Organ transplantation has dramatically changed lives and is raising hopes it could do even more for millions of people. But getting where we are has not been easy. A transplant surgeon traces the history of transplant research and notes the courage to fail among pioneering researchers and patients.

Medical Notes for the week of April 7, 2019 including: The average american eats enough eggs a week to raise risk for heart attack or death. Then, a study indicating common heartburn medications are being linked to kidney failure and chronic kidney disease, and finally, your apple watch might be able to detect an irregular heart beat.

One of the most popular searches on Google is for symptoms and what they mean. It’s created a much more well informed patient population, but one that may panic at the least pain or discomfort. Two experts discuss how to think of symptoms and how to search for them.

Congressional plans, one from each side of the political spectrum, are competing to blow up the current healthcare system. Here experts examine one of them—the left’s bid to replace private insurers with a government-run single-payer plan labeled “Medicare for All.” Alternatives may include bolstering the Affordable Care Act, or getting rid of it completely.

Studies show a rudeness epidemic in the US, and that people are profoundly affected when they experience or even witness it occurring to someone else. Two experts discuss.

Medical Notes for the week of March 31, 2019 including: A nasal spray to treat depression called Esketamine. Then, parent skills that can help navigate conflict with teens. Finally, fast food now accounts for 11% of the energy intake in the United States.

Patients used to accept doctors’ orders without question. Today, more are asking questions and challenging their doctors’ opinions. However, even those who do it politely are likely to be labeled “difficult.” A doctor whose late wife nearly made a career of being a difficult patient discusses how patients can do it respectfully and fruitfully.

Medical Notes for the week of March 24, 2019 including: In the first two months of 2019 the U.S. has had more cases of measles than ALL of 2017. Then, if you don't get enough sleep during the week, you can't catch up by sleeping in on the weekend, and finally; does the secret to a long life require drinking alcohol and coffee?

Many people have questions about their bodies that seem so silly, they never bring them up with their doctors. While the answers are sometimes humorous, often they are more complicated and important than we imagine. An expert physician/writer discusses.

Knee replacements are successful for 80 percent of recipients, yet many assume the success rate should be higher. Those who are not successful often are bitterly disappointed. However, patients and physicians can take steps to avoid a bad result. New techniques also offer much faster recovery. Experts discuss.