Psychiatry and Mental Health

Listen here or download the podcast of President Obama's speech to a joint session of Congress on September 9, 2009, outlining his plan for healthcare reform.

To listen to the Republican response delivered by Rep. Charles Boustany, MD (R-LA), click here.

Vice President Joe Biden, alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Dr. David Blumenthal, the Obama administration's National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, leads this roundtable discussion on healthcare reform and the need to ‘modernize the system' with broad implementation of electronic health records (EHRs). Hosted by Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago on August 20, 2009, the discussion ranges from the keys to improving the coordination of care through EHRs, to enhancing patient safety and reducing privacy concerns, to promoting vital cost and effectiveness measures across the spectrum of care.

Vice President Biden announced the availability of $1.2 billion in federal grants for electronic health record systems. The funding comes from the $787 billion stimulus package passed earlier this year. It is ticketed to finance the creation of EHR technology extension-centers, which will provide clinicians and hospitals with on-the-spot support for the installation and utilization of certified EHR systems. Money is also set aside to help providers attain key incentives to encourage the adoption of EHRs. The administration says grants will be awarded on a rolling basis, with the first awards to be issued in fiscal year 2010.

Panelists included cardiologist Dr. Martha Gulati, geriatrician Dr. June McKoy, …

The research is yet to be written on the number of physician assistants that face substance abuse issues. Gail Curtis, an assistant professor of PA studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, joins host Lisa D'Andrea Lenell to discuss the reasons PAs may abuse controlled substances, how to get proper treatment and the programs that are available for medical professionals.

The diversity of residents in long term care medicine can present unique challenges in diagnosing and caring for patients with various psychiatric conditions. What should physicians keep in mind when caring for younger patients, those with Alzheimer's disease, or patients who have had a stroke at long term care facilities? Dr. Lory Bright-Long, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at State University of New York Stony Brook and certified medical director, discusses the role of the interdisciplinary team in managing patients with psychiatric conditions. Hosted by Dr. Eric Tangalos.

Tune in for complete audio of the prime-time presidential news conference from the White House, July 22, 2009. President Obama outlines his plan for overhauling the nation's healthcare system, and takes questions.

Among older patients, who is most at risk for developing dementia? How can a team of caregivers at a nursing home best assess dementia, and what are some of the causes of this condition? How can activity programs help to decrease the cognitive decline of residents at long-term care facilities? Host Dr. Eric Tangalos discusses these and other questions about dementia with Dr. Alva Baker, faculty member of the division of geriatric psychiatry and neuropsychiatry at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

How is interdisciplinary collaboration of crucial importance in long term care medicine, and how can a team of health care providers communicate most effectively? What are some of the challenges presented by interdisciplinary collaboration? Dr. Barbara Resnick, professor in the department of organizational systems and adult health at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, discusses collaboration in geriatric and long term care medicine with host Dr. Eric Tangalos.

President Barack Obama delivered a lengthy address on his vision for health system reform to delegates of the American Medical Association (AMA) at their 158th annual meeting in Chicago. The speech generated a range of reactions from physicians in the audience. Host Dr. John Armstrong captures their sentiments on the floor of the meeting hall. How will this speech affect America's physicians? Will President Obama ensure that our concerns are represented in the health system reform debate? Tune in to hear the unfiltered responses from your colleagues in medicine!

ReachMD brings you complete coverage of the 2009 AMA House of Delegates Meeting. Listen now!

President Obama's keynote address to the AMA House of Delegates

Leaders in long term care medicine react to the 2009 Delegates Meeting

AMA President Dr. J. James Rohack's inauguration speech

Dr. Rohack discusses President Obama's plan for healthcare reform

Perspectives from members of the AMA Board of Trustees

Voting round-up and one-on-one with Dr. Steven Stack

All this week on the radio at XM 160 and online at www.ReachMD.com

ReachMD brings you coverage of President Barack Obama's unprecedented keynote address to the American Medical Association's House of Delegates at their 158th annual meeting.

And don't miss the multimedia presentation of the President's speech from American Medical News. Audio courtesy of ReachMD.

A certified diabetes educator can help both physicians and patients when it comes to sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is experienced by over half of all women with diabetes, and approximately 32 percent of men with type 1 and 46 percent of men with type 2. So, it is critical to provide good communication. Our guest, certified diabetes educator and sex specialist Janis Roszler, outlines the benefits of good communication for healthcare professionals and their patients. Join host Dr. Steven Edelman to learn more.