There is a wonderful quote by Aldous Huxley: “Medical science is making such remarkable progress that soon none of us will be well.” With the degree of disease mongering, over diagnosis and awareness that we have at present this prediction is coming true....
Once upon a time medical practice was about the consulting room. Here the patient and doctor could consider what was best for the individual based on their unique circumstances. The aim was to treat the patient, not to treat a number, or to treat to a target or to...
This week on the Paul Murray show on 6PR we spoke about the Australian class action against Bayer over the contraceptive pills Yasmin and Yaz. Legal cases have been conducted in the USA. It centre’s on the risks of side effects particularly the risks of blood clots...
What is in a name? Whenever cancer is diagnosed people will immediately, and understandably become very worried. The word has certain connotations. Even though many cancers today are treatable and that many are found at an early stage, we still associate cancer with...
Apparently in penalty shots in soccer, the goalkeeper will lunge to the left or right over 80% of the time. However in roughly 80% of penalty shots the striker aims for the middle of the net. The latter makes sense as it allows the greatest chance of getting a goal....
The question, which we must always ask with medication, is whether the benefit outweighs the risk. This question applies to each drug and each individual person. Despite the wishes of academics and governments there is no protocol to fit all. Sadly doctors and...
