As I think about all the problems that have become greatly apparent in 2017, I wonder what is ahead for 2018? Healthcare in the U.S. has become more like a business than a caring profession. I wonder what the Mayo brothers would think if they tried to find a doctor today? They would most likely be astounded and ashamed of many of the doctors they encountered. The answer for many doctors today is to spend five minutes listening to a patient, perhaps do a quick check and then write one or more prescriptions. Drug ads on television have have more than doubled in the last four years according to a recent article in the New York Times. Often a patient will insist on a drug they have seen advertised and a doctor may comply. Amazing! Drug ads are not allowed in other countries except for New Zealand I have been told. I wish that were true in the U.S. However, with the man Trump has chosen to be head of the drug division, it may get worse. I don't watch a lot of TV but if I do I always mute the drug ads. I get incensed when I see an ad saying a drug is endorsed by all pediatricians. I wonder which pediatricians have been paid by a drug company to do endorsements. Ethics seem to be losing ground certainly in the Trump administration and also in the medical profession. We are medicating both adults and children instead of suggesting they change some of the eating habits and behaviors. Children with behavior problems are particularly at risk of being medicated. Yet the children may just be desperate for their parents to say "No", take away some of their electronic devices, and be sure they get enough sleep, healthy food, and exercise.
I wish I felt more positive about what is ahead for our country in 2018. Unless we insist Trump and his billionaires care more about the country then themselves, I think we are in for some hard times. At least young people are beginning to pay attention, so hopefully there will be some wonderful surprises ahead. Happy 2018.
