It is a question that I hear regularly when talking to clinicians and students: what do you do if MDT doesn't work?

The question usually causes me to shake my head and take a deep breath before venturing forth into a response. I wish I could say that it is only posed by those with little to no training in the method; however, I've heard this from more than a few MDT-credentialed clinicians over the years.

Let's start with the foundation for a response: MDT is not a treatment. It is a way of thinking.

Read more...

It is now time to take a deep breath. Whew. Week one of the NCAA men's basketball tournament is officially over. If 2 nights and 4 full days of basketball isn't exhausting, I am not sure just what is.

I think that there really should be a new ICD-9 code established for MMS - March Madness Syndrome. It is a seasonal affliction that presents with a number of hallmark signs and symptoms. Those affected by MMS have buttock discomfort associated with prolonged sitting, a subconscious ability to recite RPI rankings and scoring statistics, eyes dilated from prolonged viewing, and a sense of hangover-like symptoms the day after an extended viewing period without having consumed an ounce of alcohol.

Fortunately, the intervention for MMS is simple: more basketball - at least for a couple more weekends. There will be plenty of time after April 8 to recover.

The latest episode of the Rhubarb Report celebrates two of the reasons that make March such a great month - college basketball and the beginning of a new Formula One season. Enjoy!

Read more...

Health care is chock full of a lot of telling. Telling the patient to do this or that. Telling the patient to not do something. There is a lot of telling going on around the health care world.

Health care has its share of intelligent people doing the telling. And I have no doubt that there are many that are telling patients a lot of good things.

But one problem exists. We mistakenly focus on adherence and compliance with all the telling and immediately assume that behavioral change goes right along with it. A faulty assumption, indeed.

Read more...

March Madness. Survive and advance. One play at a time. Protect the basketball. Defend and rebound.

These are more than just over-used phrases that make an annual appearance in March. They truly epitomize the "in the moment, right here, right now" mentality that pervades the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

March Madness is more than just excitement, upsets, and drama. It is about college athletes, their passion for the sport of basketball, and the opportunity to play on the big stage. And it is definitely a spectacle to behold, a microcosm of life itself.

After a weekend's worth of hoops - including a couple of days at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin watching second and third round games - I was reminded yet again of how special this month really is.

Read more...