Happy Fourth! A new #1, and two new blogs join the list - including the first nursing blog. Great week of blogging for all involved.

7/04/2007-7/11/2007
Next revision: 7/11/2007
(Last week's ranking in parentheses)

1) Surgeonsblog (4)
Dr. Schwab's blog turns one this week. His post on hospital rounding and empathy is a must-read.

2) NHS Blog Doctor (1)
Obesity is on Dr. Crippen's mind this week as the "Stalinist" NHS makes it difficult to obtain bariatric surgery in the UK. The British Dietetic Association, children who don't care for their elderly parents, and midwives are also not immune from attacks.

3) Movin' Meat (-)
Great week of blogging by shadowfax. ER blogs always tend to read more like action movies. This one is no exception, but there is also a good dose of insight into the day-to-day physician hassles. Physician compensation, direct admits, PCP's and the "suitcase sign" are amongst the topics this week.

4) Respectful Insolence (3)
Whether it's whimsy or ass-kicking, woo-busting missives, Orac always has a lot to say. The topics this week: beating up iPhones, pseudoscience begets pseudoscience, alternative medicine in the ICU, terrible cover songs, and what to do with CD holes.

5) Crass-Pollination: An ER Blog (-)
I started reading this a few weeks ago and have linked to it a few times. This is the nursing equivalent of Fingers and Tubes. The urban ER is a tough place, and you learn not to mess with Nurse K.

6) Dr. Wes (7)
Calling 411 to reach your nurse? Medicare cuts? Is restricting resident work-hours really beneficial? The cardiologist-blogger moves up this week.

7) Panda Bear, MD (5)
Panda compares American health care with the military, life expectancy in Albania, and giving away primary care for free. Don't forget the pep talk he gives the incoming intern class.

8) medinnovationblog (2)
Increasing productivity? Cutting costs? Sounds like the mantra of the modern physician. Dr. Reece starts the "Six Innovation" series addressing these issues.

The MedBlog Power 8 is a list of medical blogs that have had an exceptional week of blogging, based purely on my subjective measures. Factors I consider are how provocative the posts are, the amount of discussion it generates, and posting frequency.

The list is revised every Wednesday and will be published every 2-3 days on Kevin, M.D. If you want me to consider your exceptional week of blogging, you can contact me.