The PMD Critical List: Top Health Apps for Physicians

This week's list of must-read news stories includes a look at some of the top medical apps for physicians, a startling report about violence against physicians in India, and a shift in the Vatican’s thinking on abortions.

• The 8 Best Medical Apps for Physicians (Healthcare Global)

The wise doctor takes advantage of today’s healthcare technology and there’s a whole lot in the mobile realm. These include: Read by QxMD, Epocrates, Doximity, NEJM This Week, Figure 1, DynaMed Mobile, and Virtual Practice for Doctors.

• 75% of Indian Doctors Face Workplace Violence (The Times of India)

Attacks on doctors in India are all too common, according to an IMA study. Most of the violence takes place during peak hours in the ER or ICU and comes from the hands of patient relatives and/or friends.

• Pope Allows Pardons for Doctors Who've Performed Abortions (Huffington Post)

Beginning in 2016, Pope Francis has given permission for priests to absolve women who have had abortions along with the physicians who performed them. Despite the change, the Vatican continues to see abortion as a sin.

• The Problem with Paying Doctors on Performance (Bloomberg)

“As Medicare prepares to rate doctors on a scale from 0 to 100 (in 2019), there’s confusion about how to define success.” And “if you’re going to link payment to a measure, you want to make sure it’s reliable and valid and can improve care.”

• Are Doctors "Complicit" in Military Health System Abuses? (CBS News)

The US military’s Chief Medical Officer and head of its health benefit system says that some physicians are responsible for costing the Army millions in allowing marketers to peddle pain and scar creams to military personnel.

• The Doctor’s $3.2 Million Affair (NJ.com)

A New Jersey neurologist must pay a massive multimillion dollar judgment to a brain injury patient under his care for a dalliance with her. Doctor to Patient: “Are you asking me on a date?”

• When a Millionaire is Just Not Enough (New York Post)

More than half of those with a net worth between $1 million and $5 million are afraid of losing it all, according to a UBS study on wealth. The leading worry culprits are career setbacks or a stock market crash.

• Doctors’ Orders for Elite Racing (The New York Times)

Here’s an intriguing report on the state of medical care for Formula One auto racers. Although the motor sport’s medical record is extraordinary, “improving safety is now shared between engineers, architects, doctors.”

• How to Succeed in Business from the "Manager of the Century” (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

Cleveland Clinic CEO/President Toby Cosgrove, MD, recently interviewed Jack Welch and his wife about their new book, "The Real-Life MBA.” The couple shared 6 important lessons about life and business.