatient palliative care and ED settings. Researchers also analyzed end-of-life ED visits — defined as those occurring within 30 days before death — and factors associated with overall and end-of-life ED visits. TAKEAWAY: Overall, 25.8% of patients visited the ED, and 10.6% had an end-of-life ED visit. Earlier palliative care referral was associated with a 4% greater likelihood of an ED visit overall (odds ratio [OR], 1.04), possibly because these patients had longer follow-up, but a 16% reduced likelihood of an ED end-of-life visit (OR, 0.84). Factors associated with overall ED visits were age younger than 65 years (OR, 1.25), residence area (OR, 2.92), and planned treatment (OR, 2.60); factors associated with end-of-life visits were residence area (OR, 3.29), hematologic malignancy (OR, 2.79), and planned cancer treatment at referral (OR, 2.60). Among 2132 patients who completed advance care planning documentation after referral, 48.0% of ED visitors and 52.8% of nonvisitors completed it at outpatient palliative care clinics, while 20.0% of ED visitors completed it in the ED. End-of-life ED visits were more severe and were associated with longer median stays (11.6 vs 8.5 hours), higher rates of hospital admission or transfer (59.7% vs 41.5%), and higher rates of respiratory infections (13.5% vs 4.9%) than other ED visits. Regarding interventions, cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed more frequently during end-of-life ED visits than overall ED visits (3.2% vs 1.2%), with mechanical ventilation and vasopressors used nearly twice as often during end-of-life ED visits. IN PRACTICE: A substantial proportion of patients with advanced cancer visited the ED, including during the final month of life. Earlier palliative care referrals were associated with fewer end-of-life ED visits, 'emphasizing the importance of timely integration of [palliative care] to reduce unnecessary interventions and ensure goal-concordant care,' the authors wrote. The researchers also noted that the findings underscore the need for structured advance care planning discussions across care settings to enhance the quality of end-of-life care. SOURCE: This study, led by Ye Sul Jeung, MD, Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea, was published online in JAMA Network Open. LIMITATIONS: The single-center design limited the generalizability of the findings to other settings. This study could not capture data from other EDs where patients may have sought care, potentially leading to incomplete information. Moreover, this study did not consider the complex decision-making processes leading to ED visits, and lacked data on symptom burden or home circumstances to assess the necessity of the visits. DISCLOSURES: This research was supported by a grant from the Patient-Centered Clinical Research Coordinating Center, funded by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea. The authors disclosed having no conflicts of interest. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Globe and Mail
As anti-sunscreen misinformation spreads online, skin cancer advocates say beware
Kelly Johnston's skin cancer journey began more than a decade ago, after a biopsy revealed that a red, scaly scab above her left eyebrow was basal cell carcinoma. Since then, she's had other cancerous spots appear elsewhere on her body, including on her back. In 2022, Ms. Johnston received more serious news: She had melanoma, considered the most fatal form of skin cancer, on her left inner thigh. Her melanoma was caught early and removed by her doctor, thanks to check-ins and screenings, which are, and will continue to be, part of her life as a skin cancer patient. Ms. Johnston is part of a growing group of Canadians – including dermatologists and representatives for cancer organizations – who are speaking up about the dangers of ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure and artificial sources, as well as rising rates of skin cancer. Doctors turn to social media to help patients where they're at: online in a sea of misinformation This push for awareness is taking place at a time when physicians say misinformation about sunscreen is spreading online, including debunked theories positing that the products are toxic. Some posts on TikTok and Instagram claim that certain sunscreen ingredients, specifically oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate, are linked to cancer. Melanoma Canada says this is not supported by evidence. The growth of online medical misinformation is considered a major public health problem because it undermines scientific research and contributes to negative health outcomes. In the case of sunscreen, dermatologists warn about dangerous and even fatal consequences linked to people turning away from its use. They say sunscreen offers critical protection from ultraviolet, or UV, exposure. Ms. Johnston is concerned about what she's seeing play out on social media about sunscreen. This is coupled, she said, with how the platforms generate social pressures to look a certain way. 'Skin cancer, the risk of melanoma – this is serious stuff that is just not worth sitting in the sun or in a tanning bed for,' said Ms. Johnston, who is a 38-year-old content creator and model based in Owen Sound, Ont. 'You're naturally beautiful the way you are.' The Canadian Cancer Society estimated that last year, 11,300 Canadians would be diagnosed with melanoma and 1,300 others would die because of it. Of those diagnosed, the society projected 6,500 would be men, and 4,800 would be women. The World Health Organization says 85 per cent of melanomas that present in patients over the age of 30 are attributed to UV exposure. It also says tanning beds are a public health issue that account for about half a million new cancer diagnoses every year in the U.S., Europe and Australia. Falyn Katz, the CEO of Melanoma Canada, said that the cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex or race. Sunscreen and sun safety is important for everyone, she added. 'Why would we not take the opportunity to prevent a potentially deadly cancer?' she said. Ms. Katz warns online misinformation about sunscreen is both worrying and dangerous. Some influencers, she said, are trying to teach people how to make their own sunscreen, without any of the medical background and knowledge required to do so. She encouraged seeking information about sun protection from reputable sources. For instance, all sunscreens available for sale on shelves, including at pharmacies, must be evaluated and approved by Health Canada. The Canadian Medical Association and other health organizations have also highlighted their concerns about the uptick in medical misinformation being widely shared on social media platforms. Timothy Caulfield, who is the research director at the Health Law Institute, and a professor in the faculty of law and school of public health at the University of Alberta, studies this space. He said what is playing out is nothing short of an 'anti-sunscreen movement.' This misinformation, he added, is creating real harm. Prof. Caulfield pointed to the sway of online influencers, including American podcaster Joe Rogan, as a big factor. Mr. Rogan's show has explored questions on whether sunscreen can harm the brain. Inside the testosterone-fuelled, regimented and expensive world of longevity influencers Meanwhile, there is robust evidence that sunscreen is effective and that most melanomas are caused by exposure to the sun, Prof. Caulfield said. At the same time, data shows younger people are less inclined to use sunscreen, which he sees as a direct result of the misinformation about it, as well as about the sun. In May, a study led by McGill University found Canadians are spending more time in the sun, but using less sun protection. It also found young adults were much more likely to get sunburned and use tanning beds than older adults. For Ms. Johnston, cancer has upended her pursuit of a golden glow. While she still seeks a bronzed look, it comes from self-tanner now, instead. 'Unsafe UV exposure, it catches up with you,' she said. 1. Look for apparel with UV protection: This can include clothing such as shorts, shirts, bathing suits and hats, from a variety of different brands. 2. Cover up as much skin as possible; consider long sleeves and a broad-brimmed hat. 3. Plan to do activities such as outdoor exercise or yardwork outside of peak UV hours, which are between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. 4. Try to sit in the shade if you are outside. 5. Don't forget sunscreen. SPF 50 or above is recommended. Apply the product 20 minutes before swimming and reapply it every two hours or more.
