August 1, 2007 (Insidermedicine)

From Toronto,
While docs are huge fans of crocs, hospital officials are not. Officials from the Ontario Hospital Association have sent a memo to over 100 hospitals recommending that crocs be banned. They cite the potential for the shoes to act an isolator that could release a charge that is disruptive to medical equipment, and a raised risk of injuries by needles through holes in the shoes.

From LA,
A surgeon has been charged with attempting to hasten the death of a patient in an attempt to harvest his organs for a transplant. The charges stem from the alleged use high doses of narcotics and sedatives to a 25 year old disabled man. The surgeon could face up to 8 years in jail.

From Maryland,
The controversy around Avandia continues. While the recommendations of theexpert panel are being reviewed by the FDA, the bottom line for patients appear to be that the drug should not be used in those on insulin, those who take nitrates for chest pain and those with know heart disease.

And finally, from New Zealand,
One cannabis joint may equal 5 cigarettes. According to researchers whoperformed tests that evaluate the function of the lungs and CT scans, smoking a cannabis joint had the same effect as smoking many nicotine cigarettes.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I’m Dr. Susan Sharma.