IOM Weighs In On Sports-Related Concussions In Children

A new IOM report released today flashes a yellow caution light on contact youth sports. The report states in part: “Studies of the shorter-term effects of repetitive head impacts and multiple concussions have had mixed results; some studies show that these injuries result in a decrease in cognitive function — such as memory loss — […]

The AAP and Cognitive Dissonance: Sports vs. Traumatic Brain Injuries In Children.

Mike Magee When I sat down to view the Frontline “League of Denial” documentary, I already knew in advance it’s focus – head injuries in NFL players. I knew as well the long standing legal battle between NFL players, the players association, NFL owners and Riddell, the maker of football helmets. And like many other […]

JAMA Early Release – “Guideline Panels Should Rarely Formulate Strong Recommendations”.

The Optimal Practice of Evidence-Based Medicine Incorporating Patient Preferences in Practice Guidelines FREE ONLINE FIRST Victor M. Montori, MD, MSc1,2,3; Juan Pablo Brito, MBBS1,2,3; M. Hassan Murad, MD, MPH1,2,3 “Guideline panelists must recognize, with humility, the challenges they face in working often without access to informed patient preferences and acknowledge that their recommendations should rarely assume uniform patient values and contexts in […]

Looking Beyond Health Coverage: What Kind Of Health System Will We Build For America’s Future?

Mike Magee In the battle over the Affordable Care Act, it has been easy to lose sight of the fact that this is essentially health insurance reform legislation focused on ensuring equity and justice, and expanding coverage to all Americans. That’s laudable and those goals will be accomplished. But the question remains, what kind of […]

“The Sky is Falling! The Sky is Falling!”

A new day? Turn the page? Not exactly. Excerpts from Senator Cruz’s website: “Washington’s indifference to the plight of the American people has never been more apparent. Countless Americans all over the nation are being notified their premiums are skyrocketing. Others are losing jobs or seeing their work hours reduced, and thousands upon thousands are […]

HealthCare.gov: Time To Take A Deep Breath

Mike Magee I experienced my first beta installation of a health information system in 1987 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA. It was my first hospital administration job and an eye opener. The company was Technicon, an IT firm that began in 1965 as a cooperative effort between Lockheed and El Camino Hospital out […]

Do We Need A Journalistic Code of Ethics For Doctor Politicians?

Mike Magee There are now 20 doctors in Congress – 16 Republicans and 4 Democrats. That’s pretty significant, especially in an age of transformative health reform and debate. As the date for the opening of the Affordable Care Act approached, Republican doctor-politicians were pushed far into the limelight by their party to add credibility to […]

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