LMU-DCOM Class of 2011

[nascardoc]

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yeah, I use synthetic, so changing it myself costs me about the same as having Jiffy Lube do the normal oil change, but the synthetic is supposedly better. Why is it that you can't change back and forth between the two?

I don't know the exact reasons as to why. Perhaps something in the chemical makeup or so. I heard this from a couple of different people and was unsure, so I asked my dad before posting the info. He has been in the automotive business for 25 years and he mentioned that this was true. It is best to stick with one type or another and if you want to switch to synthetic, then you want to do so early in your car's life. For my truck, which as 183,000 miles on it, I use a High Mileage Traditional oil, an oil designed for engines with 75,000+ miles on them. I know that Moble 1 has a synthetic that is supposed to last for 7,000 and even 15,000 miles without an oil change. There is a lot of skepticism around these and you want to make sure that using them will not void your warranty. I know that some cars companies have refused to do warranty work on cars that use these oils. Your regular synthetics that you change every 3,000 miles do not void any warranty, so don't worry about those.

 

[DoctorMom78]

I just got Pete delivered. We have a pony!!! So, those of you with kids, bring them on over. He is a really sweet boy who is perfect for pony rides.

I just have to say that I am already so in love with our house and Tennessee. I can't imagine ever wanting to live anywhere else. I just hope that I can get my residency at UT so that I can stay here to practice. I already feel so at home here. I now have a Tennessee driver's license and plates. It is so exciting!!!! Our neighbor drove up on his tractor the other day to say hello. I LOVE IT!!! 😍 I haven't gotten a chance to stop by the school yet because it has been so crazy around here, but it is really impressive when you drive past it. It is absolutely huge!!!

Anyway, anyone who is in the area, PM me and I will send you my address and number so that you can come visit. I am serious about the pony rides too! Miss you guys and can't wait for school to start.

 

[MJB]

Well folks...I'm now officially "homeless". We closed on our house in Missouri yesterday...and most of our stuff is on a big truck with an unknown destination...will just be stored in Knoxville until we find something. I'm having to have some other stuff crated and shipped (mowers, etc..) This has been a long week! Back in TN...hoping to find a house today or tomorrow!

I can already tell I'm not going to like living out of a suitcase for the next month or so. 🙂

 

[froggiepremed]

Well folks...I'm now officially "homeless". We closed on our house in Missouri yesterday...and most of our stuff is on a big truck with an unknown destination...will just be stored in Knoxville until we find something. I'm having to have some other stuff crated and shipped (mowers, etc..) This has been a long week! Back in TN...hoping to find a house today or tomorrow!

I can already tell I'm not going to like living out of a suitcase for the next month or so. 🙂

Good luck man! I don't think I would like the suitcase thing either

 

[sunnyjohn]

Hi everybody,

Sorry I was away for so long. I was sick.

Thanks for all the kind messages over at facebook?

So, what did I miss?

 

[dr.kicia]

Hello All!!!
I am 50 lbs lighter...OMG so glad that MCRAP is over (at least i hope, but seriously i'd rather go live on some island for 2 years then take this sucker again...it was HORRIBLE...glad it is over).
SO how is everyone doing?
And doctormom is finally back 😀

 

[nascardoc]

Hi everybody,

Sorry I was away for so long. I was sick.

Thanks for all the kind messages over at facebook?

So, what did I miss?

Hey Sunny,

Sorry to hear that you were sick, but it is nice to see you back here. Hope all is well. Let's see, what happened...

- Dr. Inviz got banned
- Our condo is up for sale
- MJB sold his house
- The waitlist has moved a bit
- Our threads got moved to here
- DocMom is officially in TN
- We got our Financial Aid info

Can't think of anything else right now. I'm sure others will fill other things in that I've missed. Nice to see you again Sunny. 😀

 

[nascardoc]

Hello All!!!
I am 50 lbs lighter...OMG so glad that MCRAP is over (at least i hope, but seriously i'd rather go live on some island for 2 years then take this sucker again...it was HORRIBLE...glad it is over).
SO how is everyone doing?
And doctormom is finally back 😀

How do you think you did? How long till you get your scores? How was taking the test on a computer? I had paper based, which I think I would like better b/c you can work things out, underline, etc. Do they give you scratch paper or anything?

I too remember that feeling after the test. There's is not much like it, such a relief. I'm sure you did well. BTW, if that island is Maui, the wife and I will join you. That is the most beautiful place I've ever been to or seen.

 

[dr.kicia]

How do you think you did? How long till you get your scores? How was taking the test on a computer? I had paper based, which I think I would like better b/c you can work things out, underline, etc. Do they give you scratch paper or anything?

