The PMD Critical List: Sleepy Eyes

This week’s list of must-read stories includes a novel way of measuring physician fatigue, a look at how high-deductible insurance plans squeeze doctors, and one doctor’s take on the relative value (or lack thereof) of being on a “Best Doctors” list.

• Physician Fatigue? It’s All in the Eyes (Science Codex)

Scientists in the Annals of Surgery show that measurement of a doctor’s eye movement after a long medical shift is a more objective way to access his or her level of work weariness.

• Why Are Patients Drawn to Certain Doctors? (Pacific Standard)

Good physician bedside manner isn’t a trivial skill. Researchers find that an “emotional fit” can be the vital component when it comes to doctor evaluation, selection, and compliance by patients.

• 10 Best Business Books of 2014 (Inc.)

Most doctors are better readers than they are entrepreneurs. Take some time to review this list of “real eye-openers.” Now more than ever physicians must become the CEO of their life.

• High-Deductible Insurance Plans Impact Physician Pay (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

With almost half of large US employers now offering workers high-deductible plans and enrollment jumping, doctor compensation will continue to get squeezed. Medical practices must develop new and different skills to get paid.

• The Man Behind the Nation's Fastest-Growing Hospital Chain (Modern Healthcare)

A fascinating story on physician-executive Prem Reddy, who is turning around failing hospitals and along the way has won supporters and detractors. “Saving lives and saving jobs,” is his goal.

• Can You Trust a Virtual Doctor Visit? (BankRate.com)

Here’s a good review (in plain old English) of a growing but still unsettled style of medical practice from a respected financial/consumer information website.

• Eyeing a BB Gun For Christmas? Don't Go There, Doctors Say (WBUR)

It’s that time of the year—for holiday gifts and A Christmas Story movie classic. Doctors tell parents that a child’s wants shouldn’t be a deciding factor for what comes under the Christmas tree.

• Denham Harman, 98, Dies; Sought Leverage on Aging (The New York Times)

RIP to a Nebraska medical professor whose 1954 paper, “Free Radical Theory of Aging,” changed thinking on old age and vitamin therapy—for good and bad.

• Coaching in Medicine (The Doctor Weighs In)

A successful physician-coach explains the ins and outs of her work and why doctor-clients must be shown that “hard science” and “soft science” both matter in this new field.

• Does it Pay to be in a “Best Doctor” Directory? (Los Angeles Times)

No, one doc says. All you can really claim is minor bragging rights, a plaque to hang in your office, and usually a costly catch. It’s far better to just be good at your work.