Society’s health should not be doctors’ responsibilities

I thoroughly enjoy my 65-year-old male with his horrendous diabetic foot ulcer.  But there’s not enough insulin in the state of Tennessee to cover the two bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits he eats every morning. And I adore my 57-year-old female with COPD.  But the inhalers won’t work until she stops smoking two packs of cigarettes per day.  I laugh every time I see that hilarious 32-year-old with hypertension.  But the ACE, calcium channel blocker, and diuretic won’t overcome the cocaine he does every day.  And the 42-year-old female that already has cirrhosis?  Her smile lights up the exam room.  But her liver won’t improve until she slows down on the 12-packs. Fast food companies can make it seem so fun to eat an extra meal, but it’s my job to deal with the obesity.  Cigarette companies can make smoking seem so sophisticated, but it’s my job to salvage the lungs.  Beer brands can make it seem so glorious to drink.  But I have to deal with the devastation that ensues. Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Physician Diabetes Primary care Source Type: blogs