I too remember that feeling after the test. There's is not much like it, such a relief. I'm sure you did well. BTW, if that island is Maui, the wife and I will join you. That is the most beautiful place I've ever been to or seen.

LOL...read the MCAT forum...we are all so pissed to say the least. The test did not compare to anything I have seen on all AAMC practice test. Passages were waaaaay to looong and the questions were really badly written with ambiguous answers. PS and BS felt more like verbal to me. Some answers were rediculous like one of the questions had these two answer choices on BS: a) it disproves Mr.X's hypothesis, b) it means that Mr.X mistaken on his hypothesis WTF???? HORRIBLE. Plus they used a passage from Kaplan, word for word just changed questions, but obviously if you have seen it before and had it explained by an instructor you were at the major advantage to other test takers...It's rediculous that they do things like that on the exam that is supposed to be a factor in determining who gets in to med school.
But there is nothing fair in life i guess. I am just trully hoping that the curve will be good and that i did OK.

 

[froggiepremed]

LOL...read the MCAT forum...we are all so pissed to say the least. The test did not compare to anything I have seen on all AAMC practice test. Passages were waaaaay to looong and the questions were really badly written with ambiguous answers. PS and BS felt more like verbal to me. Some answers were rediculous like one of the questions had these two answer choices on BS: a) it disproves Mr.X's hypothesis, b) it means that Mr.X mistaken on his hypothesis WTF???? HORRIBLE. Plus they used a passage from Kaplan, word for word just changed questions, but obviously if you have seen it before and had it explained by an instructor you were at the major advantage to other test takers...It's rediculous that they do things like that on the exam that is supposed to be a factor in determining who gets in to med school.
But there is nothing fair in life i guess. I am just trully hoping that the curve will be good and that i did OK.

I heard Kaplan tried to teach the students to use the mouse with their left hand so they could write with the right hand (assuming you are right handed). I am so glad I didn't have to take it on the computer. This was the last year my MCAT was good, so I am glad I got into school.

 

[Lamborghini1315]

I heard Kaplan tried to teach the students to use the mouse with their left hand so they could write with the right hand (assuming you are right handed). I am so glad I didn't have to take it on the computer. This was the last year my MCAT was good, so I am glad I got into school.

On the flip side the test is shorter, you can take it multiple times..you get the results in a month. Also interestingly the average MCAT scores went up for the new system..so has it gotten easier? hmm i cant answer that but def unlike the old system, the test gives more room for scheduling and opportunities to take the test without sitting on your ass a whole year and trying to re-read the material all over again...huh the old system sucked!!

 

[Doctor McDreamy]

Well folks...I'm now officially "homeless". We closed on our house in Missouri yesterday...and most of our stuff is on a big truck with an unknown destination...will just be stored in Knoxville until we find something. I'm having to have some other stuff crated and shipped (mowers, etc..) This has been a long week! Back in TN...hoping to find a house today or tomorrow!



I can already tell I'm not going to like living out of a suitcase for the next month or so.

Oh yeah brotha, I feel ur pain. Im sleeping on my best friends couch this month and im also living out of a suitcase. Sucks, but oh well!!!

and.....F**K the MCAT!!! I HATE THAT STUPID F###ing test!!! I burned all my princeton review books like 2 weeks ago! When I got accepted into medical school I think I was more excited that I'm never gonna have to take that dumb ****** test again!!!!

 

[Lamborghini1315]

Well folks...I'm now officially "homeless"[/quote]

Oh yeah brotha, I feel ur pain. Im sleeping on my best friends couch this month and im also living out of a suitcase. Sucks, but oh well!!!

and.....F**K the MCAT!!! I HATE THAT STUPID F###ing test!!! I burned all my princeton review books like 2 weeks ago! When I got accepted into medical school I think I was more excited that I'm never gonna have to take that dumb ****** test again!!!!

haha well in regards to the MCAT's, yes we share a common ground..sorry about you being homeless though. Hang in there..school's starting soon, we will be living off the federal loans...

 

[Doctor Acula]

You forgot to mention in your update that they sell beer and wine in Harrogate and that the movies in M-boro are only $1.50!

who is looking for roommates, btw?

