Trending Now Hottest editorials of 2014

Dr. McDonnell

1. We [ophthalmologists] are the 99%!

In his October column, Peter J. McDonnell, MD, chief medical editor of Ophthalmology Times, examined whether or not wealthier parents maximize their children's chances of acceptance into elite universities.

Ophthalmology Times Editorial Advisory Board Member J.C. Noreika, MD, shared his thoughts on Dr. McDonnell’s editorial.

“In America's capitalistic system, there is a not so subtle bright line drawn between wealth and income, power and subservience,” he said. “Educated, well-trained and reliable laborers, physicians have been rewarded with top-tier incomes since the advent of Medicare in the 1960s. The acquisition of wealth, on the other hand, is an entirely different beast.

“History teaches that the upper echelon of America's wealthy amassed their treasure not only through hard work, creativity and perseverance but also a strong stomach for risk, a providential dose of luck and timing, the occasional ethical lapse, a high tolerance for failure and a clever tax attorney,” Dr. Noreika continued. “Few of us will experience great wealth. Perhaps it is worth remembering that current psychosocial research shows that money beyond a certain level of comfort and security becomes more rather than less problematic. In Godfather II, Hyman Roth (Lee Strasberg channeling gangster Meyer Lansky) educates the ascendant Michael Corleone: ‘And I said to myself, this is the business we've chosen.’ Conceding ophthalmology's challenges, it's still a pretty good gig.”

Read the column

2. An Attack on Elite Educational Institutions

In this column, Dr. McDonnell examined whether or not wealthier parents maximize their children's chances of acceptance into elite universities.

Ophthalmology Times Editorial Advisory Board Member Richard K. Parrish II, MD, discusses why he thought this editorial was so popular this year.

“Having been around the block of academic ophthalmology for several decades, Dr. McConnell, underscores the futility of trying to play the numbers game with ranking institutions of higher education,” Dr. Parrish said. “The fallacy is that one can judge a book by its cover.

“Were it only for education afforded the wealthy by big name universities we would be a nation of inept bystanders,” he continued. “Cream rises to the top irrespective of which cow produces it.”

Read the column here

3. Making fun of doctors

In this column, Dr. McDonnell discusses social media comments-and jokes-about physicians, and how a recent study revealed there is a concern that the status and authority of doctors has been declining.

“I believe that humor in all of its forms is wonderful therapy even when used to make fun of physicians!” said Ophthalmology Times Editorial Advisory Board Member Ehsan Sadri, MD. “The old notion of patriarchal role that doctors have played that has been all too long prevalent is outdated and needs to change. 

“Laughter allows patients to even this playing field and view their providers as human beings and a lot more like themselves,” Dr. Sadri said. “Studies show that this is good for doctors too as it allows better compliance and lower risk of litigation.”

Read the editorial here