Medscape
2 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
How Docs Are Redesigning Their Office for Patient Comfort
'When the office environment mimics a home environment, patients feel more comfortable and feel more inclined to open up,' he said, citing a qualitative study that found that patients with mental health conditions in poorly designed inpatient settings often experience a loss of dignity and identity. 'It's important for those of us who work in the mental health specialty to create trauma- and neurodivergent-informed spaces while being mindful of sensory sensitivity and avoiding clutter, strong lighting, or scents.' Physicians who work at imaging centers should also consider improving the patient experience, said Jeb List, MD, a pediatric and adult interventional radiologist at MIC Imaging and Procedure Center in Omaha, Nebraska. 'We've all been in cold, rushed environments where you're handed a paper gown and pointed to a crowded waiting room,' he said. 'That wasn't the experience we wanted for our patients.' Instead, the physicians here asked themselves what they could do to make the clinic more comfortable — and more patient-focused. 'This meant offering easy parking just steps from the door, a warm and welcoming staff, and soft robes instead of paper gowns,' he said. 'We've also created a space that's quiet and calm, where the process is seamless from check-in to check-out. These touches aren't just about aesthetics — they're about respect. When patients feel seen, heard, and cared for, they're more likely to follow through with their care, and they're more at ease throughout the process.' If it's logistically possible, offering patients the option to sit in nature before their appointment is another interesting way to rethink the waiting room experience, said Annemarie Braun, MD, a gynecologist who practices in Germany. 'We encourage patients to wait outside near our rose bushes, where there's always a bench and table,' she said, adding that she always has fresh flowers in her waiting room along with large olive trees that reach the ceiling. 'I believe that creating an environment where patients feel calm, welcome, and gently removed from their everyday stressors is just as important as the therapy itself.' And don't forget how important music can be to calm even the most jittery patient, Okubadejo added. 'We keep music playing in the background at a low volume so it's not distracting but offers just enough to ease the tension,' he said. 'Instrumental or acoustic playlists set a calm tone without adding noise to an already stressful moment.' In the end, making these office modifications doesn't have to be costly and can keep patients coming back for years to come. 'For us, it was never about making the office look fancy,' Okubadejo said. 'It was about eliminating unnecessary discomfort and making sure every patient feels safe, respected, and cared for starting the moment they walk through the door.' Lambeth Hochwald is a New York City-based journalist who covers health, relationships, trends, and issues of importance to women. She's also a longtime professor at NYU's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. Lead image: E+/Getty Images
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Opinion - The ugly truth about the student loan caps in Trump's ‘big beautiful' law
New federal student loan caps pose an urgent and overlooked threat to the health of all Americans. These changes will severely undermine the graduate education pipeline for the clinician workforce — including both nurses and physicians— jeopardizing access to care, straining the workforce and, ultimately, harming patients. The bill, now signed into law, will cap graduate unsubsidized student loans at $20,500, with a $100,000 total cap on top of undergrad loans, and phase out Grad PLUS loans. These changes are especially detrimental for those pursuing clinician roles, such as nurse practitioners. Nurse practitioners play a crucial role, filling gaps in primary care — especially in rural and underserved communities. Their presence expands access, relieves pressure on healthcare systems and allows physicians to focus on the most complex cases. Graduate education is not optional for becoming a nurse practitioner. Nor is it optional for becoming faculty to teach the next generation of physicians and nurses. Weakening the pipeline of advanced practice nurses doesn't just hurt nursing, it threatens the entire care delivery system. For nursing, this is a moment where education is already strained. Nurses have left the profession en masse since the COVID-19 pandemic and older nurses are retiring. We urgently need more nurses and nurse educators in the pipeline. Yet in 2023, enrollment in bachelor's-level nursing programs grew by just 0.3 percent. Meanwhile, enrollment in master's and Ph.D. nursing programs declined by 0.9 percent and 3.1 percent, respectively. That same year, U.S. nursing schools turned away more than 65,000 qualified applications due to a lack of faculty, clinical placements and funding — not because of a lack of interest. Faculty shortages are especially dire. Nearly 2,000 full-time faculty vacancies remain unfilled nationwide, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. These positions require a master's or doctoral degree — precisely the kind of education now placed at risk by this legislation. Without nurse educators, we cannot train the next generation of nurses at any level. This law also directly contradicts the Make America Healthy Again initiative, which calls on healthcare systems to take on chronic disease through prevention. Nurses make up the largest segment of the healthcare workforce. Their education emphasizes prevention and whole-person care for people and communities. Nurses are central to the shift from reactive 'sick care' to proactive prevention, so restricting their ability to enter the profession is not just shortsighted, it's self-defeating. A diminished nursing workforce will trigger a familiar cycle: reduced access, longer wait times, more chronic disease and an even more overwhelmed workforce. And these consequences won't be limited to nurses — they will affect physicians, hospitals, insurers and, most of all, everyday Americans. This is a national health issue. While the bill has passed, it is not too late to mitigate its harm. Policymakers must find alternative solutions, from scholarship expansion to loan forgiveness, to ensure access to graduate nursing education remains within reach. We cannot solve a workforce shortage and a chronic disease crisis by cutting off the professionals trained to fix it. Sarah Szanton is dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
