Two doctors on the challenges of medicine today By Theresa Gaffney March 18, 2026 0 min Stat News Share Summary Takeaways Listen Insight Report Clinical Scorecard Quiz Poll Top Institutions 1 NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya assured that the agency will fully utilize its budget by the end of the 2026 fiscal year despite slow grant awards. 2 Emergency physician Jay Baruch highlighted the issue of patient overflow in hospitals, sharing personal experiences of inadequate care. 3 Former surgeon Frances Mei Hardin discussed her decision to leave medicine, finding fulfillment outside the profession after years of struggle. 4 A study revealed a significant increase in kratom-related hospitalizations, raising questions about regulatory approaches amid rising use. 5 The U.S. adult smoking rate dropped to 9.9% in 2024, the lowest ever recorded, marking a significant milestone in public health.
