cover story one
Optimum Medical Care
The role of telemedicine
By Wayne Liebhard, MD
Trying to determine what constitutes optimum medical care is a not an easy task. Nonetheless, this question needs to be posed, and an attempt needs to be made at an answer. Why? Because the entire endeavor of providing medical care–like so many other services–is geared toward providing not only what consumers desire, but also providing what is best for them–the optimum. Perhaps nowhere today, other than in the delivery of medical care, is the definition of “optimum” more divergent than it is between the providers and consumers of that care.
cover story two
Outstate Behavioral Health Care: Meeting the challenges and needs
By Thomas Otten, MA
As medical science and the delivery of health care continue to evolve, there is a growing understanding of the impact mental health has in every physician-patient encounter. From routine health screenings to care for chronic conditions to cancer treatment, the mental health of a patient can make a big difference in outcomes.
research
The Efficacy of Medical Cannabis: Removing the stigma, doing no harm
BY Stephen Dahmer, MD
What if suddenly you could not prescribe NSAIDs, corticosteroids or beta blockers because “there is not enough research.” Think of the impact this would have on your patients. Unfortunately, many of your patients are missing the benefits of medical cannabis for this exact reason. As a profession we need to move beyond this.
interview
Changing the Future of Health Care
Kevin J. Mullaney, MD
Twin Cities Spine Center
diversity, equity and inclusion
Advancing health care equity: How Minnesota’s health plans are leading the way
By Lucas Nesse, jD
Health equity–it’s giving all people and their communities the opportunity to achieve their highest level of health by eliminating gaps in care. It’s at the core of how we make health care work better for everyone.
Emergency Medicine
Fluorescence Microangiography: A new tool in the management of frostbite
BY Thomas Masters, MD
Anyone who has spent a winter in Minnesota can speak to the severity of this season. The upper Midwest has a reputation throughout the rest of the country for an artic-like climate with extreme cold and protracted periods of winter weather. While this weather undoubtedly wears on the emotions of the “denizens of the north,” winters also present physical threats.