 

[DoctorMom78]

LOL...read the MCAT forum...we are all so pissed to say the least. The test did not compare to anything I have seen on all AAMC practice test. Passages were waaaaay to looong and the questions were really badly written with ambiguous answers. PS and BS felt more like verbal to me. Some answers were rediculous like one of the questions had these two answer choices on BS: a) it disproves Mr.X's hypothesis, b) it means that Mr.X mistaken on his hypothesis WTF???? HORRIBLE. Plus they used a passage from Kaplan, word for word just changed questions, but obviously if you have seen it before and had it explained by an instructor you were at the major advantage to other test takers...It's rediculous that they do things like that on the exam that is supposed to be a factor in determining who gets in to med school.
But there is nothing fair in life i guess. I am just trully hoping that the curve will be good and that i did OK.

Well, you did it. CONGRATS!!!! I know what a relief that is. We are all hoping for the best for you.

Sunny, sorry to hear you were sick and glad you are doing better.

MJB, you are welcome to store some stuff here if you want. Come out and visit if you get bored with looking for a house.

Everyone else, love you!!!!! TTYS!!!!

 

[MJB]

I think I found a house...Should know Monday...and then keep my fingers crossed they can have it finished in time. As is normal for us...more than I wanted to spend... 🙂

That being said, it's a house we can live in forever if we want/need to and if nothing else, it should appreciate nicely.

50 mile commute though, so I might have to see about staying in Harrogate from time to time.

Guess I'll just have to pray for rotations in Knoxville.

 

[dr.kicia]

Well, you did it. CONGRATS!!!! I know what a relief that is. We are all hoping for the best for you.

Sunny, sorry to hear you were sick and glad you are doing better.

MJB, you are welcome to store some stuff here if you want. Come out and visit if you get bored with looking for a house.

Everyone else, love you!!!!! TTYS!!!!

LOL i am praying to God Allmighty to make AAMC give us a huuuge curve.
I really would be devasteted if i did horribly and couldn't apply to med school after all my hard work and sacrifices in the past few years.

 

[zerotoad]

Well, you did it. CONGRATS!!!! I know what a relief that is. We are all hoping for the best for you.

Sunny, sorry to hear you were sick and glad you are doing better.

MJB, you are welcome to store some stuff here if you want. Come out and visit if you get bored with looking for a house.

Everyone else, love you!!!!! TTYS!!!!

DocMom, I live in Tazewell and work at the hospital. When is your BBQ?

 

[DoctorMom78]

DocMom, I live in Tazewell and work at the hospital. When is your BBQ?

No idea. LOL! I was going to do it August 4th, but that is too close to DCOM's BBQ, so I am flexible on the date. I guess it will be sometime in July. I would love to hear more about the hospital. I am really interested in it. PM me if you want to come out and visit the horses or the kids or me. 😀

 

[nascardoc]

I think I found a house...Should know Monday...and then keep my fingers crossed they can have it finished in time. As is normal for us...more than I wanted to spend... 🙂

That being said, it's a house we can live in forever if we want/need to and if nothing else, it should appreciate nicely.

50 mile commute though, so I might have to see about staying in Harrogate from time to time.

Guess I'll just have to pray for rotations in Knoxville.

Congrats!!! I hope everything works out. 50 miles is a lot, but it can be done. I'm glad you guys found something that fits you all so nicely.

We found out that the builder for our backup house won't accept our contingency of selling the condo either 😡 I just don't get it. Is it a TN thing? Do they only want to sell to first time buyers? Most people I know, when their place is up for sale, look for homes and put offers on them without problems, but this is crazy. So basically, we have to put our home buying efforts on hold until our condo has a contract on it. How long will this take...who knows. But if it doesn't move quick, then I will have to move out to TN without my wife as she will have to stay here until the place sells 🙁 :cry: We are having on open house Sunday, so hopefully we will get some people walking thru and hopefully someone will want to buy it. Anxiety and impatience have now officially kicked in for Jen and me.

 

[nascardoc]

BTW, we've officially broke the 60 day mark until school starts. 58 days and counting.....holy crap 😳😀😱

 

[lrobin15]

Congrats!!! I hope everything works out. 50 miles is a lot, but it can be done. I'm glad you guys found something that fits you all so nicely.

We found out that the builder for our backup house won't accept our contingency of selling the condo either 😡 I just don't get it. Is it a TN thing? Do they only want to sell to first time buyers? Most people I know, when their place is up for sale, look for homes and put offers on them without problems, but this is crazy. So basically, we have to put our home buying efforts on hold until our condo has a contract on it. How long will this take...who knows. But if it doesn't move quick, then I will have to move out to TN without my wife as she will have to stay here until the place sells 🙁 :cry: We are having on open house Sunday, so hopefully we will get some people walking thru and hopefully someone will want to buy it. Anxiety and impatience have now officially kicked in for Jen and me.

