The PMD Critical List: Surveillance, Interrogation, and Sympathy

Will hospitals turn into “data surveillance centers”? That’s one of the questions tackled in this week’s list of must-read stories for physicians. Also on the list: A columnist’s assertion that the public shouldn’t feel sorry for doctors.

• The Future of Medicine Is in Your Smartphone (The Wall Street Journal)

Big changes in healthcare: “hospitals of the future are likely to be roomless data surveillance centers for remote patient monitoring.” There will still be doctors, but patients will have a lot more control.

• How to Win Friends and Interrogate People (New York Post)

The foundation of any satisfying doctor-patient relationship is good communication. Here are some tips from a former FBI agent and PhD on how to spot the “Big 3” friend signals (eyebrow flash, tilted head, and authentic smile).

• Healthcare Investment Roundup 2015 (MedCityNews)

Is the healthcare business recession-proof? Yes, for 3 major reasons: 1) Demand is strong and growing; 2) The US healthcare system remains profitable; and 3) US consumers resist major changes to our healthcare system.

• How Do Doctors Use Their Free Time (DoctorsLounge.com)

What do doctors do when they’re not saving lives? An AMA survey found a variety of “extracurricular activities.” Physical activity is the physician’s best friend—with running, biking, and walking being the top choices. Reading also scored big.

• 3 Reasons Not To Feel Sorry For Doctors (Forbes)

Biting commentary on the upcoming changes regarding maintenance of certification (MOC) matters for many physicians. Debate is good, but in the end, the many good docs must keep an eye on the few bad ones.

• Harvard Ideas on Health Care Hit Home, Hard (The New York Times)

The healthcare policy eggheads at Harvard are about a get a taste of their own medicine. The health benefit plans (along with higher costs) they advocate for others will cause “distress and anxiety” for them.

• Physicians’ Prayers for Their Patients During Surgery (Everyday Health)

A very compelling essay by a doctor who has found “physician spirituality” to be a sign of strength—and he’s seen the power of prayer work more than few times. Mentors of all diversities led the way.

• Doctors Say Gun Queries Should Be Part of Prevention Effort (Trib Total Media)

Despite some 2^nd Amendment opposition, more and more doctors (and their professional groups) feel that questions about gun ownership are vital to proper care. A patient’s “ecosystem” is predictive of medical health, they say.

• Primary Care Physicians More likely to Recommend NP Careers (Medical Express)

A survey of PCPs finds that they would recommend a career as a nurse practitioner (66%) rather than their own chosen field of medicine (56%). And all in the name of “greater clarity” for the healthcare profession.

• Lessons from Successful Physicians on Building a Stable Financial Future (Global Healthcare)

Successful physicians confirm that personal financial happiness can be summed up in 4 points: make time for money matters, develop an estate plan, be prepared for a disability, and find a good money manager.