California Seeks Mental Health Warning Labels on Social Media
In a bid to address the growing mental health crisis among adolescents, California lawmakers have introduced legislation that would require social media platforms to display a “black box” mental health warning label. The bill, Assembly Bill (AB) 56, aims to ensure that users, particularly young people, are aware of the potential risks of social media […]
Despite Strong Evidence, Hypofractionated Radiation Underused in the US
In recent years, hypofractionated radiation has become the preferred treatment for several cancer types, including early-stage breast, prostate, lung, and rectal cancers. This shift is based on mounting evidence that supports the efficacy and safety of regimens delivering higher doses of radiation in fewer sessions. Research shows that this approach is at least as effective […]
The Importance of Personal Connection in Healthcare: Why Technology Can’t Replace Human Touch
In healthcare, the importance of personal connection cannot be overstated. While technology plays an essential role in modern medicine, the healing power of human touch and the emotional presence of a physician remain irreplaceable. As both an emergency physician and a chronic disease patient, I have learned that medical technology is merely a tool—one that […]
Medical Malpractice Lawsuits: Why Actions Speak Louder Than Words
The Hidden Crisis in Medical Malpractice Every year, approximately 85,000 medical malpractice lawsuits are filed, a staggering figure. Yet, recent data reveals that this number barely scratches the surface. In fact, an additional 3.065 million claims—cases where lawyers decline representation—may also exist. This means there could be as many as 3.15 million potential malpractice cases […]
Key Compliance Deadline Approaching for the Corporate Transparency Act
The federal Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which came into effect on January 1, 2024, establishes vital compliance requirements designed to combat financial crimes such as money laundering. Health care entities, including hospitals and physician practices, must fully understand their obligations under this law to avoid significant penalties, including daily fines and potential imprisonment. Who Does […]
Outgoing Lawmakers Recognized for Supporting Physician Priorities
A New Chapter in the California Legislature As the California legislature welcomes a new cohort of lawmakers on December 2, 2024, 30 Senators and Assemblymembers bid farewell, stepping away due to term limits, pursuing other offices, or choosing not to seek re-election. The California Medical Association (CMA) expresses its sincere gratitude to these outgoing lawmakers […]
Medical Crisis or Government Overreach: The Impact of Misguided Policies on Vulnerable Patients
In the past decade, the consequences of government overreach in healthcare have been stark, with vulnerable patients suffering and dying in alarming numbers. A million lives have been lost, many as a direct result of misguided policies aimed at controlling prescription practices and healthcare decisions. As the national overdose and poisoning rates eventually decline, it’s […]
The Role of Social Credit Scores in the Enforcement of Health Care Regulations
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has a long history of leveraging “social scandal” in its press releases to publicize prosecutions of U.S. physicians. Recently, the DOJ has increasingly utilized social credit scores to pressure physicians accused of malfeasance in health care services, raising concerns about their impact on health care regulations. While advancements […]
Transform Your Health Care Team with 5-Minute Communication Exercises
In the fast-paced world of clinical care, dedicating time to playful activities may feel unproductive. However, adopting a broader perspective and envisioning long-term benefits reveals the immense value of these practices. Imagine a “communication gym” where experiential activities replace physical fitness machines to build a robust set of communication skills. With minimal preparation and regular […]
Living Longer, Dying Shorter: How to Achieve a Vital Old Age
Living longer and dying shorter—this phrase is more than a catchy slogan. It encapsulates the vision of not only extending life but ensuring that the years lived are full of health, vitality, and minimal suffering. While some studies may question the idea of compressing morbidity (the reduction of time spent with chronic diseases or disability), […]