It is my pleasure to host the third edition of Grand Rounds, a weekly best of the medical weblogs. The blog format provides a unique and powerful opportunity to bring medicine, “behind-the-scenes”, to light.
This edition features a diverse collection of voices – ranging from physician commentary on breaking medical news to personal stories from nurses, EMTs, and medical house staff. I invite you to browse and read the other excellent medical blogs.
Editor’s pick
Over at Azygos, a wonderful piece on “just” being a nurse. As a physician, I can appreciate that you are only as good as your nursing staff.
Issues in the news
Dr. Chris Rangel with insight on what John Edwards said about malpractice and tort reform during the vice-presidential debate.
The big news this week is the flu vaccine shortage. Galen’s Log discusses the problems behind this and possible solutions.
I also wrote an article detailing the repercussions of the flu vaccine shortage, examining the data behind the vaccine’s efficacy.
Dr. Bob, a physician living the Pacific northwest, certainly can see first-hand the effects of drug re-importation from Canada. He writes about the possible dangers of this practice.
At A Chance to Cut is a Chance to Cure, our surgical colleague writes about the effects of caps for non-economic damages, which have been instituted in Texas.
The Vioxx Recall
Dr. Centor, over at Medrants, writes two articles on the Vioxx debacle. The first encouraging physicians to objectively consider the data before prescribing new medication. The second wondering if the Vioxx effects apply to other COX-2 medications. The latter article provides valid commentary on direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising.
Medpundit goes against the grain and writes a dissenting opinion against cardiologist Dr. Eric Topol’s editorial in the NY Times about Vioxx.
Chris Rangel again, with his take on the need for lawsuit reform and the Vioxx recall.
The Lingual Nerve also chips in with their perspective on Vioxx incident.
Experiences
The Coronary Care Unit (CCU) can be an intimidating place for an intern. Michael Chaplin writes on his blog, The Chaplin.News, about a particularly harrowing night of call.
Maria is an intern who blogs at intueri: to contemplate. She writes about a day in the life on the house staff.
Over at code blog: tales of a nurse, the importance of living wills and advance directives are highlighted.
Dr. Craig Hildreth, who writes The Cheerful Oncologist, blogs about facing death – especially poignant in the field of oncology.
Tom Reynolds, an EMT working in England, writes about his experiences at Random Acts of Kindness. He details the dangers of his profession with a picture and a story.
Graham is a medical student who writes at over my med body! He writes about his recent experience with online medicine.
GruntDoc writes about his experiences as an ER physician. He observes the effects that crack cocaine has decision-making ability.
Opinion
Dr. James Baker is a psychiatrist practicing in Texas. Writing in his blog, Mental Notes, he opines on the fallout of the concerns over antidepressant use in children.
The Public Health Press comments on a case chronicled in the NY Times, where a physician overrules the wishes of a patient.
Vertical Mattress, written by a medical student in NYC, gives some thought about selective inattention, and its potential effects when working up a patient case.
shrinkette, a psychiatrist in the Pacific northwest, pleads for the political candidates to stop the psychiatric mudslinging.
An intensive-care nurse at code: theWebSocket; writes about the effect that non-economic caps are having on malpractice lawyers. He proposes nationalized legal care as a solution.
Nick is a medical student who writes at Blogborygmi. His article compares journalists’ and physicians’ attitudes towards bias.
Miscellany
Over at Galen’s Log, one can only imagine the perils of blogging during a patient visit.
A clinical nurse instructor at Top of My Head writes about a growing infectious disease problem seen in hospitals and long-term care facilities – and a simple way to help prevent its spread.
Interested-Participant points to a bizarre story – an organ donor who had his organs removed before he was properly declared dead.
Next week’s host, EchoJournal, wants to spread the word for a worthy cause: “Bloggers Against Smoking”.
Upcoming schedule
Please email Nick at Blogborygmi if you are interested in hosting future Grand Rounds.
Next week:
October 19 EchoJournal
October 26 code blog
November 2 Medpundit
November 9 GruntDoc
November 16 DB’s Medical Rants
November 23 Shrinkette
Previous Grand Rounds are archived here.
