Good Morning Blogger Fans,
As Dr. Kevin said, my name is Josh Umbehr and I’m currently an M4 at the University of Kansas SOM. I plan on starting a Family Medicine Residency in the summer and I just finished my last interview yesterday (which explains the lack of posts). Dr. Kevin left some big shoes for me to fill in his absence but I’m looking forward to the challenge of providing you with the same level of interesting and politically charged topics. Some of my favorites include the debate over universal health care (I’m opposed), Health Savings Accounts, Consumer Directed Health Care, and cash only, or insurance free, medical practices. I used to stand on my soap box over at Free Market Doctors, but my blog has been orphaned since the birth of my first daughter.
As Dr. Kevin said, my name is Josh Umbehr and I’m currently an M4 at the University of Kansas SOM. I plan on starting a Family Medicine Residency in the summer and I just finished my last interview yesterday (which explains the lack of posts). Dr. Kevin left some big shoes for me to fill in his absence but I’m looking forward to the challenge of providing you with the same level of interesting and politically charged topics. Some of my favorites include the debate over universal health care (I’m opposed), Health Savings Accounts, Consumer Directed Health Care, and cash only, or insurance free, medical practices. I used to stand on my soap box over at Free Market Doctors, but my blog has been orphaned since the birth of my first daughter.
As I said, I’m really looking forward to providing you with quality reading material and since I love to debate, I’ll try to stay active in the commentary.
Merry Christmas,
Josh
Related posts:
- It’s about time: Doctors starting to drop insurance
- Giuliani’s health plan
- Physicians don’t trust the malpractice system and why doctors order too many tests
- Universal healthcare myths
- Caffeinated soap
- Uninsured vets
- The unintended consequences of free HIV screening at hospitals
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{ 2 comments }
Welcome aboard, Josh!
I’d like to know your opinion of DTC (direct to consumer)ads for prescription drugs. They blanket TV. Some Docs – like Kevin – seem to hate such ads.
My view: they make the patient take more responsibility for his own health. Perhaps some physicians feel that they’re losing control of the patient-physician encounter.
Thanks John, I hope I can continue to provide quality stories and discussion for you.
Short Answer: Completely Support DTC adds
Long Answer: Sure there are pros and cons, but the simple fact is that Pharm has as much right to sell their product as anyone else. (sidebar: if we’re going to let infomercials sell their often unfounded and misleading ads, we can’t stop Pharm). I don’t believe the cliche stories of pts who come in DEMANDING specific drugs. First, if they did, sometimes pts have to be their own best advocate. Second, its the physicians job to educate and work w/ pts for appropriate alternatives.
DTC marketing is arguably the most effective ‘public health’ campaign b/c a) it reaches a target audience w/ a problem & solution, b)its privately funded so there’s no wasted tax $$. Case and Point, the new Cervical Cancer Vaccine.
How come the gov’t and anti-smoking, [eventuall] anti-trans-fat groups can use DTC ads but pharm can’t. Either we have a free economy or we don’t
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