When it comes to health communications, right now we are in a bit of a disconnect. Here’s what I mean: This is the new age of Patient Empowerment, right? I think the answer is yes, as study after study shows smarter patients do better when they are more informed about the health issues facing them. [...]

The other day, before Sunday’s vote in the House of Representatives, I wrote an email to a congressman from my home state, Washington, who was “on the fence” about healthcare reform. Brian Baird does not represent my district, a conservative Republican does, Dave Reichert. Reichert was in lock step with the Republican leadership and went [...]

OK. It has come down to this week: Will Democrats, on their own, pass the start of what could be pivotal healthcare reform legislation? I am one who is hoping they will and will be hopping mad if they don’t. I am praying key Democratic Congressmen will vote for what’s good for the country and [...]

The Republicans want to start from scratch. The President says no. A interparty healthcare reform summit is scheduled before live television cameras at Blair House. Will anything happen or does healthcare reform remain stuck, one Massachusetts senator short?
There is no “free lunch” as the clock ticks. Millions go every day without insurance. But some of [...]

Question: Are political pressures on pharmaceutical companies and the medical community getting in the way of worthy education and public service projects?
First some transparency: I am not nor have I ever been an employee of any drug company nor has anyone in my family. As far as I know, we own no stock in a [...]

Being Jewish, this is an especially introspective time for me. We are just passing the Jewish new year, Rosh Hashanah, and the few days between this holiday and the next, Yom Kippur, our day of atonement, typically get me thinking about why I do what I do – what’s the point?
My friend and one of [...]