My father-in-law is a contracter in Ashville and he says that new homes sell to well to accept a contract with a contingency. Plus with the so called housing market collapse, if you are not selling a home here in the area they are even less considerate -to much risk on their part. When we bought our house in Farragut in 2000, no one would take a contingency then either. We even had our financing lined up and ready to go.

Good luck, I'm sure you will get a contract soon.

 

[MJB]

Yeah...50 miles isn't ideal...but hopefully it will pay off in years 3 and 4. Park West is about 19 miles from this house...so about 20 minutes or so.

It was 47 miles to the house in Halls we were looking at.


You really must quit with the countdown nascar...you're gonna give me a complex! 🙂

Should know more about the house by tomorrow night.

 

[Lamborghini1315]

Alright i was listening to the democratic debate on CNN, what shocks me is the lack of questions on education funding? Especially federal stafford loan interest rates, i believe the interest rates were around 3 percent during clinton's administration and now they have rose to a staggering 6.8 percent. It's ridiculous how all the tax money basically goes overseas and our debts will be getting bigger. The democrats plan to push for an universal health care plan that wont completely emulate canada's version but will still work with insurance companies to help out those who cant afford it..which sounds like a good plan. However edwards and obama emphasized raising taxes on rich people like folks who make beyond 200,000. I was wondering if the health care profession will take a big hit coz of all these plans, an universal and high tax increase will certainly affect our salaries and potential to make a considerable amount that coinicides with our heavy work load. Seriously us doctors keep losing more money but our working hours only keep rising?!? However I am all for helping out people who cant afford health care, also lowering taxes on low income groups huh i dont even know what i want our future president to do anymore...anyone feel like me?

 

[Lamont]

i am not trying to push my views, if you disagree, you are welcome to it. just have an argument w/ evidence. no need for a flame war over this. universal health care would probably be a bad idea for the US right now...not enough health-related infrastructure to support the increase in visits. ER's would be flooded with patients, and workloads for docs would increase. I think that in the long run it may be a good situation, but priorities of patients, what is insured, and thigns like that are necessary for it to work. if the US could provide more care by providing more hospitals and clinics (and then providing more docs...make more medical schools...) then it could work. good idea in theory, bad idea for us. i would probably be in favor of a system that insured everyone 0-18 as long as there were stipulations, like the child has to be in school from K-12 and get their degree, something along those lines. improve the US education situation while giving them health care. at age 18, if they are not in college, create a staggered plan that would provide a buy-in of insurance that continues to stagger and top out at 25, when the person should make enough income to provide for their insurance. parents of children would be taxed an extra amount which would help pay for this (everyone would be taxed a bit more, its inevitable). college students would be covered same as 0-18'ers, grad students same deal. 6 months after graduation, they are on track to pay for health insurance. if they are under 25, they hop into the age bracket as before. if they are over, after 6 months they pay for insurance (or get it through a job). there are tons of things to consider in that plan, and its a rough draft of all rough drafts, but something like that is a start. would socialized medicine kill our financial situations? doubtful...60% of medicine is already subsidized by the government so you pretty much have quasi-social medicine as it is. i dont know how angry i'd be at raising taxes for the richest bracket...i'd be happy to be in said bracket while doing a kick ass job. X00,000 dollars is more money than i know what to do with.

 

[nascardoc]

Alright i was listening to the democratic debate on CNN, what shocks me is the lack of questions on education funding? Especially federal stafford loan interest rates, i believe the interest rates were around 3 percent during clinton's administration and now they have rose to a staggering 6.8 percent. It's ridiculous how all the tax money basically goes overseas and our debts will be getting bigger. The democrats plan to push for an universal health care plan that wont completely emulate canada's version but will still work with insurance companies to help out those who cant afford it..which sounds like a good plan. However edwards and obama emphasized raising taxes on rich people like folks who make beyond 200,000. I was wondering if the health care profession will take a big hit coz of all these plans, an universal and high tax increase will certainly affect our salaries and potential to make a considerable amount that coinicides with our heavy work load. Seriously us doctors keep losing more money but our working hours only keep rising?!? However I am all for helping out people who cant afford health care, also lowering taxes on low income groups huh i dont even know what i want our future president to do anymore...anyone feel like me?

