MD Whistleblower

I am regularly solicited for my opinion on the stool test Cologuard, a colon cancer screening option.  These queries generally come from folks who are angling to avoid the joy of the colonoscopy experience.  It’s hard to fathom why someone would want to avoid the pleasure of a supersized laxative followed by a day of fun on colonoscopy day!  Scientific investigators are working hard on colon cancer screening blood test options, but as I have pointed out , these are not quite ready for prime time. Finding alternatives to screening colonoscopy is a very high priority for the medical profession. There are two driving forces. Colonoscopy, while effective, is a laborious process which is a 2-day experience, requires a driver, frequent time away from work, is expensive and has risk.   If a stool or a blood test could achieve the same level of protection, it would be a game changer. The economic rewards for launching an effective stool or a blood colon cancer screening test would be a

Tomorrow is Labor Day, which became a federal law in 1894 after President Grover Cleveland signed a congressional act into law.  Originally, the holiday only applied to federal workers. Over time, all US states, territories and the District of Columbia observe the holiday. Similar to other national holidays, such as Independence Day, Memorial Day and Christmas, the original meaning of Labor Day is only dimly recalled or celebrated.  The following one-question quiz will test your knowledge.  The quiz is quite challenging and I wish competitors good luck.  Remember, although responses may appear reasonable, you are charged to choose the best answer. Which of the following best describes the meaning of Labor Day? (a) It's the last weekend on the beach marking the end of summer. (b) It's an opportunity to to show off backyard grilling techniques with hot dogs, chicken and ribs. (c) It's a time to honor workers in the 19th century, and those who followed, who fought for safer an