According to Carol Mangione, MD, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has released new draft guidance recommending biennial mammography screening for women at average risk for breast cancer starting at age 40. This news has been received positively as it will likely lead to early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
Orphan Drugs for Small Patient Populations Generate High Revenue
Sean Tu, JD, PhD, of West Virginia University has brought attention to the high cost of drugs approved for “orphan” indications, which generate the same amount of money as non-orphan drugs despite targeting a smaller patient population. The high cost of these drugs can be burdensome for patients who have no other options.
University of Pennsylvania Residents and Fellows Vote to Unionize
Internal medicine resident Kendall Major, MD, has recently announced that she and other University of Pennsylvania residents and fellows have voted to unionize. This decision was made to improve working conditions and hours, which are currently at 80 hours per week.
Initiative to Get Doctors Discussing Gun Safety Launched
Sue Bornstein, MD, has initiated a new project to encourage doctors to discuss gun safety with their patients. This comes after a former teenage patient with depression attempted suicide with a handgun in his home, resulting in a disfiguring injury to his face that prevents him from eating and speaking on his own.
Michelle Obama Launches Low-Sugar Drinks for Kids to Fight Pediatric Obesity
Former first lady Michelle Obama has launched a new line of low-sugar drinks for children to combat pediatric obesity. She believes that in order to make a significant change, it is important to take action and make changes from the inside.
Nation’s Ability to Vaccinate Large Populations During Pandemic Questioned
Brent Ewig, MSPH, of the Association of Immunization Managers has expressed concerns about the nation’s ability to vaccinate large populations during a pandemic. He believes that the cycle of panic and neglect is not an effective way to prepare for public health emergencies.
Clinicians Alone Cannot Manage the Benefits and Harms of Artificial Intelligence
David McCoy, BMed, DrPH, of the United Nations University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has stated that clinicians alone cannot manage the benefits and harms of artificial intelligence. This is a collective policy and systems issue that requires a collaborative effort.
Skepticism About Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Long COVID
James Thomas, MD, of Northwestern University in Chicago has expressed skepticism about the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for individuals with long COVID. He would like to see the individual data from the study to determine the magnitude of the benefit.
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