Category: Editorials

(Snippets from the frontline) Computer reality My patient visited New York and had a heart attack.  Upon his return, it took 6 weeks to get medical records snail-mailed back to … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Dehydration Every day patients arrive in the emergency room with confusion, weakness, and low blood pressure, and are diagnosed with infection.  Intravenous fluid and antibiotic are … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) The silent doctor Doctors have been described as the best and brightest, and they should be as medical decisions impact the lives of many people.  But … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Overdosed by government Opiate overdose is a leading cause of death in our country with addiction destroying lives and families.  Many disabled patients however under chronic … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Grace She was a teacher, retiring at age 65 and traveling the world finally seeing countries she passionately illuminated for her students. Grace wanted those she … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Painting a picture Upon admission to a hospital, the doctor you choose has already earned your trust and confidence. Nowadays though, one can be admitted by … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Don’t forget the forgotten There is no place like home.  Just not a nursing home. The re-invented name “Skilled Nursing Facility” cannot erase images of screaming … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Surviving war and hospitalization Robert, a Vietnam veteran, returned from the war zone without physical or psychologic scars, and did not adopt the habits of smoking … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Business bandwagon Some of the “best and brightest” have become medical doctors.  They endure rigorous training caring for the health and well-being of those ill in … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Re-blending our DNA Seretse Khama, a prince from the African country of Bechuanaland (now Botswana), fell in love with a woman in England after WW II.  … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Rolling the dice with chest pain You are awakened with crushing chest pain and brought to the emergency room.  Initial testing reveals no heart attack, but … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Medicare HMO is not free Every year during open enrollment, HMOs direct full-page ads toward Medicare patients promoting “free” coverage including medication, glasses, hearing aids, dental … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) When is a bribe not a bribe? When it is a campaign contribution from special interest lobbyists. Gene Uzawa Dorio, M.D.

(Snippets from the frontline) Glowing in the dark When you have an x-ray procedure, the doctor or technician wears a badge to detect radiation and prevent overdose. By law, the … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline on Thanksgiving Day) Thankful for a high school education The company was re-locating from Maryland but valued his tool-making skills, so they brought Ralph H. Ruud … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Pointing fingers We now know our present opiate crisis came not only from illegal foreign drug cartel distribution, but primarily from legally sanctioned and organized American … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Home, your comfort zone The majority of elders seniors pass away in a hospital or nursing home.  My patients want to die at home. Home is … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Should hospitals employ doctors? Not legally in California.  Why?  Because they are afraid profiteering hospital administrators might dangle the salary of employed doctors forcing harmful patient … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Ron – the unknown soldier He was 60 years old when he passed away from a rare cancer on November 1st. Not ever in the military, … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) The other pain reliever My pain management patients use opiates (DEA “Schedule 2”) to make it through the day.  I don’t see any of them abusing … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Beyond the realm of modern medicine She was 90 years old and admitted with a stroke.  Two weeks before, her rent increased, so she cut her … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Older and sicker stay shorter When an elder senior is admitted to a hospital, Medicare pays a flat fee based on diagnosis to cover the length … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Anger management The patient was angry.  He lived in assisted living and was acting out against other residents.  I was called to de-escalate the tension…which means … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) In Denial You suddenly become ill.  The emergency room doctor feels admission is necessary.  Your physician agrees, so you are hospitalized with IVs and testing done.  … Continue Reading →

(Snippets from the frontline) Our greatest asset My nephew has two children under the age of 10 who have dual citizenship with Japan.  On a recent visit there, they got … Continue Reading →