Alcohol Use Before Surgery
July 23rd, 2012
Pre-surgery instructions include many do’s and don’ts. We take considerable care to help patients understand their responsibility in preparing for cosmetic surgery.
One of the most frequent questions I hear relates to alcohol use before and after surgery. I advise my patients not to have any alcoholic drinks (including beer and wine) for one week before surgery, also to refrain from having any alcoholic beverages for two days after your surgery date and to not resume as long as you are taking prescription medications.
Numerous studies have been done about the effects and risks from alcohol and drinking prior to surgery. Alcohol interferes with anesthetic medicines and may contribute to excessive bleeding. If you might have difficulty in complying with these restrictions, it is important to address your concerns with your physician prior to surgery.
Limiting Medical Practice Based on Training and Certification
February 6th, 2012
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports yesterday that The Minnesota Board of Medical Practice exhibits a serious failure to act on patient complaints against physicians. According to a Star Tribune investigation, “The Minnesota Board of Medical Practice, responsible for protecting the public from physician errors or misconduct, often shies away from punishing doctors whose mistakes harm patients or who demonstrate a pattern of substandard care.â€
Some of the reported problems are related to cosmetic surgery procedures being done by a dermatologist. Medical regulation does not limit the scope of surgical practice today. In fact, physicians are allowed by law to practice all aspects of medicine and surgery independent of training or experience. This antiquated policy, driven by a 19th century shortage of doctors, is no longer prudent.
Today’s specialty training provides an education that is generally limited to the scope within each specialty. Cardiac surgeons are not trained to do breast enlargement and plastic surgeons are not trained to do bypass surgery. This makes sense to me!
Is it time for The Minnesota Board of Medical Practice to begin limiting medical practice based on training and certification?
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