Is Biden Fit For Office?

In this week's curation of Moonlighting MD 💼, we’re covering

• 👨🏻‍⚕️ The White House Doctor Is Facing Scrutiny

• 🔎 U.S. Child Mortality Rates Vs. Wealthier Nations

• 🫀 A New Controversial Technique To Reduce Organ Shortage

Read on for more info!

POLITICS
Is Biden Fit For Duty? The Answer Depends On Little-Known White House Doctor

In August 2020, Joe Biden was asked if he had taken a cognitive test, to which he sharply responded, “Why the hell would I take a test?” Now, as President, Biden continues to dismiss the need for such exams, despite concerns raised after a recent debate performance. His long-time physician, Kevin O’Connor, has never recommended a cognitive test, sparking controversy and questions about Biden’s mental fitness. Discover the full story and the implications of this decision in the WAPO’s latest detailed analysis.

HEALTH NEWS
Why Children In The U.S. Are Dying At Far Higher Rates Than In Other Wealthy Countries

Children in the U.S. are dying at higher rates than in other wealthy countries, with an estimated 20,000 excess deaths annually. Research published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that high infant mortality, firearm incidents, suicides, drug overdoses, and car accidents contribute significantly to this grim statistic. Dr. Steven Woolf, co-author of the study, highlights the worsening survival rates for children under 20 in the U.S. despite progress against pediatric diseases. The pandemic has exacerbated these issues, putting the U.S. further behind its peers in pediatric health.

INNOVATION IN MEDICINE
Doctors Try A Controversial Technique To Reduce The Transplant Organ Shortage

Doctors are exploring a revolutionary new procedure called normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) to address the chronic organ shortage. NRP restores oxygen to organs after death, making them healthier for transplant and potentially increasing the number of available organs. While NRP shows promise in saving lives, it has sparked significant ethical debates within the medical community.