practicing medicine

 Here we go with what I have reluctantly learned regarding modern medical practices. I thought I knew a lot given my age and history with using medicine. Although, I've very had few major health problems, I have a family and had good luck with the doctors I have used, especially doctors I've had as primary  when in Oregon (3 of them in the same clinic, one after another with each until they retired).

Guess what! It turns out that I knew little since things have changed a lot in the US in recent years. Let's start with what I believe that today has to be a key phrase-- corporate medicine. What is it? I found an AI definition for you:

AI Overview

Corporate medicine is the rapid shift of healthcare from independent, physician-owned practices to ownership by large entities, such as hospitals, private equity firms, and insurance companies. As of January 2026, over 82% of U.S. physicians are employed by corporate entities or hospitals, prioritizing standardized, high-volume care and profitability, often leading to reduced physician autonomy. Corporate medicine refers to the increasing dominance of large, profit-seeking corporations—such as hospital systems, private equity firms, and insurers—over healthcare delivery. It focuses on consolidating services to maximize shareholder value, often prioritizing financial metrics over patient-centered care and reducing physician autonomy.

Who knew about this, unless they needed a doctor in the US (I will share in the future regarding my personal experiences with no idea what had been happening (and still is), but that will have to wait until I feel better-- hopefully, that happens). Some of my own health issues may relate to a combination of personal genetics and food. I especially knew little about where it came to food regarding the problems it can cause-- even innocent sounding foods. Does it relate to doctors finding solutions? Probably some but better have a doctor with such interests.

You might think 'so what' since many of my readers are not in the US. Actually there is a lot to learn how medicine works in some of the countries, who think they have free health care. They might think it until they end up with a major health problem or are over a certain age. . 

How do I know about how that works out. Mostly from some who experience and what I read. Joy joy...  Especially at this time of my life. Doctors, in my experience, have been helpful in finding health solutions. But with the addition of corporate medicine, it gets dicier to find such doctors. Switching states makes it all more difficult. Who wants to doctor shop? Certainly not me.

Where it comes to those of us, whether what they call free health care or not, why should we care about corporate takeovers of medicine... When you go into the doctor for a problem, do you want his expertise finding your solution? What if he is told what he must prescribe, etc. by someone with no medical knowledge? It all depends on who calls the shots. Many of us will only know how it works out if it impacts our lives.