I hear what you are saying. But I think the most important thing to do, which will decrease health costs for everybody is stopping the stupid a$$ lawsuits. So much time and money is lost due to people suing a hospital or doctor for the dumbest reasons and there is no consequence to their actions b/c they "don't have to pay unless they win" (but the hospital/doctor has to pay regardless). THIS is what needs to change to stop the lawsuits. What I think should happen is that if a person brings a frivolous lawsuit to the court, not onnly should they have to pay their laywers, they should pay a portion of the hospital's and/or doctor's lawyers as well. This will stop people dead in their tracks. Also, I believe that the drug companies need to pitch in too. It is sickening seeing drup companies spending billions of dollars on commercials, making billions in profit (yet it still isn't enough) and drug prices increase all tht time. Over the last 1.5 years, my allergy medication has gone up about $15-20 per month. Now imagine "more important" meds have gone up. Pfizer, I believe, just on Lipitor alone, makes billions. Don't forget the former CEO's who are making millions each year on pensions, etc. These drug companies need to pitch in some $ to relieve the financial strain.

The thing you have to remember about Clinton's admin is that he fell a$$ backwards into one of the greatest periods of economic gain this country has ever seen. With the internet explosion, the dollar was worth an incredible amount of money, so interest rates were lower. Besides, I don't mind paying higher amounts of interest if the money is going to our troops. Unfortunately, the easiest way for the government to make more money is to put higher taxes on those who make more money. The problem for doctors can be this...$200K is not as much for a doc as it is for other professions. Docs have to pay huge student loan bills and malpractice insurance, not to mention that they usually start making that amount of $ later in life than those other professions. Do doctors live comfortably, of course, I am not going to complain at all, but it is harder for docs to absorb more taxes than their peers who make the same amount.

Finally, I don't think our next president will be able to fix much, regardless of their political affiliation. Congress, who claims they want to be bipartisan, will never agree with each other. It's like you're asking a Yankees fan to be a Red SOx fan - it just ain't gonna happen

Sorry for the long post 😳 We only had one person come thru our open house today, but she seemed to be really interested. We should find out more tomorrow, so hopefully things will start moving. We have another couple who is really interested, but they haven't offered anything yet. Hopefully things move quick b/c all we hear right now is tick...tock...tick...tock

 

[nascardoc]

i am not trying to push my views, if you disagree, you are welcome to it. just have an argument w/ evidence. no need for a flame war over this. universal health care would probably be a bad idea for the US right now...not enough health-related infrastructure to support the increase in visits. ER's would be flooded with patients, and workloads for docs would increase. I think that in the long run it may be a good situation, but priorities of patients, what is insured, and thigns like that are necessary for it to work. if the US could provide more care by providing more hospitals and clinics (and then providing more docs...make more medical schools...) then it could work. good idea in theory, bad idea for us. i would probably be in favor of a system that insured everyone 0-18 as long as there were stipulations, like the child has to be in school from K-12 and get their degree, something along those lines. improve the US education situation while giving them health care. at age 18, if they are not in college, create a staggered plan that would provide a buy-in of insurance that continues to stagger and top out at 25, when the person should make enough income to provide for their insurance. parents of children would be taxed an extra amount which would help pay for this (everyone would be taxed a bit more, its inevitable). college students would be covered same as 0-18'ers, grad students same deal. 6 months after graduation, they are on track to pay for health insurance. if they are under 25, they hop into the age bracket as before. if they are over, after 6 months they pay for insurance (or get it through a job). there are tons of things to consider in that plan, and its a rough draft of all rough drafts, but something like that is a start. would socialized medicine kill our financial situations? doubtful...60% of medicine is already subsidized by the government so you pretty much have quasi-social medicine as it is. i dont know how angry i'd be at raising taxes for the richest bracket...i'd be happy to be in said bracket while doing a kick ass job. X00,000 dollars is more money than i know what to do with.

Interesting ideas. I like the 0-18 idea and beyond if in school. Illinois has this type of thing now and I think it is a good idea.

 

[lrobin15]

I strongly support National Healthcare. If you're interested in learning more, check out this website http://www.pnhp.org/ -Physicians for a National Healthcare Program

This is off the website about single-payer national health insurance..."Single-payer national health insurance is a system in which a single public or quasi-public agency organizes health financing, but delivery of care remains largely private.

Currently, the U.S. health care system is outrageously expensive, yet inadequate. Despite spending more than twice as much as the rest of the industrialized nations ($7,129 per capita), the United States performs poorly in comparison on major health indicators such as life expectancy, infant mortality and immunization rates. Moreover, the other advanced nations provide comprehensive coverage to their entire populations, while the U.S. leaves 46 million completely uninsured and millions more inadequately covered.

The reason we spend more and get less than the rest of the world is because we have a patchwork system of for-profit payers. Private insurers necessarily waste health dollars on things that have nothing to do with care: overhead, underwriting, billing, sales and marketing departments as well as huge profits and exorbitant executive pay. Doctors and hospitals must maintain costly administrative staffs to deal with the bureaucracy. Combined, this needless administration consumes one-third (31 percent) of Americans' health dollars.

