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Is Educational Debt The Reason For The Growing Pediatrician Shortage?
Moderna gets $176 million for a new bird flu vaccine, and the FDA approves a new Alzheimer's drug
The Sign Out
July 04, 2024
Health News
Is Educational Debt The Reason For The Growing Pediatrician Shortage?
This week, the New York Times highlighted the growing pediatrician shortage, exacerbated by financial burdens and inadequate reimbursement rates.
A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals significant educational debt among pediatricians even two decades after residency. While 98.5% of those with under $50,000 in debt have repaid it, only 54.3% with over $150,000 have done so. High starting debt correlates with ongoing financial concerns, impacting career choices and job satisfaction.
This shortage threatens child healthcare quality and access, particularly in underserved areas. Systemic reforms, including better financial support and improved reimbursement rates, are essential to support pediatricians and ensure comprehensive child healthcare.
Health News
Moderna Gets $176 Million To Develop mRNA Vaccine For Bird Flu
The U.S. government will pay Moderna $176 million to expedite the development of an mRNA vaccine for bird flu.
This innovation addresses the growing concern over the potential for a bird flu pandemic, given the virus's recent spread among various species. Moderna's vaccine aims to offer rapid and effective protection, showcasing the adaptability of mRNA technology.
The new vaccine targets a strain of bird flu that has shown signs of spreading from birds to other animals and potentially humans. Public health officials are monitoring the situation closely, with the goal of averting another global health crisis.
Health News
FDA Approves Eli Lilly's Alzheimer's Drug Donanemab
The FDA has approved Eli Lilly's Alzheimer's drug, donanemab, marking a significant advancement in treatment. Donanemab targets amyloid plaques in the brain, which are believed to play a role in Alzheimer's progression.
Clinical trials demonstrated that the drug can slow cognitive decline in patients with early-stage Alzheimer's. This approval provides new hope for millions affected by the disease, offering a potential new therapy to manage its progression. Eli Lilly's breakthrough is seen as a major step forward in Alzheimer's research and treatment, highlighting the importance of continued innovation in addressing neurodegenerative diseases.
Journal Gists
Semaglutide Linked to Increased Risk of Vision Loss
Clinical Question: Are prescriptions for semaglutide associated with an increased risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in patients with type 2 diabetes or those who are overweight or obese?
Bottom Line: A retrospective study of 16,827 patients showed that those prescribed semaglutide had a higher incidence of NAION compared to those on non-GLP-1 RA medications. In patients with type 2 diabetes, the NAION incidence was 8.9% for semaglutide users versus 1.8% for others. For overweight or obese patients, the incidence was 6.7% for semaglutide users versus 0.8% for others. The findings highlight a potential risk of NAION with semaglutide use, necessitating further research to establish causality. Read more at JAMA Ophthalmology.
Is Dried Fruit Nature’s Gallstone Fighter?
Clinical Question: Is there a causal relationship between dietary habits and the risk of developing cholelithiasis (gallstones)?
Bottom Line: A Mendelian randomization study of 18 dietary habits identified dried fruit intake as significantly reducing the risk of gallstones. The study found that consuming dried fruit decreased the odds of cholelithiasis with an odds ratio of 0.568. These findings were consistent across various analyses, suggesting dried fruit could be a key dietary recommendation for preventing gallstones. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms behind this protective effect. Read more at Frontiers Nutrition.
More In Health News
What in the world is going on?
👨⚖️ The judge overseeing Donald Trump's New York criminal case has approved delaying his sentencing. This came after Trump's lawyers requested more time to argue that a recent Supreme Court immunity decision warrants a new trial. The delay means Trump won't be sentenced until after the Republican National Convention, where he is expected to be formally nominated for president. The new sentencing date is set less than two months before the presidential election. Prosecutors did not oppose the delay but believe the effort to overturn the conviction is without merit. NBC News has more.
🗳️ Rep. Lloyd Doggett becomes the first Democratic lawmaker to publicly call for President Joe Biden to withdraw from presidential race. Doggett cited Biden’s poor debate performance against Donald Trump and suggested that Biden’s withdrawal would be in the country's best interest. Doggett emphasized his respect for Biden's accomplishments but expressed doubt about Biden's ability to effectively compete against Trump in the upcoming election. AP News has more.
🌀 Hurricane Beryl strengthened to a Category 5 storm, wreaking havoc across the southeastern Caribbean. It made landfall on Carriacou in Grenada, initially as a Category 4 storm, and later intensified to Category 5. One fatality has been confirmed in Grenada, with communication issues hindering further assessments on Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The storm caused extensive damage, including downed power lines and destroyed homes, and continues to threaten the region as it moves towards Jamaica and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Read more at AP News.
🔥 A wildfire erupted in northern California, forcing the evacuation of roughly 28,000 residents near Oroville. The blaze quickly spread across over 3,000 acres and destroyed at least four structures. More than 1,400 fire personnel are battling the fire, which is at 0% containment. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and secured federal assistance to support firefighting efforts. The wildfire, fueled by a historic heatwave, poses significant risks, especially with the Fourth of July celebrations increasing the likelihood of more fires. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Read more at The Guardian.
In Case You Missed It…
What’s The Diagnosis?
A 65-year-old male with a history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus presents to the emergency department with acute onset of severe flank pain radiating to the groin. He also reports nausea and vomiting. Physical examination reveals costovertebral angle tenderness on the right side. Urinalysis shows microscopic hematuria. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Acute pyelonephritis
B) Nephrolithiasis
C) Renal cell carcinoma
D) Acute glomerulonephritis
E) Renal artery stenosis
Answer: B) Nephrolithiasis
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