There has been some discussion as to whether men have become obsolete.
What I found interesting is that we are assuming that the purpose of the opposite sex is necessarily reproduction.
But, what about the idea that the purpose of the opposite sex is: pleasure, joy and companionship. Assuming the purpose is pleasure, joy and company, what does it say when men find the idea of vaginal consumation less than satisfying... have women become obsolete then?
Personally, I find it dissatisfying when either men or women are purely reduced to their biological and/or visual functions. I think love is something more.
February 07, 2008
January 19, 2008
'Cooling off' period for vasectomy -- birth control for men
While I have to admit that I admired the cojones (pun intended) of Michael Lewis' writing in the Huffington Post about the mixed emotions of having a vasectomy done to appease his wife, I was surprised to see that California law requires a 'cooling off' period between consultation and operation. I wonder if the same is true for women who chose to undergo tubal ligation after birth?
And why is it that big pharma has yet to come up with an effective birth control pill or patch for men?
January 08, 2008
The Story of Dr. Adam Hansen
There was a recent outcry when Dr. Adam Hansen's decided to take a picture of his patient's genitalia. Dr. Hansen was a resident at the Mayo Clinic and his employment was terminated when it was discovered that he took a picture of his patient's genitals. Many people believe that this was an ethical violation and it was hence appropriate that his employment was terminated.
But, what about the maxim: the punishment should fit the crime. In the present situation the issue is whether taking a photograph of a patient's genitals justifies taking away a person's source of livelihood, for the rest of their lives. A person's source of livelihood should only be taken away for a heinous crime, usually resulting in death or dismemberment of either a person's body or mind. The "victim in question" was a strip club owner who had the words "hot rod" tatooed on his penis. A strip club owner obviously doesn't care a lot about his stripper's privacy and puts their "privates" up for display in seedy strip bars. Accordingly, it is unlikely that a picture of the words hot rod would serve to adversely affect the strip club owner's "mind."
I believe that the Victim in this scandal is the physician. In the present situation the physician had spent about four years in pre med school, four years in med school, then 5 and a half years working towards completing his residency in surgery. He had approximately 6 months left over before he could become a surgeon. Now, he was fired from the Mayo clinic and will not be able to finish his residency and be a surgeon, or a doctor. He is now over a hundred thousand dollars in debt, thirty five years old and with no avenues open for employment. People who assault others get away with far less. His crime does not fit his punishment.
But, what about the maxim: the punishment should fit the crime. In the present situation the issue is whether taking a photograph of a patient's genitals justifies taking away a person's source of livelihood, for the rest of their lives. A person's source of livelihood should only be taken away for a heinous crime, usually resulting in death or dismemberment of either a person's body or mind. The "victim in question" was a strip club owner who had the words "hot rod" tatooed on his penis. A strip club owner obviously doesn't care a lot about his stripper's privacy and puts their "privates" up for display in seedy strip bars. Accordingly, it is unlikely that a picture of the words hot rod would serve to adversely affect the strip club owner's "mind."
I believe that the Victim in this scandal is the physician. In the present situation the physician had spent about four years in pre med school, four years in med school, then 5 and a half years working towards completing his residency in surgery. He had approximately 6 months left over before he could become a surgeon. Now, he was fired from the Mayo clinic and will not be able to finish his residency and be a surgeon, or a doctor. He is now over a hundred thousand dollars in debt, thirty five years old and with no avenues open for employment. People who assault others get away with far less. His crime does not fit his punishment.
Obama: Is there a do not sell after date?
The current news reports discuss how Barack Obama is rising out of the debris, and is emerging as the front runner. A large portion of this is attributed to the young, disillusioned voter who believes that Obama represents a new kind of politician whose views reflect those of the younger voter.... a politician who reflects change.
Personally, I like his current opinions. But, what about the fact that we dont know what his opinion will be in four years. Time and experience changes a person. If Obama is elected, the Republicans have a fair shot at him. Time and experience will not only change him, but also his opinions. Voters talk about Obama and state with bated breath that his lack of experience with foreign policy, and the fact that he is not a politician is refreshing. But, the larger problem is not his inexperience, but the result of his gaining experience. What happens once Washington gets to him? What happens when the slim majority he has in congress prevents his bills from being passed? What happens when his popularity drops because people are frustrated with some of his efforts It is possible that he will remain the way he is, and will turn out to be an excellent President. On the other hand, he will, more likely, have to compromise. However, when he compromises, he will necessarily change directions from what he believes.
With Obama, I feel like we may get a president who will, and rightfully so, change with the times, but accordingly become different from what was originally sold to us. He hence reminds me of George W. Bush. I am sure Bush came in with the best of intentions... but the road to hell (where we are currently) is paved with good intentions.