Single-payer financing is the only way to recapture this wasted money. The potential savings on paperwork, more than $350 billion per year, are enough to provide comprehensive coverage to everyone without paying any more than we already do.

Under a single-payer system, all Americans would be covered for all medically necessary services, including: doctor, hospital, long-term care, mental health, dental, vision, prescription drug and medical supply costs. Patients would regain free choice of doctor and hospital, and doctors would regain autonomy over patient care.

Physicians would be paid fee-for-service according to a negotiated formulary or receive salary from a hospital or nonprofit HMO / group practice. Hospitals would receive a global budget for operating expenses. Health facilities and expensive equipment purchases would be managed by regional health planning boards.

A single-payer system would be financed by eliminating private insurers and recapturing their administrative waste. Modest new taxes would replace premiums and out-of-pocket payments currently paid by individuals and business. Costs would be controlled though negotiated fees, global budgeting and bulk purchasing."

 

[froggiepremed]

I strongly support National Healthcare. If you're interested in learning more, check out this website http://www.pnhp.org/ -Physicians for a National Healthcare Program

This is off the website about single-payer national health insurance..."Single-payer national health insurance is a system in which a single public or quasi-public agency organizes health financing, but delivery of care remains largely private.

Currently, the U.S. health care system is outrageously expensive, yet inadequate. Despite spending more than twice as much as the rest of the industrialized nations ($7,129 per capita), the United States performs poorly in comparison on major health indicators such as life expectancy, infant mortality and immunization rates. Moreover, the other advanced nations provide comprehensive coverage to their entire populations, while the U.S. leaves 46 million completely uninsured and millions more inadequately covered.

The reason we spend more and get less than the rest of the world is because we have a patchwork system of for-profit payers. Private insurers necessarily waste health dollars on things that have nothing to do with care: overhead, underwriting, billing, sales and marketing departments as well as huge profits and exorbitant executive pay. Doctors and hospitals must maintain costly administrative staffs to deal with the bureaucracy. Combined, this needless administration consumes one-third (31 percent) of Americans’ health dollars.

Single-payer financing is the only way to recapture this wasted money. The potential savings on paperwork, more than $350 billion per year, are enough to provide comprehensive coverage to everyone without paying any more than we already do.

Under a single-payer system, all Americans would be covered for all medically necessary services, including: doctor, hospital, long-term care, mental health, dental, vision, prescription drug and medical supply costs. Patients would regain free choice of doctor and hospital, and doctors would regain autonomy over patient care.

Physicians would be paid fee-for-service according to a negotiated formulary or receive salary from a hospital or nonprofit HMO / group practice. Hospitals would receive a global budget for operating expenses. Health facilities and expensive equipment purchases would be managed by regional health planning boards.

A single-payer system would be financed by eliminating private insurers and recapturing their administrative waste. Modest new taxes would replace premiums and out-of-pocket payments currently paid by individuals and business. Costs would be controlled though negotiated fees, global budgeting and bulk purchasing."

This sounds like a great idea. I think it is the most logical of what has been said above. However, we do live in America. This is the country of "Democracy" and people like to have things given to them. If someone can sit on their butt and have the government pay the rent and the medical bills, they have zero motivation to vote this in. I doubt much will ever change with our bipartisan view towards everything in Washington, but a very smart idea none the less.

 

[froggiepremed]

In less than 48 hours, froggiepremed will become a daddy. I am so excited!😀

 

[jen48]

In less than 48 hours, froggiepremed will become a daddy. I am so excited!😀

Congrats!!! Hope everything goes well!

 

[nascardoc]

This sounds like a great idea. I think it is the most logical of what has been said above. However, we do live in America. This is the country of "Democracy" and people like to have things given to them. If someone can sit on their butt and have the government pay the rent and the medical bills, they have zero motivation to vote this in. I doubt much will ever change with our bipartisan view towards everything in Washington, but a very smart idea none the less.

Agreed. Just throw in some medical lawsuit reform and I think things would change. But you are right, we live in a society where people would rather do nothing and have everything handed to them (b/c they're entitled to it 🙄) than work for what they have or want. The perfect example is our education mess in America. Everyone wants test scores to go up, but when students don't want to work for it because its "cool" to be the rebel in school, its "cool" to not care. In the countries that are passing us up (i.e. China, India) college is not much of an option, but an expectation, and students at all levels are expected to perform well. I will stop now before going off on a really long tangent 😉

In less than 48 hours, froggiepremed will become a daddy. I am so excited!😀

CONGRATS!!! I can only imagine how excited you must be. What a next few months for you...new dad and medical student. Good luck and we hope all goes well. Give our best to Mrs. Froggiepremed and your little tadpole too!!!

