May/June 2016
3
NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER
Kristina Larson, MS, CCO
Executive Director & CEO
I
n this issue of
The Bulletin
, our focus is the brain and its role in
medicine and health care.
Perhaps the most powerful organ in the human body, our brains
perceive when and where we feel pain and even decide whether a
particular treatment plan will be effective.
In “Placebo Effects,” feature columnist Dr. Barbara Gehrett examines
the changing status of placebos. Once a control used in clinical trials
to test the efficacy of new drugs, placebos now warrant their own
studies as scientists discover that the placebo effect is getting stronger.
The mind may have the power to heal, but it can also seem like our
most fragile organ when memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s
disease threaten our patients or those we love. Researchers at the
University of Washington hope to help those suffering from—and
those who have a predisposition for—memory loss.
Also in this issue of
The Bulletin
, we address the topic of chronic
tinnitus and the work being done assessing, treating and managing
this stressful condition by researchers at OHSU and Oregon VA.
Our legal column documents a bioethics student’s journey to Kenya
to meet the subjects of a study in person and develop a clearer
understanding of the meaning of
consent
.
And finally, our historical column in this issue introduces
Bulletin
readers to “The Man Who Knew Everything,” Thomas Young.
As medical science progresses our learning is ever changing. We hope
you find these current issues interesting and helpful.
Inside This Issue
