My son, the doctor

Article Abstract:

This article presents an imaginary telephone conversation between a mother and her son, who is a doctor, and illustrates various aspects of the medical profession, many of which do not directly involve contact or care with patients. Academic medicine may consist of teaching medical students, writing grants and medical papers, doing laboratory research, and travelling to scientific meetings. Physicians may be so specialized that they may only deal with one type of organ system or even one aspect of the organ system. For example, a patient with a stomach disorder may be seen by a gastroenterologist who specializes in only stomach diseases. Many doctors are involved in writing and marketing their books and no longer have time to see patients. They may also be preoccupied writing grants for funds to support their medical research, which is directly carried out by associates. The relation between the drug company and the physician, who is in a position to prescribe their drug products, may be questionable because drug companies often provide travel funds for physicians to attend scientific meetings or to lecture abroad. Patients are often seen by local medical doctors, who may not be involved in academic medicine. Medical students and doctors in training discuss cases with senior physicians, often in conference rooms away from patient settings. The conversation between the mother and son indicates that, in some ways, physicians have drifted from their primary role of patient care. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Evaluation, Physician and patient, Physician-patient relations, Patients, Health education

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Dark spirits

Article Abstract:

UK sales of dark spirits fell by 9% in volume in the period 1990-1994 to 131 million lt, although the market value rose by 8% in the same period to 2.9 billion pounds sterling. Whisky accounted for 82% of volume sales and 75% of the value of sales in 1994, with brandy at 13% by volume and 17% by value. Volume sales are not likely to expand much more, especially with the growing trend towards reducing alcohol consumption.

Liquor, Distilleries, Statistics, Alcoholic beverage industry

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The evolution of ergonomics

Article Abstract:

An analysis of the use of the word ergonomics and its definition is presented. The term was first used in relation to the laws of work by Polish Scientist Wojciech Jastrzebowski, but was not in regular use in this context until the end of World War II. It is used to describe engineering design for human limitations.

Analysis, Ergonomics

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