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In the Arena
In the early 1930s the practice of medicine was akin to the Model A. The Model A, first built in 1928, was certainly destined to change the world. But in retrospect, the technology was very basic. New medical discoveries, such as insulin, were being made. But there was much to learn. Surgery carried a significant mortality, and death from infections such as... »
In our specialty, we own the obligation and privilege to meet many challenges. We encounter patients and families at their most trying hour. We please, or at least make a strong effort to please, an endless parade of some of the most cantankerous, recalcitrant, and obstinate humans in these United States.
Last month, I spoke of humility. A fine trait it... »
Life is a journey marked by the waypoints of humbling events. We all experience these affairs, great and small, in our personal and professional lives. We think more of ourselves than we have any right to, and we are cut down to size.
For two summers I worked for a roofing company. This was my first experience with a real employer. I had pushed a lawn... »
Our program at the University of Toledo graduated its first class of emergency medicine residents this year. Like all graduations we experienced the bittersweet feelings of the joy of accomplishment and the sadness of saying goodbye to men and women who have shared an important part of our lives for 3 years.
Saying goodbye to our first class was especially... »
Denver was a great choice for this year’s Scientific Assembly. I enjoyed meeting many of you there. When I return from the meeting I always wonder why I don’t go more often. I have fresh ideas and renewed energy to teach and practice. I’ll try to get to Seattle.
I flew from Detroit because I prefer to fly non-stop, which is a misnomer because you do stop... »
Pain control is very important. Over the past decade or so, you’d have to have been in a hydromorphone coma to have missed all of the hullabaloo. We have scores now, and we pay much more attention to pain control than before. In the old days they made patients chew on a towel. Now pain control is so important that it has been called "the fifth vital... »
Pain control is very important. Over the past decade or so, you'd have to have been in a hydromorphone coma to have missed all of the hullabaloo. We have scores now, and we pay much more attention to pain control than previously. In the old days they made patients chew on a towel. Now pain control is so important that it has been called "the fifth... »