I am an internist – I am proud
One nephrologist I met yesterday described himself as a militant internist. I liked that phrase, because that is what I am.
The liver puzzle answered
The albumin was low but not what we would expect with cirrhosis. The other liver tests were remarkably normal.
A liver puzzle
The patient had large volume paracentesis. The SAAG (serum ascites albumin gradient) was 1.8 – consistent with portal hypertension.
What is primary care? (revisited)
I generally avoid using the term for this reason. I hope this discussion emphasizes the importance of the semantics.
On perioperative beta blockers – another hole in the performance indicator movement
I am interested in the ability of the performance movement to adjust. Of course, they will shrug off the unintended consequences that they caused here.
Reasons to become a doctor
I will agree that if your goal is to get Rich (rather then just very well off) you should choose another career.
An acid base puzzle from rounds
Started rounds today and had several interesting laboratory findings. I plan to post some patient quizzes for the next 3 days.
Are vitamin supplements dangerous?
 NNT the author of Black Swan probably enjoys this story, because it shows the triumph of empiric data rather than theory.
Epistemocrat – a Black Swan term
I am currently reading Black Swan. Over the next few days, I will likely share some observations which the book has suggested.
Fixing health care – Time
 The profession needs it to maintain our self-esteem. And it probably would save the overall health care enterprise moneys.