For generations, doctors have relied on hands-on physical exams, listening to heartbeats, feeling for lumps, checking reflexes. But today’s physicians increasingly depend on high-tech scans and lab tests, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Critics worry this shift is eroding essential examination skills and reducing face-to-face time with patients.
Yet physical exams aren’t foolproof either. Even experienced doctors sometimes struggle with basics like detecting a pulse during emergencies. That ix where portable ultrasound comes in, offering real-time images right at the bedside.
I see ultrasound as the perfect middle ground, combining cutting-edge technology with traditional bedside care. The future looks even more promising: patients with heart conditions might soon use handheld ultrasound devices at home, guided by AI, to monitor their condition and share results with their doctors instantly.
This is not science fiction. On the International Space Station, astronauts with zero medical training already use ultrasound to diagnose injuries and eye problems, guided by doctors on Earth. According to NASA experts, just a few hours of training can teach anyone to capture useful medical images. As AI improves and costs drop, ultrasound could become the norm for all doctors and students.
The price of a handheld ultrasound today is around three to five thousand dollars, low enough that a number of American medical schools have begun giving handheld ultrasound probes to their first-year students.
Thx for reaching out, Mike. I think we are largely of one mind here. The physical diagnosis tool of yesterday - eyes, ears & hands - will be replaced. And, I am not at all certain that our current cognitive contribution to medical care won't be replaced by AI which might demonstrate superior performance. This may be true of nearly all occupations. How will we humans spend our time? Where will we find meaning?
Hubs found a place that takes his insurance where he will have his colonoscopy and hopefully he will not be required to take a prescription drug for the prep. Appreciate your assurance on this.
Praying the three Covid shots he received in 2021 have not given him cancer. His health seems to be excellent. It’s hard not to worry. I willingly got two shots.
Question - do you think your colleagues are awakening to the harms from the shots?
Laura, I'm glad things are on track. I do not have expertise in your Covid inquiry. Finally, as a reminder, at times I will offer general medical advice on my posts or in a comment but, of course, this is never directed toward a specific individual who should seek formal medical advice from his or her own medical team. Wishing you well.
I recently learned a new word for this phenomenon: Hyposkillia. https://acdw.substack.com/p/hyposkillia-a-widespread-clinician
For generations, doctors have relied on hands-on physical exams, listening to heartbeats, feeling for lumps, checking reflexes. But today’s physicians increasingly depend on high-tech scans and lab tests, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Critics worry this shift is eroding essential examination skills and reducing face-to-face time with patients.
Yet physical exams aren’t foolproof either. Even experienced doctors sometimes struggle with basics like detecting a pulse during emergencies. That ix where portable ultrasound comes in, offering real-time images right at the bedside.
I see ultrasound as the perfect middle ground, combining cutting-edge technology with traditional bedside care. The future looks even more promising: patients with heart conditions might soon use handheld ultrasound devices at home, guided by AI, to monitor their condition and share results with their doctors instantly.
This is not science fiction. On the International Space Station, astronauts with zero medical training already use ultrasound to diagnose injuries and eye problems, guided by doctors on Earth. According to NASA experts, just a few hours of training can teach anyone to capture useful medical images. As AI improves and costs drop, ultrasound could become the norm for all doctors and students.
The price of a handheld ultrasound today is around three to five thousand dollars, low enough that a number of American medical schools have begun giving handheld ultrasound probes to their first-year students.
Thx for reaching out, Mike. I think we are largely of one mind here. The physical diagnosis tool of yesterday - eyes, ears & hands - will be replaced. And, I am not at all certain that our current cognitive contribution to medical care won't be replaced by AI which might demonstrate superior performance. This may be true of nearly all occupations. How will we humans spend our time? Where will we find meaning?
It’s all so disturbing to think about Michael.
Hubs found a place that takes his insurance where he will have his colonoscopy and hopefully he will not be required to take a prescription drug for the prep. Appreciate your assurance on this.
Praying the three Covid shots he received in 2021 have not given him cancer. His health seems to be excellent. It’s hard not to worry. I willingly got two shots.
Question - do you think your colleagues are awakening to the harms from the shots?
Laura, I'm glad things are on track. I do not have expertise in your Covid inquiry. Finally, as a reminder, at times I will offer general medical advice on my posts or in a comment but, of course, this is never directed toward a specific individual who should seek formal medical advice from his or her own medical team. Wishing you well.
Typo - “ assurance” was supposed to be “assistance”
I very much appreciated your prompt reply through Substack’s direct messaging.