Health Buzz: A Lack of Primary Care Doctors and Other Health News

Little Love for Primary Care

The Wall Street Journal's health blog is spilling ink over match day, which was yesterday—the day graduating med students found out which medical residency programs they've been assigned to. High-paying specialties such as dermatology and plastic surgery attracted top students, while those focused on primary care held less allure. As U.S. News's Nancy Shute reported this week, the dwindling number of primary care docs spells trouble for patients.

Memo to Shoppers: 'Organic' Does Not Equal 'Bucolic Family Farm'

Eating organic food may conjure up the notion that one is supporting small, bucolic family farms. Organic farms may have small-business roots, but many have since been gobbled up by megacompanies, the New York Times's health blog explains. Informative, dynamic graphics from a Michigan State University professor illustrate the trend. Last year, a U.S. News cover story discussed whether either organic or locally grown foods differ from conventionally produced food in terms of food safety.

Treating the Patient, Not the Number

Focusing on a medically significant number—a cholesterol level, say, or bone density score—is alluring to both doctors and patients. Just knock that cholesterol number down with statins, and your heart is safe, right? Well, not exactly. Recent studies are making doctors rethink a "treat the numbers" approach, National Public Radio reports. Considering that numbers can mislead, here are five strategies for sizing up health risks.