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On May 1^st we celebrate doctors.  “Your life is our life’s work” sums up the drive that keeps physicians working (Ontario Medical Association 30 second video below).

In the clinic this morning, I talked with staff about how a positive test does not mean a patient has something wrong.  We discussed screening tests, pre-test probability, positive and negative predictive value, confirmation tests, and clinical judgement.

Physicians forget that what seems second nature actually took decades to develop.  Your skills as a physician actually have enormous value even when your application of them seems effortless.

I hope physicians take a minute today to realize the value they add to patients’ lives.  I hope they celebrate the privilege of spending their lives helping other people.  Even though some will always criticize, most Canadians appreciate their physicians.

Doctor’s day reminds physicians of the trust patients place in them.  It rekindles passion to care.  Thanks Doc!

 

 

My Daughter’s First Book

My 14 year old spent her summer furiously clicking on her MacBook.  Two years later, her first novel, The Last Pages, is ready for pre-order on Amazon.com. She has a contract for book 2, and has a 3rd well under way.

 

Young adult novels command a huge chunk of the publishing market right now.  If you know of any YA readers, tell them to check out The Last Pages by Lara Whatley!

 

Toronto doctor smacks down U.S. Senate question on Canadian waitlist deaths | National Post.

I appreciate Dr. Martin’s quick wit in deflecting a question with an attack on the questioner.

Nice move.

The Toronto Star gushed about Dr. Martin being best suited to represent the values of the Canadian health care system. Apparently, the Huffington Post said she just became Canada’s newest hero.

Debates like this make change almost impossible.  They entrench discussion into a debate about Canadian distinctiveness compared with our southern neighbour, completely missing the point.

We need to debate what’s best for patients.

Has ANYONE in the world copied Canadian Medicare?

If our system was as great as Martin says, don’t you think someone – anyone – would have copied it?

No, ideological devotion blinds Dr. Martin, the media, and most of the rest of us to the need for change in our beloved Medicare.