>> The Chatbot will see you now
>> CDC panel votes 13-1 on new COVID shot
>> You may have a hard time finding laxatives
The Med & Mic™ 09.13.23
MED NEWS blog post from Dr. Maria ON Speaking, LLC
Dr. Artificial Intelligence
In a preprint paper, researchers have found ChatGPT to be comparable to human doctors and to have better bedside manner in some cases, however its performance is less accurate with certain symptoms. There are questions about how to integrate the new technology into health care, particularly in regard to privacy, safety, bias, liability, transparency, and regulatory oversight. Many doctors believe AI-based medical tools should undergo an approval process similar to the FDA’s. This could take many years and might be difficult to apply to general-purpose consumer chatbots. (Source: KFF Health News, A. Leonard, 9.12.23)
CDC Recommends Updated COVID Vaccine for All
In a 13-1 vote, a panel of CDC advisors recommends the newest COVID shot for all Americans 6 months and older. The analysis showed this approach would prevent 400,000 hospitalizations and 40,000 deaths over two years. The single nay vote came from a pediatrician who would have liked more data in children. COVID hospitalizations have risen 9% in a week, marking the eighth consecutive week of increasing admissions. (Source: STAT News, J. Mast, 9.12.23 and ABC News, Y. Benadjaoud, 9.12.23)
Laxatives in High Demand
Doctors are warning people to not take laxatives for purposes other than constipation. Some laxative suppliers can’t keep up with demand, leaving store shelves empty. In 2002, Americans spent $800 million on over-the-counter laxatives. That has now risen to $1.5 billion annually. Some people are taking laxatives to lose weight or to “detox” as popularized on social media. Doctors and nutrition experts strongly advise against these uses, which have no scientific evidence. (Source: NBC News, A. Bendix, 9.12.23)
Like | Share | Follow | Subscribe!
Read Scoop, MD: the Doctor’s Guide to Media Interviews and Opportunities. Click here to read it now on your cell phone.
Get in touch for help with presentations and media interviews at DrMariaOnSpeaking.com.
Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis, or the advice of your own physician. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.