Two doctors on the challenges of medicine today
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By
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Theresa Gaffney
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March 18, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Two Physicians Discuss the Current Challenges in the Field of Medicine
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Challenges in Healthcare Delivery |
| Key Mechanisms | Hospital overcrowding, billing disputes, and regulatory uncertainties |
| Target Population | Patients and healthcare providers |
| Care Setting | Emergency departments and hospital systems |
Key Highlights
- Hospital overcrowding leads to patients being treated in hallways.
- Surgeon Frances Mei Hardin discusses leaving medicine after a decade.
- Kratom use in hospitals has increased significantly from 2017 to 2024.
- FDA considers regulating 7-OH, a compound derived from kratom.
- U.S. adult smoking rate drops to 9.9%, the lowest in recorded history.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Monitor hospitalizations and emergency visits related to kratom use.
Management
- Address hospital overcrowding through improved resource allocation.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Track trends in kratom use and its implications for patient care.
Risks
- Evaluate the potential for increased harm due to regulatory changes on kratom.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Individuals using kratom for pain management or recreational purposes.
Kratom is not a significant source of overdose deaths.
Clinical Best Practices
- Ensure adequate patient care environments to prevent hallway treatment.
- Consider the implications of billing practices on patient care.
References
