Safe gun ownership is a critical subject that is particularly important in our nation. A 2017 survey made in 2017 states found that there is at least one firearm in 42% of American households, regardless of the size or caliber. In fact, the U.S. is number one worldwide regarding in the number of firearms per capita.  When you think about buying and using a handgun or a rifle, whether it’s for hunting or just personal safety, you should consider some things first. First of all, any f...

[Ed: Aging Today and AgeBlog, the American Society on Aging’s media, published an article, “Grandparents,Gun Violence and Gun Policy”, this fall.  Teri Kennedy, a PhD grandmother with the School of Social Work at Arizona State University, advocated the straight gun restriction party line, from the claim that the Dickey amendment “barred”research to universal background checks, banning “assault weapons” and “high-capacity magazines”, and “gun safety technology”. OK, we have no disag...

Should gun advocates embrace States’ Rights? In McDonald v Chicago, the Supreme Court incorporated the Second Amendment on the States.  “[T]he right of the People to keep and bear arms . . .” is now, indisputably, the uniform law of the land throughout the 50 states and D.C. Yet for the foreseeable future, that “uniform” right means nothing more than what the Supremes decide is  “. . .  the right . . . really worth insisting upon.”  Thus, as a purely practical matter, we cannot know the p...

[Ed: We thought we'd share an example of letters we often receive about inappropriate physician queries with unsolicited advice about guns in patient care settings. We hear about these incidents all too often, but want to so that we can offer what help we can. Thank you to the writer for allowing us to share this.]  Hi, I wanted to inform you that doctors are asking intrusive questions regarding gun ownership in Washington state. Recently I had a routine annual physical exam and the...

[Ed: We are very pleased to introduce new DRGO writer, Dr. Dave Light, a clinician who has been active in health care management, federal law enforcement, and federal legislative and regulatory matters  for many years.]  The reality is “mass shooting” are not as frequent as the media plays them to be. Their agenda is to see guns removed from society as if by doing so those will end. Interestingly, you never hear about violence control, only gun control! (more…)

“Stay in your lane!” they yelled, as I barged into the OR.  The self-righteous Neurosurgeon glared at me icily as I marched over behind him.  “Get the hell out of here – I’m in the middle of Mrs. Jones’ brain, and her Glioblastoma!!!  What do you think you’re doing ?!?” he yelled. “I’m the Neuroradiologist, you inconsiderate fool” I shouted back.  “I know she’s got a Glio – that’s why I’m here!!” I screamed back at him. (more…)

Let’s play a little game, just between us physicians, shall we? Are you offended by the implication that you, as a lawful prescriber, are to blame for the opioid epidemic? Are you tired of the government telling you how you should practice medicine--all because of the actions of the criminal and the irresponsible? Are you tired of being asked to jump through hoop after hoop in order to “prove” that you are a responsible and competent physician? (more…)

The NRA’s response to the American College of Physicians trotting out its same old recommendations of infringing on the Second Amendment rights of Americans after the Thousand Oaks mass murder has ignited a social media firestorm. DRGO was asked for a comment on the matter by the Wall Street Journal, which predictably gave our voice the typical sandwich treatment. (more…)