Second Opinion

What the White House failed to tell us

The U.S. healthcare system can protect patients, save money, and reduce environmental harm by replacing unnecessary single-use medical items with safe, reusable alternatives.

We expect that FDA-approved drugs have been shown to be safe and effective. But, that isn't always the case.

Should a state have the authority to override a woman's wishes regarding her body—not for her benefit, but for someone else's?

Should a state have the authority to override a woman’s wishes regarding her body—not for her benefit, but for someone else’s?

It's often hard to let go of traditions, but it's time to rethink the role of anatomy dissections.

It’s often hard to let go of traditions, but it's time to rethink the role of anatomy dissections.

Unhoused people lack safe bathroom access—an issue of public health, safety, and basic dignity we can no longer ignore.

Unhoused people lack safe bathroom access—an issue of public health, safety, and basic dignity we can no longer ignore.

For more than a century, there has been a nefarious fascination with engineering society in ways that disadvantage the most vulnerable.

For more than a century, there has been a nefarious fascination with engineering society in ways that disadvantage the most vulnerable.

Evidence-based recommendations from groups like the US Preventive Services Task Force are only as effective as the screening tools currently available.

Evidence-based recommendations from groups like the US Preventive Services Task Force are only as effective as the screening tools currently available.

Medical schools must address unprofessional behavior early, as student misconduct often predicts future disciplinary issues and patient harm.

Medical schools must address unprofessional behavior early, as student misconduct often predicts future disciplinary issues and patient harm.

Digital communications are playing a larger role in health care, but transparency and equity are being forgotten.

Digital communications are playing a larger role in health care, but transparency and equity are being forgotten.

Being a surrogate decision-maker for someone at the end of life isn't easy, but there are steps you can take to ease the burden.

Being a surrogate decision-maker for someone at the end of life isn’t easy, but there are steps you can take to ease the burden. 

Let's examine the evidence and clarify what we really know about measles and why it's important.

Let's examine the evidence and clarify what we really know about measles and why it's important.

Requesting a test or procedure from a clinician can raise tricky issues

Requesting a test or procedure from a clinician can raise tricky issues

Takotsubo Syndrome provides strong evidence for the link between mind and heart

Takotsubo Syndrome provides strong evidence for the link between mind and heart

Even when things go right, the outcome may not be what was expected.

Even when things go right, the outcome may not be what was expected.  

Anthrax – an example of how the US Government has worked to stop the spread of disease

Anthrax – an example of how the US Government has worked to stop the spread of disease

Without warning, and with no time to develop alternative approaches, funding just stopped. People are dying.

Without warning, and with no time to develop alternative approaches, funding just stopped.  People are dying.

Data suggests that barriers may exist with adults being aware of this option for care at the end of life.

Data suggests that barriers may exist with adults being aware of this option for care at the end of life.

We often make choices that are short-sighted and seem to serve our own interests rather than the interests of all

We often make choices that are short-sighted and seem to serve our own interests rather than the interests of all

Hopefully, we've learned many lessons, but there is still lots to be learned.

As Congress debates cuts to Medicaid (the health insurance program for the poor and disabled) in order to deliver a tax cut to the wealthy, it risks a cascade of negative effects on our entire health care system.

As Congress debates cuts to Medicaid (the health insurance program for the poor and disabled) in order to deliver a tax cut to the wealthy, it risks a cascade of negative effects on our entire health care system.

USAID is a powerhouse of humanitarianism and global security

USAID is a powerhouse of humanitarianism and global security

Statistics can be intimidating. But before you decide to begin a treatment you should ask what the expected benefit will be to you.

Statistics can be intimidating.  But before you decide to begin a treatment you should ask what the expected benefit will be to you.