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Proposed Bill Would Ban mRNA Vaccines in Iowa
Sena just alerted me to a bill in the Iowa legislature right now that proposes mRNA vaccines (like the Covid vaccine for example) be banned in Iowa. Part of it says that any person who provides or administers such a vaccine would be guilty of a simple misdemeanor and subject to a $500 fine. I…
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The Connection Between Vitamin A and Measles Is Not Just About Carrots
The measles outbreak is big in the news and the issue of the role of Vitamin A in measles reminded me of something I saw back in the 1970s. I was working as a drafter and survey crew assistant for WHKS & Co (consulting engineers in Mason City, Iowa) at the time. As I was…
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More on the Focused Practice Designation in Emergency Psychiatry
This post just provides further information (in addition to what was in yesterday’s post) on the evolution of the Focused Practice Designation (FPD) for consultation-liaison psychiatrists who might be interested in certifying to work in emergency departments. I use the word “certifying” because it seems clear that the FPD pathway has been intended to follow…
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New Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Focused Practice Designation in Emergency Behavioral Certification in Emergency Rooms
I just found out about the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) announcement of a new addition to the Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry subspecialty: Focused Practice Designation. It looks like it’s going to be administered by the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM), possibly in collaboration with the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (ABPN). I’m unsure…
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Girl Scout Cookies Are Safe!
We were out the other day and tried the new Girl Scout Thin Mint Frosties. Sena got chocolate and I got vanilla. We thought they were delicious. Wendy’s partnered with Girl Scouts of the USA to serve them up and it’s a great idea. They’re swirled and topped with a mint-flavored cookie crumble sauce. We…
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Noteworthy Black Psychiatrists on the Last Day of Black History Month
I wanted to give a shout-out to Dr. H. Steven Moffic, MD for his article highlighting the career of a notable black psychiatrist, Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint, MD, who sadly died on February 24, 2025. I’m mortified that I hadn’t heard of him before now. It reminded me of the time I mentioned another black…
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FDA Announces Clozapine REMS Program Eliminated
As of February 24, 2025, the FDA has eliminated the Clozapine Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. See the FDA link for details. Below is the announcement. “Latest Update February 24, 2025 – Beginning today, FDA does not expect prescribers, pharmacies, and patients to participate in the risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (REMS) program for…
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The Pizza in a Bowl Enigma
Sena got a couple of pizza bowls and it’s quite an experience. It might be one of the things extraterrestrials would not invent because they don’t have mouths big enough to eat anything but chick peas one at a time. Don’t get me wrong. The pizza tastes great. Has anybody figured out how to eat…
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Bluebirds Fly on the Terry Trueblood Trail
We got out today on the Terry Trueblood Trail because it was sunny and 60 degrees. It felt like early spring, although Punxsutawney Phil put the kibosh on that. The ice was giving way on Sand Lake. The birds were waking up and hungry. And I can’t remember the last time we saw bluebirds at…
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Addiction Not the Same as Neuroadaptation
It’s common to read or hear people say they’re “addicted” to all sorts of things, like chocolate, but there’s a difference between addiction and adaptation. Adaptation can also be called “dependence” or the fancier “neuroadaptation.” This can foster a discussion about whether you can be addicted to antidepressants, which by extension, could mean it’s difficult…
Go Retire Psychiatrist 