A group of five elderly people, three women and two men, walk on a path in a park. Two women are using Nordic walking poles. The group is smiling and wearing casual, sporty clothing. Trees and greenery surround the path.

Health Benefits of the Weekend Warrior

I tend to view skeptically science reporting that leans heavily on simplistic concepts and flashy titles. However, “skeptical” does not mean “dismissive”. Mainstream reporting may focus on click-bait terms but that does not necessarily mean anything about the underlying science. I have seen lots of recent headlines about the benefits of being a “weekend warrior” and decided to look at the primary...

/ December 11, 2024
An NIH study section

Are NIH study sections a waste of time?

Since the nomination of Dr. Jay Bhattacharya for NIH Director, I've been seeing a suggestion from certain contrarian doctors for a "randomized trial" of study sections vs. a "modified lottery" to determine which grant applications are funded by the NIH. Just what the heck is Dr. Vinay Prasad talking about?

/ December 9, 2024

Actually Dr. Adam Cifu, It’s Fine to “Attack” Doctors Who Profit By Spreading Pro-RFK Jr. Propaganda

Doctors who profit in any way by normalizing RFK Jr. should be calmly and politely reminded of this at every opportunity for the rest of their careers. They are not entitled to a safe space.

/ December 8, 2024
A tall pine tree with lush green needles is set against a clear blue sky, capturing the sunlight filtering through its branches.

Pycnogenol – Does maritime pine bark extract live up to the hype?

Prescribed medicines are somewhat resistant to fads. Marketing can certainly drive demand and use, but long-term use tends to be driven by effectiveness. Some medicines used routinely today are decades old (e.g., penicillin for strep throat) because nothing better has been identified. Other drugs may be used for decades, only to largely disappear as newer, more effective treatments are introduced (I’m thinking...

/ December 5, 2024
A man in a suit stands in front of two American flags, removing a face mask. He is looking to the side with a serious expression. The background shows a building with large windows.

Questions About Pandemic Preparedness

The theme at SBM this week is questions for Trump’s nominees for key health positions within the federal government. David got the ball rolling with an excellent summary of the nominees and questions for each. Jonathan followed up with his own list of questions. I would like to continue the theme, focusing on our preparedness for the next pandemic. It is arguably...

/ December 4, 2024

Questions For Senators to Ask Drs. Marty Makary and Jay Bhattacharya

Yesterday, Dr. David Gorksi invited us to come up with questions for Senators to ask our future public health leaders. Here are mine.

/ December 3, 2024
confirmation hearing

Suggested questions for Donald Trump’s health nominees during confirmation hearings

It won't be long before we're treated to the spectacle of Senators grilling antivax nominees like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (HHS) and Dr. Dave Weldon (CDC). We exist to serve, which is why I'm suggesting some questions for Senators to ask all of Trump's health picks.

/ December 2, 2024

ZDoggMD on RFK Jr.’s Rise: “I’m Talking About Like These Science Based Medicine Guys”

Dr. Zubin Damania praised and promoted RFK Jr.-loving doctors. We criticized these doctors and corrected their factual errors. See the difference?

/ November 29, 2024
RFK Jr. and Donald Trump's health picks vs. vaccination

Antivaxxers, grifters, and quacks: RFK Jr.’s MAHA takes over federal health agencies

President-Elect Donald Trump has now announced most of picks to lead critical federal health agencies. These picks predictably prioritize grift, quackery, and antivax ideology.

/ November 25, 2024