The Need for Change in Modern Medicine:
Course Description:
In this class we will examine the need for change in modern medicine to tackle current demands from contemporary society. These will include looking at current controversies that have introduced new challenges for doctors to face and also will discuss attempts at reform to address them.
Week 1: The Change in the MCAT, Is it enough?
http://www.forbes.com/sites/dandiamond/2015/04/22/we-need-a-new-type-of-doctor-but-will-the-new-mcat-be-enough/#64dc29a167e4
This first article starts our discussion by refuting the new changes in the MCAT and stating that it simply isn’t enough. Americans want a lot from doctors, and patients today want to be wholly treated, not just their illness. The author explains that although medical knowledge is important, it is merely a fraction of requirements that must be met by a well-rounded doctor in order to handle the demands of the job. More specifically, the criticism here is in regards to the attitude behind success of a doctor- mastery of hard sciences is relevant, but doctors require a mastery of critical thinking.
Week 2: Controversial Topics Doctors Must Address in Today’s Society
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/08/25/can-we-talk-about-your-weight/
Lerner’s article discusses the tip toeing that physicians must do to comply with their patients in order to address completely justified matters such as weight. One must ask for permission before bringing up an issue of weight, however Lerner argues that where is the proof that a strategy like asking for permission improves health? The article goes on to discuss many other current topics such as smoking, binge drinking and unprotected sex, and that doctor’s should have the ability to not only discuss such topics but also suggest that they might need fixing.
Week 3: Obamacare comes under fire
http://www.advocate.com/transgender/2016/8/24/ken-paxton-sues-doctors-should-be-able-turn-away-trans-people
This article discusses how the state of Texas, and many religious organizations filed a lawsuit against Obamacare’s implied change to the definition of gender, specifically how requesting trans-inclusive services be added to healthcare systems conflicts with the religious freedom of doctors. For example, transgender people have changed the way gender is defined to becoming an internal feeling, rather than a natural state determined at birth. The lawsuit claims that doctors will be forced to “perform controversial and sometimes harmful medical procedures ostensibly designed to permanently change an individual’s sex — including the sex of children.” This continues our discussion of the current demands that doctors must face in a society full of controversy.
Week 4: Changes in Healthcare: Comparing Past to Present
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/hospital-of-tomorrow/articles/2014/07/15/hospital-of-yesterday-the-biggest-changes-in-health-care
This article discusses reforms to the healthcare industry that have allowed it become what it is today. More specifically, the article looks at how discrimination against patients, the length of stays at hospitals, and the sole dependency on doctors have been changed to implement a more patient empowered healthcare system. For example, technological advances, such as integrations of high resolution cameras and small incision surgical procedures have allowed the promotion of faster healing.
