All the loyal readers of this blog have probably realized that I haven't posted in quite a while. That's because, as the title says, I MOVED! Neil and I have left Boston (so sad) are now in South Florida and are settled enough for me to start classes at Nova Southeastern this Monday, August 1st. Much has happened since I've written, and hopefully I will be able to write about some of it. I have NO idea how much time I will have to blog once classes begin and most of my time will be spent studying, and the majority of the rest will be with Neil. I'm sure I will be able to share a tidbit or two. In the meantime, don't forget to wear sunscreen.
Showing posts with label moving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label moving. Show all posts
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Practicing Better Medicine?
A part of preparing to begin the process of medical school involves paperwork - a mountain of paperwork. This mountain is not Everest, but it is still a mountain. Ok, maybe a hill, but it was still more than I was expecting. Most of it was just, 'sign this document stating you will consent to allow other students to learn manipulation on you. Do you promise all this background information is true, etc.' A majority of the annoying stuff to fill out was health information. I've been vaccinated, but getting the proof of vaccination ended up being ridiculously round-about.
Finally I decided to call my pediatrician to get the records, I think off of the advice Neil gave me. As someone who has moved around a few times in recent years and a future medical professional, I am a strong advocate for a centralized health records system.
This concept is not a new one. Since the internet came into being, many of our 'sensitive' documents and information about our lives have found themselves online: banking information, insurance information, credit cards, investments, shopping habits, likes/dislikes and friends. Why not have a secure system in place where we can store our health histories? Moving from one part of the country to another would be much easier (for those who don't already have their health information organized). Going from specialist to specialist would no longer require a stack of paperwork to fill out, and needed information, like familial health history, might not slip through the cracks (did Uncle So-and-so have high blood pressure or COPD?).
Even having a centralized electronic health record (EHR) for a hospital/primary care facility could help improve quality of care by catching medical errors immediately or before the treatment plan begins. When prescribing medication, walk through screens could increase patient safety as drug incompatibilities and adverse affects can be highlighted before the pen reaches the Rx pad.
On a wider level, health trends and treatments could be categorized and implemented much faster if the EHR were used in conjunction with evidence based medicine.
Privacy has been cited as a concern, but with proper password/id protection, it shouldn't be a problem. Actually, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), set up in 1996 not only helped to protect patients' right to privacy, but also set up guidelines for a paperless, centralized system of electronic health records. I have seen software systems used in academics and in medical practices that allow for information to be shared without compromising privacy standards.
More can be done to assuage privacy concerns, but I believe that the benefits of having a centralized EHR system outweigh any costs. What do you think?
Finally I decided to call my pediatrician to get the records, I think off of the advice Neil gave me. As someone who has moved around a few times in recent years and a future medical professional, I am a strong advocate for a centralized health records system.
This concept is not a new one. Since the internet came into being, many of our 'sensitive' documents and information about our lives have found themselves online: banking information, insurance information, credit cards, investments, shopping habits, likes/dislikes and friends. Why not have a secure system in place where we can store our health histories? Moving from one part of the country to another would be much easier (for those who don't already have their health information organized). Going from specialist to specialist would no longer require a stack of paperwork to fill out, and needed information, like familial health history, might not slip through the cracks (did Uncle So-and-so have high blood pressure or COPD?).
Even having a centralized electronic health record (EHR) for a hospital/primary care facility could help improve quality of care by catching medical errors immediately or before the treatment plan begins. When prescribing medication, walk through screens could increase patient safety as drug incompatibilities and adverse affects can be highlighted before the pen reaches the Rx pad.
On a wider level, health trends and treatments could be categorized and implemented much faster if the EHR were used in conjunction with evidence based medicine.
Privacy has been cited as a concern, but with proper password/id protection, it shouldn't be a problem. Actually, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), set up in 1996 not only helped to protect patients' right to privacy, but also set up guidelines for a paperless, centralized system of electronic health records. I have seen software systems used in academics and in medical practices that allow for information to be shared without compromising privacy standards.
More can be done to assuage privacy concerns, but I believe that the benefits of having a centralized EHR system outweigh any costs. What do you think?
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
more to come
Friends. I've been extremely busy trying to get myself ready for school in the fall. This includes doctor's visits, figuring out health insurance, moving, timing, other prior commitments (like an amazing relay race to the Cape)etc. There are a couple topics. I want to write about, including centralized health care, mental health and marriage protection rights, but they are going to have to wait for a bit while I catch up on work (which I also want to blog about). I will try and fit them in as soon as I can. In the meantime, please enjoy this glee cover of one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite artists: Rolling in the Deep by Adele.
I LOVE THIS SONG!
I LOVE THIS SONG!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Beginning
I am starting a wonderful new beginning. After moving from the midwest to Boston several years ago for graduate school, I will soon be making another leap. Yes, I made it into medical school (at last!) and will be continuing my education at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton campus. Medicine is a huge interest of mine and helping others increase their wellness has been a career goal since I was in high school. I have found that many of my interests overlap as they all have something to do with wellness; health, economics, sociology, philosophy, education, law, politics, science, civil rights... I admire constructive dialogue in all these arenas (and many more) and hope to take part in many discussions and this is why I have started this blog.
This is a learning experience for me. Let's get started!
This is a learning experience for me. Let's get started!
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