 

[MJB]

In less than 48 hours, froggiepremed will become a daddy. I am so excited!😀

That is supa-cool!

Congratulations. Do you know if it's a boy or girl?

 

[froggiepremed]

That is supa-cool!

Congratulations. Do you know if it's a boy or girl?

It's a boy - and it is supa-cool. 👍

 

[MJB]

Congrats again! I pray that if/when we have kids...we have boys. I'm just certain that if we had girls, daddy would not be able to say no. I have no trouble disciplining little boys, but for some reason, I'm a softie for little girls. 🙂 Who knows, that might change, but I doubt it.

 

[Marthea007]

It's a boy - and it is supa-cool. 👍

YAY!!!! Do you guys have a name picked out yet??



Side note: no house for me. 👎 Guess it's back to looking for rental places that will allow pets.

 

[Lamborghini1315]

In less than 48 hours, froggiepremed will become a daddy. I am so excited!😀

o yeaaaaaa, congrats man!!!

 

[Lamborghini1315]

I appreciate all the interesting perspectives everyone has on this thread, i personally like John Edwards for president although hilary clinton would have a bigger historical impact but she flip flops way too much..i believe she was in favor of the war and later admitted her regret in doing so, iam not sure how much she regrets it? I strongly agree with MJB on congress trying to be bipartisan, that would never happen. In regards to IROBIN's comment on universal health care plan i think it would be too expensive for the American Gov't esp if they intend to do it without raising taxes.

 

[froggiepremed]

YAY!!!! Do you guys have a name picked out yet??



Side note: no house for me. 👎 Guess it's back to looking for rental places that will allow pets.

His name is Pierce - my wife's maiden name.

As for the house, good luck fiding a rental. Whenever an ad pops up, the house is usually gone very quick!

 

[lrobin15]

I appreciate all the interesting perspectives everyone has on this thread, i personally like John Edwards for president although hilary clinton would have a bigger historical impact but she flip flops way too much..i believe she was in favor of the war and later admitted her regret in doing so, iam not sure how much she regrets it? I strongly agree with MJB on congress trying to be bipartisan, that would never happen. In regards to IROBIN's comment on universal health care plan i think it would be too expensive for the American Gov't esp if they intend to do it without raising taxes.

You must read what I quoted before you actually post about it. The website and what I quoted fully explains how the financal side would be addressed (amoung other things, taxes would be raised slightly -but it would actually cost you less than your insurance premiums do now).

I have no problems with someone disagreeing, but you must actually know each side of the arguement before your opinion can be taken seriously.

LRobin

 

[lrobin15]

His name is Pierce - my wife's maiden name.

As for the house, good luck fiding a rental. Whenever an ad pops up, the house is usually gone very quick!

Congrats! I looooove newborns! I guess that is one reason I have 4 children.

 

[nascardoc]

I appreciate all the interesting perspectives everyone has on this thread, i personally like John Edwards for president although hilary clinton would have a bigger historical impact but she flip flops way too much..i believe she was in favor of the war and later admitted her regret in doing so, iam not sure how much she regrets it? I strongly agree with MJB on congress trying to be bipartisan, that would never happen. In regards to IROBIN's comment on universal health care plan i think it would be too expensive for the American Gov't esp if they intend to do it without raising taxes.

Personally, if Hilary wins, I think I will move to Canada. Hilary = Rosie O'Donnell = (I won't use any words 😉)

John Edwards is a cool guy, but I am a John McCain guy. Yes, I am an elephant, which is one of the reasons why I love this smiley Down with the Dems!!! Just joking. I am mostly Republican but have no problem going Democrat if I like the person. I'd much rather see Obama or Edwards than Hilary. I'd rather see a dog as a president than her. I don't think I would have much of a problem voting for Obama, but not if he goes against McCain.

I will now take my Republican bashing...

 

[Marthea007]

Just like to point out that it's the season premiere of Hell's Kitchen tonight. WOOHOO!

 

[lrobin15]

Just like to point out that it's the season premiere of Hell's Kitchen tonight. WOOHOO!

What is that?

 

[Marthea007]

What is that?

Chef Gordon Ramsey takes two teams of cooks and they go through various competitions to see who will become the head chef/owner of their own high class restaurant. Chef is just a grade A jerk who likes to yell and scream and curse and make people cry. It's a good time. 😀

 

[DoctorMom78]

Wow, lots of stuff going on. Congrats Froggie!!! I LOVE BABIES TOO!!!! I know just what you mean lrobin. Just keep that newborn away from me. I don't need anymore kids right now. LOL! 😉 😀

Nascar and Marthea007, I am sure things will work out. Just hang in there.

