There is evidence that children who are unaware of their life-threatening diagnoses do not experience any less distress and anxiety than those who are told, and in some cases they may actually experience more.

In prescribing a medication that is in short supply, it is critical that physicians use evidence-based medicine and ethical analysis of treatment goals, rather than relying on emotional biases or social-worth criteria.

Stories about courageous survivors abound. There is an odd impression in American society that cancer is a passing inconvenience for most, an opportunity for personal growth for all, and a badge of honor for those who “survive.”

The cost of lifesaving cancer drugs is a moral concern for oncologists.

Troublingly, the supply of resources appears to be more powerful than patient preferences in guiding health care delivery.

Education debt is driving medical school graduates away from underserved communities and primary care, both of which our country will sorely need in the coming years.

Outcome-based payment more closely aligns payments with what patients want, which is better health rather than more health care. But these approaches remain challenging to implement.

The use of coded patient data for reimbursement purposes can tempt clinicians to exaggerate the severity of the patient's condition, skewing the accuracy of the data and interfering with clinical decision support and research.

The states' participation in implementing the provisions of the Affordable Care Act will shape the form those provisions ultimately take.

Running away from the problems and inefficiencies of our current health care system and into the comforts of concierge medicine does little to advance health and well-being for the vast majority of people.