Greater risk seen with older doctors

[wdlove]

Harvard researchers have found that doctors out of medical school for more that 20 years aren't as up with current treatments. Although those in practice for 20 years have knowledge that can'tr be measured. Also they have a higher trust level from patients.

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/health_science/articles/2005/02/15/greater_risk_seen_with_older_doctors/

 

[JDar]

Some non-accurate/non-Harvard doctor statistics

wdlove, you've probably seen these statistics. If there is truth in humor, there is humor in this:

Statistically Speaking -

Physicians:
The number of physicians in the US is 700,000.
- Accidental deaths caused by physicians per year is 120,000.
- Accidental deaths per physician, is 0.171.
(U.S. Dept. of Health &Human Services)

Now think about this: -
The number of gun owners in the US is 80,000,000.
- The number of accidental gun deaths per year (all ages) is 1,500.
- The number of accidental deaths per gun owner is .0000188.

Statistically, then, doctors are approximately 9,000 times more dangerous than gun owners.

FACT: NOT EVERYONE HAS A GUN, BUT ALMOST EVERYONE HAS AT LEAST ONE DOCTOR.

PS. As a public health measure, the statistics on lawyers have been withheld for fear that the shock could cause people to seek medical attention.

 

[wdlove]

Very interesting JDar, thank you for the information. I agree with the article that the experience of the older doctor is invaluable. Something that can't be measured. The problem for doctors is how to become updated on the latest techniques.

 

[daveL]

The medical professions as a whole are fraught with risk; I stay as far away from them as I can, whenever possible. A lot of them are just as likely to make matters worse than help you, and they extract their pound of flesh along the way. I see a lot of common traits between physicians and auto mechanics. Sorry, I know I'm being cynical.