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Second Opinions

Essays and opinions from our readers, always thought-provoking, sometimes controversial

A close up photo of a male physician shaking his female patient鈥檚 hand.

First Impressions Count in Healthcare

By modifying our habits, we can improve the care experience for all

A photo of a cup, a plate of crumbs, and a mostly eaten apple inside of an empty refrigerator

USPSTF Says Evidence Lacking for Food Insecurity Screening 鈥� Now What?

Despite the draft recommendation for primary care, physicians and policies can make a difference

A photo of a bloodied Donald Trump being escorted off the rally stage by Secret Service agents.

What the Trump Assassination Attempt Says About Gun Violence

Democrat, Republican, or other, physicians must discuss this as a public health issue

A photo of a female psychiatrist listening to her mature male patient.

How Authenticity and Self-Disclosure Fit Into Psychiatric Care

We've come a long way from the "blank slate" model

A photo of Peter Buxtun in San Francisco.

We've Been Here Before: The Politicization of Drug Pricing

Ensuring medication access does not have to come at the cost of innovation

A photo of an out of focus female physician with her head in her hand.

Devaluing Our Residents Is Not Without Consequences

Let's take better care of our young medical workforce

A photo of Ozempic and Wegovy injection pens and a bottle of Rybelsus tablets.

Shedding Criticisms: The Real Weight of Misunderstanding Obesity

Stigma and misconceptions create barriers to medication uptake

A photo composite of points of light on a grid over a photo of a male physician using a tablet.

Healthcare AI Is an Exciting Frontier 鈥� But Don't Forget About Equitable Development

Unequal access threatens to worsen disparities

A photo of a nurse tending to a COVID patient in the ICU.

The Hardest I've Cried

Notes from a physician fighting helplessness and misinformation

A photo of a stethoscope lying on a rainbow flag.

The Cass Report, Evidence, and Ethical Thinking on Pediatric Gender-Affirming Care

Appropriate care for this population requires access, not restriction

A photo of a pharmacy inside a Publix grocery store.

Transactional Pharmacies Are Letting Patients Down

Retail pharmacies should be more committed to improving patient health

A photo of President Joe Biden Donald Trump during the debate on June 27, 2024.

Setting the Record Straight on Abortion in the Wake of the Presidential Debate

We should expect more from our elected officials

A photo of the memorial service for Dallas police officers killed on July 7, 2016.

That Patient, That Feeling, You Just Can't Shake

A reflection on race, gun violence, and medicine

A photo of the cover of On Call: A Doctor鈥檚 Journey in Public Service

The Early Days of the AIDS Crisis Felt Like 'Putting Band-Aids on a Hemorrhage'

An adapted excerpt from Anthony Fauci's new book, On Call

A photo of a beam scale in an examination room.

Weight Stigma Is Bad Medicine

Physicians must work to break this cycle of bias

A photo of a woman wearing a protective mask over her eyes.

As Conspiracy Theories Abound, Can We Restore Trust in Public Health?

Yes, if we engage the public more directly

A photo of an out of focus man wearing an eye patch sitting next to a pain-rating scale attached to the wall.

Pain Doesn't Belong on a Scale of Zero to 10

The real answer is long, complicated, and not measurable in this one-dimensional way

A photo of a dad at his daughters bedside in a pediatric hospital.

Access to Pediatric Care Is Rapidly Eroding

The health of future generations is at stake

A photo of four Wegovy injection pens.

Many Kids Benefit From GLP-1s. What Happens When They Have to Stop Taking Them?

Prepare patients early for a time when medication is no longer an option

A photo of a young woman in a library taking notes from a pile of books.

No One Wins in a Medical Student Research Arms Race

It's time for a firm cap on residency application publication numbers

A photo of the Biden-Trump debate as seen on a television.

Did Cold Medications Affect Biden's Debate Performance?

How the American people assess the debate hinges on the answer

A photo of two girls on a bus looking at their smartphones.

Why Protecting Black Girls on Social Media Should Be a Public Health Priority

This population faces unique challenges due to the intersection of racism and sexism

Seeking Justice for Victims of the Opioid Epidemic

The next move is up to the Sacklers

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Even in the Wake of the Rahimi Case, Domestic Violence Still Threatens Our Patients

We need to dispel myths about abuse and better educate physicians on this danger

A photo of a female physician talking to her female patient.

When Was the Last Time You Really Talked With Your Patient?

Sometimes building trust should be the priority

A photo of caged chickens at a commercial egg farm.

What's Driving Avian Influenza Virus Evolution? Human Food Systems

What we do next really matters

A photo of a woman waiting to be seen in an examination room.

The Power of 'Enough-ness' in Medicine

How the principles of "Dayenu" apply in everyday practice

A photo of the exterior of the Department of Justice in Washington, DC.

Who Is 'Engaged in the Business' of Selling Firearms?

A changing landscape for background checks could help limit gun violence

A photo of a female physician holding out a stethoscope.

Choosing a Primary Care Specialty Should Be Lauded, Not Discouraged

Showing skepticism about this career choice won't solve our physician shortage

A photo of statin pills forming a question mark.

Is Cholesterol Denialism Pseudoscience or Appropriate Medical Care?

Calling an end to debate rarely serves the advancement of knowledge

A photo of an ambulance arriving at a hospital.

CMS Is Making It Easier to Report EMTALA Complaints. Here's What Might Change.

The new webpage has the potential to make EDs safer

A photo of a mature female physician pointing at a holographic projection of brain MRI images

The Artificially Intelligent Physician

Envisioning the role of an AI doctor from sci-fi accounts is intriguing, if not alarming

A photo of a magnifying glass lying on an open book.

Retract Now: Negating Flawed Research Must Be Quicker

Incentives and streamlined processes can prevent the spread of incorrect science

A photo of a baby lying in a scale and a judges gavel.

'Alternative Facts' Should Not Guide Reproductive Decisions

Personal agendas have no place in healthcare

A photo of a pregnant woman standing in front of a car.

Clear the Air: Protecting Expectant Mothers From the Hazards of Pollution

We must address this invisible risk to maternal health

A computer rendering of COVID viruses.

Here's What Is Wrong With the National Academies' Long COVID Definition

Overly broad criteria won't help patients in the long run

A photo of an open tanning bed.

Tanning Salons Are Overdue for a Regulatory Burn

In the meantime, don't forget to educate patients on the risks

A photo of an overflowing mailbox.

'Opting Out' of Medical Snail Mail Can Boost Your Karma (and Maybe Save the Planet)

We can't shrug off environmental responsibility just because we're doctors

A close up photo of the U.S. flag on the shoulder of a military uniform.

Sounding the Alarm: The Silent Epidemic of Suicide Among U.S. Veterans

We have a moral obligation to care for those who have served our country

A photo of signage outside of FDA headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Was the FDA Panel Right to Recommend Against MDMA Approval?

Psychedelic treatments have potential, and taking an evidence-based approach is what's needed

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