Experts | University of the Sciences

Ethics in Computing

Ethics in Computing. During a class discussion in our Information Technology (CS-250) course at The University of the Sciences in Philadelphia we were examining the ethics of computing. History has shown us that the use of technology can be for good or for bad intentions. For example, nuclear technology provides us with medical therapies and clean energy but has also been used as a weapon of war. The automobile has provided society with an easily accessible travel vehicle but also results in many deaths each year and degrades the environment. Computers and the Internet have had profound impacts on society....

The Senate Bill: Access But What About Costs and Quality?

An expert commentary from Richard G. Stefanacci, DO, MGH, MBA, AGSF, CMD Under the recently passed Senate Finance Committee, access for health insurance would be advanced for both the insured and uninsured. Of course, this bill still has a long way to go before being signed into law. While the Senate bill focuses on access it pays, much less attention on cost and quality improvement. For the insured there is the promise of more security and stability through: • regulations against denial of coverage because of a pre-existing condition • elimination of arbitrary caps on the amount of coverage over...

The Dark Side of the Universe

When we look up in the sky at night we see stars and other forms of visible matter. Yet, as astronomers have discovered, more than 95% of the substance of the universe doesn't shine at all. The invisible majority of the cosmos is made up of two mysterious entities, dubbed dark matter and dark energy. On Thursday, October 22, from 1 PM to 2PM in Griffith Hall, Room C, the University of the Sciences Physics Program and The Harlow Shapley Visiting Lectureship Program of the American Astronomical Society are pleased to host: Michael Turner University of Chicago An internationally recognized...

H1N1 Flu – Understanding Your Treatment Options

- An Expert Commentary from University of the Sciences in Philadelphia - By Daniel A. Hussar, PhD While Americans wait for the H1N1 influenza vaccine, it’s important to know and understand the options for treatment for those who have been diagnosed and are ill. Two antiviral medications, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are active against the H1N1 strain of virus and can be used to treat those who have been diagnosed with (or are strongly suspected of having) this infection. It is important that the use of these medications is started as soon as possible (within 48 hours of the...

Commentary on the Healthcare Debate

Dr. Richard Stefanacci has provided his expert opinions to WHYY in relation to various elements of the healthcare debate. Listen: Congress considers health insurance cooperatives WHYY – Sept. 29 WHYY’s Taunya English spoke with Dr. Richard Stefanacci about the debate over health insurance cooperatives. Listen to the report here. Paying docs to save costs WHYY – Sept. 22 WHYY’s Kerry Grens spoke with Dr. Richard Stefanacci about several hospitals in New Jersey that are currently testing a program to save money by rewarding doctors for efficient care. To listen to the segment, click here.

October is Eat Better, Eat Healthier Month!

One way to eat healthier is to be prepared. Pack a healthy lunch instead of relying on fast food. Pack some healthy snacks instead of hitting the vending machine. A little thought and preparation goes along way to eating healthier AND saving some money! Plan a week’s worth of healthy meals on Sunday. Monday: PB & J on whole wheat bread; banana; 8 ounces of skim milk Tuesday: Turkey, lettuce & tomato with fat free honey mustard on a small whole wheat tortilla; single container of sugar free Pomegranate applesauce; 20 small pretzels; Water with Crystal Light Wednesday: Small whole...

Real Healthcare System Development

by Richard G. Stefanacci, DO, MGH, MBA, AGSF, CMD Despite all the talk about healthcare reform the only thing being talked about is insurance reform. President Obama’s speech to Congress on Sept. 9 highlighted only improvements to insurance coverage and cost reductions primarily through reductions in waste and abuse in the Medicare system. As a practicing geriatrician, former CMS Health Policy Scholar, and associate professor at the University of the Sciences, I can tell you what is needed is real healthcare reform which involves a total change of our current delivery model. Notice I said “current delivery” model and not...

Tips for Good Posture at Work

PT's Dr. Gregory Thielman provides tips for maintaining good posture at work for 6ABC's Health Check: http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/video?id=7012554

High Energy Physics Demystified

An interview I gave about the current state of high energy physics appears in the online version of Wired: Interview in Wired.com

Fitting mental health into the health care equation

WHYY's Maiken Scott talked to Stephen Metraux about mental health as part of health care reform. Listen to the report here.