S
O MUCH absurdity, so few column inches. Welcome back to Diary where we ask for interesting and entertaining medical anecdotes from our readers, get
nothing in reply and so make up our own. But let us not be bitter...
HISTORICAL DIAGNOSIS Eighteenth century medicine is not known for its sophistication (the stethoscope was only invented in 1816), but it seems one clinician was ahead of his time. Doctors from London’s Royal Marsden Hospital recently reviewed patient samples and case notes left by Scotsman John Hunter, one of medicine’s most influential surgeons. Hunter had treated a patient in 1786 who had a “tumour as hard as bone”, a diagnosis (of osteosarcoma) confirmed by the Royal Marsden team. Indeed, they said they were “amazed” at Hunter’s insight and told BBC News: “I think his diagnosis is really impressive and in fact his management of the patient followed similar principles to what we would have done in the modern day.” Mr Hunter amputated the man’s leg but he died seven weeks later. The autopsy showed bony tumours had spread to his lungs, the lining of the heart and on the ribs. There are plans to review more of Hunter’s historical samples which are preserved at the museum named after him – the Hunterian in London.
DOG DOSH A dog owner is pursuing her dream career in medicine after training her husky to pose for pictures. Grumpy Anuko’s fur pattern gives him a natural steely glare and he has taken social media by storm, notching up almost 40,000 Instagram followers and millions of YouTube views. The three-year-old has been showered with gifts and is even in demand for modelling jobs. Owner and budding doctor Jasmine Milton, 21, of Shropshire, has so far coined in £20,000, which she is using to fund a place at medical school.
ROBOT WARS Another day, another news story suggesting technology will soon be better at providing healthcare than actual human doctors. The Telegraph reports claims that robots will “soon be able to diagnose more accurately than almost any doctor”. This suggestion comes (unsurprisingly) from the founder of a private company bidding for contracts that would see patients encouraged to seek medical advice from “chatbots” rather than a living person. Full diagnoses would also seemingly be offered via smartphone without ever having to see a GP. Patients could key in their symptoms and artificial intelligence would assess the urgency of each case, deciding whether users should be sent to A&E, a pharmacy or just rest at home. The Care Quality Commission has waded into the debate by urging consumers to be wary of online services after an inspection of two web companies found drugs were being handed out without checks on patient identities or side effects.
DOC DRIVERS Doctors are apparently the third worst drivers by profession, according to a recent report. Insurers 1st Central analysed claims in 2015 and found medics were amongst the most accident-prone, just behind solicitors and accountants. Financial advisers, letting agents and train drivers were also amongst the top 10 professions most likely to have an accident.
PASS THE PURPLE CRAYON Looking for realistic solutions to the problem of low GP morale and burnout? Not long ago it was revealed that the RCGP is considering issuing members with “wellbeing” packs including a bag of chocolate coins, some teabags, a “mindfulness colouring book” and a “gratitude journal” for noting down all the things GPs can be grateful for in their lives. The packs are purported to be intended mainly for AiTs (Associates in Training) and Dr Duncan Shrewsbury, chair of the RCGP’s AiT Committee, said that the college is aware that this is not the only answer to the problems facing general practice and “in fact, this is clearly stated in the packs” – just in case you are not immediately swept away in a tide of warm wellbeing.
EMAIL MELTDOWN Cringeworthy though the recent Oscar envelope gaffe might be – pity the poor health worker who last November accidentally sent a test email to all 840,000 NHS staff, thus paralysing the system. A spokesman explained that the disruption was “due to an NHS Mail user setting up an email distribution list which inadvertently included everyone on the NHS Mail system”. The problem was further exacerbated by some recipients clicking “Reply all” and further choking up the system.
ROOTIN’ TOOTIN’ SHOOTIN’ Providing healthcare in the UK does come with its risks but thankfully these do not include patients packing loaded pistols. A 72-year-old man in Ohio is reported to have shot himself while being treated in a dental chair. He was under nitrous oxide sedation and thought he heard his mobile phone ring but reaching into his pocket grabbed his gun instead. The bullet went through his hand and grazed his stomach. Amazingly the man had a legal concealed carry permit although he may be charged with using a weapon while intoxicated. Sgt. Christina Evans- Fisher with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office commented (without discernible irony): “Going to a doctor’s office where you might possibly be placed under some kind of medication that may alter your mental status at that point, you might not want to carry a weapon in there at that time.”
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