Physicians in private practice facing financial and competitive pressures can explore ten strategic options, including partnerships with private equity or family offices, hospital employment, mergers, management service organizations, and clinically integrated networks, to sustain viability and growth.

Implementing small, targeted strategies to improve work-life balance in medical practices can boost employee morale, reduce burnout, and enhance patient care while lowering turnover and recruitment costs.

A recent nationwide survey found that 50% of physician residents and fellows reported burnout symptoms—down from 60% in 2012—highlighting progress from systemic well-being initiatives but underscoring the need for continued efforts to address long work hours and improve training environments.

Medicare telehealth flexibilities and the CMS Acute Hospital Care at Home program have been temporarily reinstated through January 30 following legislation to end the government shutdown, but advocates warn that short-term extensions create ongoing uncertainty for providers and patients.

 

Health-care workers view technology as both a promising tool for reducing stress and improving patient care and a source of concern about job security, workflow disruption, and inadequate training.

Major AI developments in healthcare include a push for physician oversight and education, and AI’s growing role in workforce reductions.

Nearly 60% of physicians leave their first job within three years, with factors like organizational culture, leadership, onboarding quality, and work relationships outweighing compensation in determining long-term job satisfaction.

AI is transforming healthcare cybersecurity into a constant battle between attackers using generative tools for social engineering and defenders leveraging AI for intrusion detection, malware prevention, and phishing protection, highlighting both its advantages and limitations in safeguarding sensitive data.

Stability, good cushioning, and proper arch support are among the shoe traits to look for if one is dealing with plantar fasciitis.

 

Foot massagers can help to increase blood circulation and loosen tight muscles in the feet and lower legs.

Experts recommend treating and preventing foot calluses with a combination of gentle physical exfoliation, moisturizing and exfoliating creams, and addressing underlying causes like friction from ill-fitting shoes using pads or orthotics.