Category Archives: Medical errors

Checklists

Posted on February 2, 2013 by Jim Wheeler

According to an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association, medical errors in what is supposedly the best healthcare system in the world kill about 250,000 people a year, making them the sixth leading cause of death in … Continue reading →

Posted in Medical errors, Safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

A Naval Approach to Healthcare

Posted on December 1, 2012 by Jim Wheeler

Most Americans find the notion of “socialized medicine” to be abhorrent. In most citizens the concept evokes visions of a moribund, inefficient bureaucracy more concerned with paperwork than in attending to the complexities of health problems. However, I would like … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare, Medical errors | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Grace Under Pressure

Posted on April 6, 2011 by Jim Wheeler

The recent failure of a seam in the aluminum skin of a Southwest Boeing 737 jet is cause for reflection on how modern engineering affects our lives.  It has only been about a century that we have had airplanes, or … Continue reading →

Posted in Aviation, Engineering, Medical errors, Technology | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Graybeard Reflections

Posted on October 22, 2010 by Jim Wheeler

One of the benefits of retirement is having the time and inclination to reflect on the human condition.  When I was still working life was pretty much a cycle of work-related concerns interwoven with welcome family time.  Entertainment and sleep … Continue reading →

Posted in Armed Forces, Medical errors, Philosophy, Submarines, Technology | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

It’s Bedlam, Do You Mind?

Posted on June 21, 2010 by Jim Wheeler

Hospitals are dangerous places. They are a necessity if you are in acute need but if you want to keep your health you would be wise to minimize your stay.  Let me tell you a true story about hospitals. Forty-nine … Continue reading →

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An Engineer Comments On Medical Errors

Posted on March 30, 2010 by Jim Wheeler

Medical errors? Surely not YOUR hospital! Surely not YOUR doctor! What is your experience in Joplin? Continue reading →

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