Personally, I like his current opinions. But, what about the fact that we dont know what his opinion will be in four years. Time and experience changes a person. If Obama is elected, the Republicans have a fair shot at him. Time and experience will not only change him, but also his opinions. Voters talk about Obama and state with bated breath that his lack of experience with foreign policy, and the fact that he is not a politician is refreshing. But, the larger problem is not his inexperience, but the result of his gaining experience. What happens once Washington gets to him? What happens when the slim majority he has in congress prevents his bills from being passed? What happens when his popularity drops because people are frustrated with some of his efforts It is possible that he will remain the way he is, and will turn out to be an excellent President. On the other hand, he will, more likely, have to compromise. However, when he compromises, he will necessarily change directions from what he believes.
With Obama, I feel like we may get a president who will, and rightfully so, change with the times, but accordingly become different from what was originally sold to us. He hence reminds me of George W. Bush. I am sure Bush came in with the best of intentions... but the road to hell (where we are currently) is paved with good intentions.
The myth of the "Informed Patient"
I am a contributor at another blog, called the Women's Bioethics Project. They had a discussion about "informed patients" and people wrote in some relatively self righteous comments. These comments spoke about the informed consumer and chided health care professionals for their inability to "deal" with these patients.
But, what about the other side...
The problem isn't so much that the patient is informed by some websites. The problem seems to be that the informed patient seems to believe that they know more than the health care professional who they came to for help. The problem isn't so much that they know what their options are, but that they think they understand, completely, everything about whats out there. The problem isn't that they are looking to be a partner in their health care relationship, but that they expect to lead the relationship.
I have spoken to far too many healthcare professionals in general, and doctors in particular, who assert that it would be a joy to have a patient who is informed, but that most patients come in with a sense of entitlement that is tempered by 3 pages off the internet written by a "pseudo scientist." Inevitably, this pithy document disparages healthcare professionals, and unfailingly asserts that the medical profession is out to "get the patient." Accordingly, the document cautions and "educates" the patient that it is the patient's right, nay... the patient's duty, to stave off these invaders.
Patients assert that medical knowledge isnt for the elite, and physicians should make an effort to communicate with the patient. Again, the problem with communicating knowledge to the patient isn't that medical and healthcare cannot be taught to most patients, but that most patients see themselves as consumers of the health care system, much like they are consumers of a mcdonalds. The consumer doesnt want to be there long, and expects the result to be perfect. Consumers believe that they have ordered a service and the doctor is merely a conduit to achieve their goal. Accordingly, these consumers believe that and just want what they "ordered" from the doctor. Combine the patient's desire not to "deal with the doctor" with the incentives offered by insurance companies to have doctors see patients in 7 minute time slots, and you have a volatile relationship that virtually prohibits a partnership with the "informed consumer."
The current US system of health care is severely flawed and needs to be revamped. The rich have discovered the mecca of personalized health care based on extended visits and complete access to the doctor. But, for the rest of us, our system prevents us from getting the best
that our doctors can give. This isn't the fault of the doctor (or other health professional), but is in fact a problem with the system and should hence be dealt globally. So, lets stop blaming doctors... and sometimes, just sometimes, say thank you.
But, what about the other side...
The problem isn't so much that the patient is informed by some websites. The problem seems to be that the informed patient seems to believe that they know more than the health care professional who they came to for help. The problem isn't so much that they know what their options are, but that they think they understand, completely, everything about whats out there. The problem isn't that they are looking to be a partner in their health care relationship, but that they expect to lead the relationship.
I have spoken to far too many healthcare professionals in general, and doctors in particular, who assert that it would be a joy to have a patient who is informed, but that most patients come in with a sense of entitlement that is tempered by 3 pages off the internet written by a "pseudo scientist." Inevitably, this pithy document disparages healthcare professionals, and unfailingly asserts that the medical profession is out to "get the patient." Accordingly, the document cautions and "educates" the patient that it is the patient's right, nay... the patient's duty, to stave off these invaders.
Patients assert that medical knowledge isnt for the elite, and physicians should make an effort to communicate with the patient. Again, the problem with communicating knowledge to the patient isn't that medical and healthcare cannot be taught to most patients, but that most patients see themselves as consumers of the health care system, much like they are consumers of a mcdonalds. The consumer doesnt want to be there long, and expects the result to be perfect. Consumers believe that they have ordered a service and the doctor is merely a conduit to achieve their goal. Accordingly, these consumers believe that and just want what they "ordered" from the doctor. Combine the patient's desire not to "deal with the doctor" with the incentives offered by insurance companies to have doctors see patients in 7 minute time slots, and you have a volatile relationship that virtually prohibits a partnership with the "informed consumer."
The current US system of health care is severely flawed and needs to be revamped. The rich have discovered the mecca of personalized health care based on extended visits and complete access to the doctor. But, for the rest of us, our system prevents us from getting the best
that our doctors can give. This isn't the fault of the doctor (or other health professional), but is in fact a problem with the system and should hence be dealt globally. So, lets stop blaming doctors... and sometimes, just sometimes, say thank you.
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