Lifestyle

This week's list of must-read news stories for physicians include a look at some of the top issues facing physicians in the year that was and the year to come, as well as news of a doctor's strike in Europe, and a sitcom's use in a medical school curriculum.

A new study confirms the majority of healthcare organizations are using cloud computing to support their information technology systems. The shift comes even as concerns over data security linger.

The average orthopedic surgical practice employs 5 surgeons and an additional 30 support personnel. In addition to the complexities of multiple surgeons working with each other and with local hospitals to meet the practice's mission, the practice needs to interface with regulators, insurers, and patients. The office manager is usually the person who coordinates all of these things, stays abreast of health care changes and informs practice partners on key business decisions. Because the manager's role is critical, surgeons need to understand the office manager's functions and responsibilities.

Doctors perform inspiring work saving lives every day, and yet, according to one author, "disillusionment" is widespread in the profession. Columnist Greg Kelly looks at how physicians might reverse that trend.

If nothing else, Clair Callan, MD, is both flexible and determined. Those traits have served her well as she's had to make some difficult choices during her professional career. And in her new memoir, "Standing My Ground," Callan, who today is vice president of science, quality, and public health standards for the American Medical Association, shares her journey of overcoming obstacles and cracking the glass ceiling in becoming a female physician.