first opinion
Why it's so hard for pediatrics to attract new doctors
Adobe
These days, it seems that pediatric departments all over the country are working with skeleton crews. Applications to pediatric residencies dropped six percent last year. Data shows shortages in every subspecialty, but developmental-behavioral, neurology, genetics, and child and adolescent psychiatry may have it worst, with more than 40% of in-hospital positions left vacant. How did this happen?
It's a combination of political apathy, limited support, chronic underfunding, and limited self-advocacy among pediatricians over the course of decades, argue two pediatric trainees in a new First Opinion essay. Read more on what they say pediatricians need to do to protect the future of the workforce.
zzz
Study says: Irregular sleep linked to risk of heart failure, stroke
Irregular sleep patterns are linked with a significantly higher risk of major cardiovascular health events like heart failure, stroke, and myocardial infarction, according to a study published yesterday in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. People with moderately irregular sleep schedules can see their risk offset if they still meet the recommended number of hours for sleep for their age group, the study found. But that wasn't true for the most irregular sleepers.
Researchers analyzed eight years of data from more than 72,000 people ages 40 to 79 who, as part of the UK Biobank project, wore tracking devices on their wrist for one week. None of the participants had a history of severe heart problems. Regular vs. irregular patterns were assessed using something called the Sleep Regularity Index — a calculation of the probability that someone is awake or asleep at any two times 24 hours apart. Another study from January also found that sleep regularity was a stronger prediction of mortality risk than sleep duration. Authors of both studies argue that sleep regularity might be even more important to one's health than sleep duration.
climate
Q&A: Climate crisis as health crisis
Last month, Hurricane Helene caused a shortage of IV fluids in hospitals across the country after the storm forced a facility in North Carolina to close. Tampa Bay General Hospital puts up a literal flood wall during storms to keep patients safe. "Climate change is here, and we feel it through its impact on our health," physician and non-profit CEO Vanessa Kerry said in a Q&A with STAT's Nick St. Fleur. Nick spoke to Kerry at the Milken Future of Health Summit earlier this month about climate change, global health, and the incoming Trump administration.
Read the Q&A. Kerry also wrote a First Opinion essay this spring on the importance of the World Health Assembly's Pandemic Treaty.
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