The Business of Being Born

Also a very interesting documentary by the same name. Thought provoking. If you want your thoughts provoked, go check it out streaming on NetFlicks.

I'm starting my Obstetrics (baby delivering) part of Ob-Gyn this week. On Labor and Delivery next week. Been studying my ACOG (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology) Clerkship book:

"Cesarean delivery is the most frequent major operation performed in the United states. Until 1965 the rate of cesarian delivery was stable at less than 5%, when it began to increase; it was more than 30% in 2005....However, no major improvements in newborn outcomes have occurred as a result...Decisions regarding cesarean delivery have important ramifications, because the maternal mortality rate associated with cesarean delivery is two to four times that of a vaginal birth."

Also very interesting in light of listening to This American Life this week, which was part 1 of a 2 part series on...what else, but the hot topic of American Healthcare. Estimates are that 30% of the medical care in this country is unnecessary. And isn't making us any healthier. In fact, it may be harmful. And, this blew my mind to think about it this way, medicine doesn't seem to follow the normal supply and demand curves. When the number of doctors goes up, the number of visits, and interventions goes up, and they don't become any cheaper. They just become more frequent. You can listen to this podcast til next Monday for free on This American Life: More is Less.

It's an interesting career I've signed myself up for. Excited to learn more.