Life in the city

I blame my suburban-yuppie-ness on Woodbury. How else can you describe enjoying going to a coffee shop chain, ordering a latte, and sitting down to read? Tonight it was one of those nights that I had to leave my room. Journal articles needed to be read and my room was more welcoming to naps than scientific stuff. Somehow the Central West End is lacking in cute, independent coffee shops though.

It may sound strange, but I will often casually read license plates as I walk down the street. Looking at different states or creative phrases or the random letter combinations generated that may actually have a meaning. I did love it when my dad had FBI on his car. Or the car I saw once with DNA. Tonight my favorite license plate was "MI BMW" on a sporty, white BMW. Possessiveness, pride, or a joke. Take your pick.

I did read an interesting article today in JAMA, found through the Talking Point Memo Cafe. It appears that approximately 10% of physicians today are affiliated with an investment firm, such as a hedgefund. Conflicts of interest will most certainly arise. I'm a bit surprised at how many physicians are already involved with this sector, but it does make sense in terms of expertise and field of training. A recent issue of The Economist examined the pharmaceutical industry and its future challenges. Between both publications, it appears that the intersection between public and private research is a hot topic. What are the responsibilities that physicans have towards their patients, research, society, and themselves? Does medical research necessarily have to be within public domain, just because research will ultimately affect society? Personally, it is interesting to note the potential jobs that are opening up for particular degree holders, away from traditional faculty appointments.

In other health care news, it doesn't appear that Medicaid will be fixed anytime soon. More cuts might be in the near future, and legislators are working to reshape the qualifications for eligibility. Judging from the article that I read, it doesn't sound promising. A task force has been appointed, indicating that recommendations may not arrive for awhile. Meanwhile, the bureacracy continues and the elderly continue to sacrifice in order to get and stay on the program. It is a strange dilemma how a large percentage of senior citizens live on a government-based program and pay for privatized nursing home care.