Author Archives: ddxdx

About ddxdx

A Family physician, former county coroner and former Idaho State Senator

The Idaho Way?

Posted on February 7, 2019 by ddxdx

Brad Little has made many statements about how we need to do Medicaid Expansion “The Idaho Way”. The first time I heard it I smiled. The second time I smirked. The third time, I rolled my eyes. C’mon Brad, just … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care, Idaho Politics, Policy | Comments Off on The Idaho Way?

Who Does He Work For?

Posted on January 31, 2019 by ddxdx

  If you had a really smart employee, who indeed worked hard, but refused to do the work you had assigned; what would you do? Idaho State Representative Joe Palmer serves the 20th legislative District, a densely populated area in … Continue reading →

Posted in Idaho Politics | Comments Off on Who Does He Work For?

Loyalty: Medical This Time

Posted on January 24, 2019 by ddxdx

I really do value loyalty, despite the things I say about it both last week and this. It’s just that I think we need loyalty to values or ideals, not people or groups. I hate taxes as much as the … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care, Idaho Politics, Policy | Comments Off on Loyalty: Medical This Time

Confronting Loyalty

Posted on January 16, 2019 by ddxdx

It can be hard to confront a colleague with their misbehavior. I’ve done it a time or two and it sure got me to thinking about my loyalties. When I chose to act, it was out of a sense of … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflection | Comments Off on Confronting Loyalty

Lost Dogs and Outrage

Posted on January 9, 2019 by ddxdx

My daughters don’t use Facebook. They have their reasons, and I agree with most of them: waste of time, privacy, concern for the level of conversation. So, I was a bit surprised when I got a text from a daughter … Continue reading →

Posted in Reflection, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Lost Dogs and Outrage

State of the State

Posted on January 2, 2019 by ddxdx

  When Governor Little addresses the legislature Jan 7th with his budget address he’ll be hard pressed to beat Butch Otters charm or delivery. I hope he feels no pressure to. But Brad will have a chance to strike a … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Idaho Politics, Policy | Comments Off on State of the State

Merry Christmas Idaho

Posted on December 26, 2018 by ddxdx

Ever get a present that made you really happy? Ever get one that disappointed? Well, the Idaho legislature got a present from the voters November 6th they didn’t really like: Proposition 2, Medicaid expansion. This citizen initiative passed in 29 … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care, Idaho Politics, Policy | Comments Off on Merry Christmas Idaho

Now What?

Posted on December 19, 2018 by ddxdx

It’s been over eight years since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became law with NO republican votes. Since, we have had many political campaigns propped up on “Repeal!”, then “Repeal and Replace!” and now we have the decision of a … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care, Policy | Comments Off on Now What?

Suicide in Idaho

Posted on December 12, 2018 by ddxdx

A man I knew well and considered a friend killed himself this last week. The feelings that wash over us survivors might mirror the feelings of the victim: anger, sadness, despair, failure. I will admit to all those. I imagine … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care, Policy, Reflection | Comments Off on Suicide in Idaho

My Ex is getting Married

Posted on December 5, 2018 by ddxdx

It was front page news in my town that a family practice clinic was being purchased by the local hospital. Before I reflect on this, you need to know I was once a partner in the clinic but left over … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care, Policy | Comments Off on My Ex is getting Married