Apr 14, 2010
I recently was called to consult on a man whose sternal wound was being treated with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). He had undergone a coronary artery bypass operation and his chest wound had opened up. His doctor prescribed NPWT but after the third day the...
Apr 13, 2010
Yesterday, in a clumsily administered coup de grace to St. Vincent’s Hospital, 3,500 pink slips were handed out to all employees. It sounds unbelievable but that is what I wrote – all employees. This applies to maintenance people, lab techs, nurses, nursing...
Apr 11, 2010
When the Titanic struck an iceberg and sank in April, 1912, survivors were brought to New York City by the rescue ship Carpathia. They were unloaded on the West Side docks and brought directly to St. Vincent’s Hospital where 106 of them were treated. Now, In...
Mar 30, 2010
Myiasis is the medical term for infestation with the larvae of a fly, also known as maggots. The image of maggots in modern society is the exact opposite of health and cleanliness. Indeed, unintended myiasis in a healthcare facility is a frequent precursor of a...
Mar 21, 2010
The plays of William Shakespeare written in the sixteenth century reflected the culture and opinions of his time. In Shakespeare’s day, life expectancy was in the 30’s, and Shakespeare himself lived to the old age of 52. In contrast to today’s population, very few...
