A scathing critique of these doctor rating sites show that physicians have very little to worry about.

A doctor writes in Slate (via the ACP Internist) about how he tried his best to find usable ratings about himself and colleagues and comes up with a “shocking lack of useful information.”

The sites were inundated with ads, promoting “cheap generic Viagra [and] fantasy football leagues,” amongst others. Reading Read more »

The report sets out areas of weakness in how community services were run.

It points out that the primary purpose of such services was to prevent admissions to hospital or to facilitate early discharge. But two-thirds of these services were available on weekdays only, even though more than half of the admissions to hospital were outside these hours.

A third of the adult population in Wales report having at least one chronic Read more »

by James Knolan

If you suffer from back pain, then you owe it to yourself to explore what treatment options are available. You want to check with your doctor or chiropractor to diagnose your condition. Some forms of lower back pain can be treated more naturally while others may need surgery. This depends on many factors that your health professional can consult you on directly. Many back pain treatments utilize massage therapy to help assist Read more »

What are the differences between the two generalist fields?

Academic internist Robert Centor gives his perspective, highlighting differences in philosophy, focus, program rigor, and the involvement of obstetrics and pediatrics.

I found the observation about the variability of family practice program’s rigor interesting, with Dr. Centor saying “the better programs do a wonderful job, but there remain too many Read more »