MJB, congrats on the house. Hope that all works out. BTW, girls are much easier than boys, IMO. 😉

Did I miss anyone? 58 days until school starts?!?!? OMG!!!!😱

Anyway, here are some house rentals. TTYS!!!🙂

2 Bdrm house for rent, South 43 rd Street, $350 month, $100 security deposit (606)248-8921 pd. 5 e...from Cumberland Trading Post
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4 bdrm 1 ba, C H/A, South 42nd St. M’boro, KY. $300 dep. $400 mo. Phone (606)242-2585.
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[Marthea007]

2 Bdrm house for rent, South 43 rd Street, $350 month, $100 security deposit (606)248-8921 pd. 5 e...from Cumberland Trading Post
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This one sounded really good. Unfortunately they rented it out just today. Figures. 👎

 

[MJB]

Still no word on the house! Where's that pulling my hair out smilie!

Wouldn't do me any good...I don't have much hair anyway! 🙂

I'm gonna try to stay away from the politics stuff until it becomes more clear who the candidates will be.

I'd have a hard time voting for any of them right now, the dems in particular. Hilary-no way...Edwards? Wonder who he'll sue next?

The talk of TN over the weekend was Fred Thompson.

Overall, I've pretty much had it with American politics. The analogy about the Yankees and Red Sox was pretty fitting.

 

[3boysdad]

the United States performs poorly in comparison on major health indicators such as life expectancy, infant mortality and immunization rates.

I'll believe this when I see stats. US might not be #1, but i doubt difference from #1 is more than a couple of % points on most key stats. compairing 300 mill in US to 4mill in Norway is not really realistic. I have plenty of horrer stories from the "supurb" socialized system in Norway 🙁.

Here is an eye opener:
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/92

since we got an acceptance on house 5miles down 63...😍 I can point people to a very nice rental.

I've been holding a 3 bedroom /2 bath in nice area, 8 miles down 33. he wants $700 furnished. rooms are good size, big kitchen and nice deck.

 

[lrobin15]

I'll believe this when I see stats. US might not be #1, but i doubt difference from #1 is more than a couple of % points on most key stats. compairing 300 mill in US to 4mill in Norway is not really realistic. I have plenty of horrer stories from the "supurb" socialized system in Norway 🙁.

Here is an eye opener:
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/92

since we got an acceptance on house 5miles down 63...😍 I can point people to a very nice rental.

I've been holding a 3 bedroom /2 bath in nice area, 8 miles down 33. he wants $700 furnished. rooms are good size, big kitchen and nice deck.

US infant mortality rates are the highest of all industrialized nations -it is 28th in the world and our mortality rate is on the rise (up to 7.0 per 1000). The child death rate in the US is "2.3 times that of Iceland and more than 75 percent higher than the rate of the Czech Republic, Finland, Italy, Japan, Norway, Slovenia and Sweden. Out of 44 more developed countries, the United States is tied for 26th place with Croatia, Estonia and Poland. In all three countries there are 7 child deaths (die between 1 and 5 years of age) per 1,000 live births. More than 16,500 lives could be saved each year in the United States alone if our under-5 mortality rate was the same as Iceland. If the U.S. rate of under-5 mortality was similar to that of France, Germany and Italy (all 4 per 1,000 live births), over 12,000 child lives could be spared." Visit UNICEF for more info.

43 million w/o insurance -80% are working class families. "This year 60 percent of companies provided coverage, down from 69 percent in 2000. Small businesses are increasingly dropping coverage for low-wage earners, but the alternative -- buying individual insurance -- has become more expensive, with premiums going up 73 percent since 2000. For a family of four a year's health insurance costs nearly $11,000. The poverty line is $19,300 for a family of four. You must be below that before your children can get insurance through the state. If not, you will have to fork out more than half of your income for insurance. Ummm food or insurance. An uninsured person is half as likely to go to the emergency room as an insured person and it's not because uninsured people have half as many emergencies. It's simply because they know that if they go to the emergency room, they will get a bill and that bill will be very major and have an impact on their financial future."

I could go on and on. There is definately more than a few percentage points between the top and the US. If anyone would like to do more research I would be more than happy to point you in the right direction. Good starting points are the CDC and UNICEF.

BTW, the Hans Rosling talk is very interesting (he is a great speaker)...but I feel that he avoids the US for a reason.