Thanks Annie,

I agree regarding incompetent ER doctors.
But, as a physician I had the privilege not to have to bother too much about them. (not that having a mini-ICU at home, so that I don't need to go to the ER didn't have a price of its own).

As to drug companies-
It really annoys me when they direct their commercials to patients, who then put pressure on their doctors to give them the excellent medication they have seen. My patients trust me when I explain why I don't give them this new and wonderful medication, and prefer instead to keep them on the old and well-proven one (which doesn't have a patent any more, so obviously not promoted) but I know that not all physician-patient relationships are like that.
I am sure you are going to enjoy this, as much as I did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffZUHWG66EA

And you would be amazed to know how many doctors don't bother to read the original articles, but base their management decisions on promotion material given to them by (guess who...).

I am not against novel treatments, but those should be given with some thought process to those who could truly benefit.

But, I better not go into this topic, because I have too much to say...