By Rebecca DiBiase I recently completed my master’s degree in public health at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. Through the help of two projects I worked on during my master’s degree, I rediscovered a niche in the field of global health that I find particularly unique and exciting: international medical education. I initially(...)
When Helping Could Hurt: Experiences in Global Health
Posted by | Latin America, Medical Education, Patient CareBy Rebecca DiBiase I wrote this blog post as I was flying to Peru to volunteer at a traveling medical clinic. In preparation for my trip, I read an insightful book called When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert that addresses the challenges and pitfalls of relief and development work in low-income(...)
Stirred by Our Shared Vulnerabilities
Posted by | Latin America, Medical Education, Patient CareBy Rebecca DiBiase I sat, enveloped by the clinic’s dusty walls and chalky smell. It felt as if a fog of gray haze had descended over the building and muted the surrounding colors. Two plastic chairs were next to the door, with one single picture of skeletal anatomy hanging above them, forcing the makeshift closet(...)
House Calls and Health Care Today
Posted by | Care Providers, Collaboration, Health System Sustainability, Patient Care, Patient SafetyBy Mary Myers Traditional hospitals today account for about a third of all medical spending—an incredible $1.1 trillion. However, during this era of consolidation across health care, we are seeing a steep decline in inpatient facilities. In fact, 20 percent fewer hospitals are operating in the United States than 35 years ago, and they are(...)
Talking Turkey on Cancer Care
Posted by | Clinical Program Development, Collaboration, Europe, Patient Care, Patient SafetyBy Dr. Hişam Alahdab Anadolu Medical Center—an acute-care hospital on the outskirts of Istanbul—recently became the first health care institution in Turkey and the region to earn accreditation from the Organization of European Cancer Institutes (OECI) as a clinical cancer center. The OECI is the only organization recognized in Europe for the high standards of(...)
WeChatting What’s Best in Children’s Cancer Care
Posted by | Academic Medicine, Asia Pacific, Clinical Program Development, Patient Care, ResearchJohns Hopkins scientists cracked the genetic code for cancer and deciphered the genome of more cancer types than any other research team in the world—among numerous achievements in oncology. These discoveries helped revolutionized how we diagnose and treat pediatric cancers. Johns Hopkins Children’s Center provides one of the nation’s Top 10 pediatric cancer programs, according(...)
Before You Send In Your Saliva
Posted by | Health Innovation, Medical Technology, Precision Medicine, ResearchDirect-to-consumer genetic tests are popular. For a few hundred dollars, companies like 23andMe and AncestryDNA promise information about disease risk for customers and their children, details about ancestry, and insights about personal characteristics—like why you may think cilantro tastes like soap. It’s a simple process. Customers just pay, sign a waiver, and send in a(...)
From Pedometers to Precision Care
Posted by | Collaboration, Health Innovation, Medical Technology, Patient Care, Precision Medicine, ResearchBy Dr. James Aw The patient, in his early 20’s, was clinically depressed and struggled with sleep. His family physician prescribed him an antidepressant and medication to treat his insomnia. But his mood wasn’t lifting, and his sleep wasn’t improving. He had difficulty at school and was on a waiting list to see a psychiatrist.(...)
Waging All-Out War on Cancer
Posted by | Collaboration, Health Innovation, Middle East, Patient Care, ResearchCancer in the Middle East is on the rise. By 2030, experts predict that the incidence of cancer will double from 2012, thanks to factors such as comparatively limited access to quality health care and detrimental lifestyle choices. I had the honor earlier this summer of speaking at the War on Cancer Middle East 2018,(...)
Prologue to a Research Success Story
Posted by | Clinical Program Development, Collaboration, Medical Education, Middle East, ResearchWhy do medical researchers report their findings? One primary reason is it promotes an exchange for ideas. When you read a research article or listen to a research presentation, you typically learn something new about disease diagnosis or management. And it’s a two-way street: Investigators often also learn something from the audience’s comments, which can(...)