Stephen C Schimpff's Blog Posts Tagged 'Medical' (7)

New cells to replace those destroyed in diabetes type 1, cells to help heal a heart attack, cells to cure leukemia – this is the promise of stem cells. Some of this is happening now; more will be available in a few years.

Stem cells will usher in the era of regenerative medicine, allowing the creation of cells, tissues and organs to treat or cure diseases and injuries. This will be a fundamental alteration in our approach to medical care and a transformational medical megatrend. And…

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Over the past ten years and since the publication of the Institute of Medicine landmark book “To Err Is Human” there have been many attempts to reduce preventable medical errors which are estimated to take about 100,000 lives per year – perhaps many more. The question is whether all of this effort has had a substantial clinical impact.

The results of a recently published study are therefore concerning. A…

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What should we expect of a physician leader today? I believe it should be something much different than what leaders do now.



Today, a hospital physician CEO might be expected to develop new or improved clinical programs, in part by recruiting the best and the brightest, by building new wings, and by purchasing new technologies. The measure of success would be improved finances as a result of added admissions. A dean might be expected to develop new research programs by building new… Continue

The current issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association [JAMA, February 24, 2010, pages 771-772] has an interesting editorial of the title here by Drs Nestle and Ludwig about food labeling. “At no point in US history have food products displayed so may symbols and statements proclaiming nutrition and health benefits” is the opening sentence. In brief, the authors suggest that processed food companies have been aggressive in putting information on the front of their packages that… Continue

Fifty years ago about 55% of Americans were overweight as measured by body mass index [BMI which is based on the relationship of height to weight]. Broken down this was 32% “pre-obesity” or “overweight” [meaning BMI between 25.0 and 29.9] and 13% obese [BMI 30 or greater.] Today that 55% has increased to 68% with 34% now in the obese range! Obesity affects all ages and genders. Among adults, 72% of men and 64% of women are pre-obese and 32% and 36%, respectively, are obese. And very disturbing… Continue

We should so hope but often that it is just not the case.



Laparoscopic surgery took medicine by storm 20 years ago but some new technologies of great value are slow to be adopted, such as simulation for teaching procedures rather than learning by practicing on the patient. Sometimes it is because the old way is “the way we have always done it” and sometimes it is because those holding the purse strings just do not appreciate the underlying value. Laparoscopic surgery got patients out… Continue

Last fall I was asked by Maryland Senator Benjamin Cardin to join a group evaluating whether the new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center [WRNMMC], when completed in a few years, would be “world class.” The group, a subcommittee of the Defense Health Board, met multiple times to learn about the plans and develop a report for Congress. The report is now available at http://www.health.mil/dhb/meetings/NCR%20BRAC%20HSAS%20Report%20-%20Final.pdf . Here is a brief summary. The Base… Continue