Ben Duong, DO MPH
@benzodiazejam.medsky.social
Infectious Diseases Fellow | IM Physician | sci-fi, fantasy, food, and other things | views are my own | he/him/his
One Battle After Another easily took my #2 spot for best movies of the year (right after Sinners, which still holds my #1 spot). This is a must see movie and everyone should absolutely go see it.
My brief impression here:
My brief impression here:
A ★★★★★ review of One Battle After Another (2025)
One Battle After Another had a lot to say about the nature of revolution, of oppression, of fascism, of failure, of compromise, of being washed up in another generation, of being a parent, and so much...
boxd.it
September 27, 2025 at 3:29 PM
One Battle After Another easily took my #2 spot for best movies of the year (right after Sinners, which still holds my #1 spot). This is a must see movie and everyone should absolutely go see it.
My brief impression here:
My brief impression here:
Reposted by Ben Duong, DO MPH
#Medsky🧪 #publichealth #Medsky🧪# The use of AI tools by doctors raises concerns about potential negative health outcomes for women and ethnic minorities, as evidenced by a growing body of research. This research suggests that many large language models downplay the symptoms of these patients.
"If you’re in any situation where there’s a chance that a Reddit subforum is advising your health decisions, I don’t think that that’s a safe place to be"
That said, even the literature has a deep imprint of bias. So narrowing the training data is no panacea.
www.ft.com/content/128e...
That said, even the literature has a deep imprint of bias. So narrowing the training data is no panacea.
www.ft.com/content/128e...
AI medical tools downplay symptoms in women and ethnic minorities
Large language models reflect biases that can lead to inferior healthcare advice to female, Black and Asian patients
www.ft.com
September 19, 2025 at 10:35 AM
#Medsky🧪 #publichealth #Medsky🧪# The use of AI tools by doctors raises concerns about potential negative health outcomes for women and ethnic minorities, as evidenced by a growing body of research. This research suggests that many large language models downplay the symptoms of these patients.
Interesting
Nexstar is currently awaiting approval from the FCC and FTC on a $6.2 Billion acquisition of TEGNA.
This is...something
Nexstar, one of largest owners of TV stations in the country, is pre-empting JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE "for the foreseeable future":
"Nexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming."
Nexstar, one of largest owners of TV stations in the country, is pre-empting JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE "for the foreseeable future":
"Nexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming."
September 18, 2025 at 2:47 AM
Interesting
Reposted by Ben Duong, DO MPH
Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order Friday to authorize medical professionals to provide updated COVID-19 vaccines to nearly anyone who wants it in Illinois, despite an effort by federal officials to limit access to the life-saving shot.
to.wttw.com/41MG4Xd
to.wttw.com/41MG4Xd
Pritzker Signs Order to Get Around US Limits on COVID-19 Vaccine
“This is about making sure no family in Illinois is left wondering if they can protect themselves against preventable serious illness,” Gov. JB Pritzker said. “When the federal government abandons its responsibility, Illinois will step up.”
to.wttw.com
September 12, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order Friday to authorize medical professionals to provide updated COVID-19 vaccines to nearly anyone who wants it in Illinois, despite an effort by federal officials to limit access to the life-saving shot.
to.wttw.com/41MG4Xd
to.wttw.com/41MG4Xd
Reposted by Ben Duong, DO MPH
“The retired general [said] more than 10% of Gaza’s 2.2 million population had been killed or injured – “more than 200,000 people”. That estimate is…close to the current figures provided by Gaza’s health ministry, which Israeli officials have frequently dismissed as Hamas propaganda.”
‘We took the gloves off’: ex-IDF chief confirms Gaza casualties over 200,000
Retired general Herzi Halevi says ‘not once’ had legal advice constrained Israel’s military decisions in the strip
www.theguardian.com
September 12, 2025 at 6:26 PM
“The retired general [said] more than 10% of Gaza’s 2.2 million population had been killed or injured – “more than 200,000 people”. That estimate is…close to the current figures provided by Gaza’s health ministry, which Israeli officials have frequently dismissed as Hamas propaganda.”
AI at this point is just one massive bubble propped up by slop, underpaid/overworked tech workers, and rampant copyright infringement that’s gonna explode
Google's AI has actually been trained largely by 2,000 workers paid between $16 to $21 an hour, according to new reports.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
How thousands of ‘overworked, underpaid’ humans train Google’s AI to seem smart
Contracted AI raters describe grueling deadlines, poor pay and opacity around work to make chatbots intelligent
www.theguardian.com
September 12, 2025 at 10:33 PM
AI at this point is just one massive bubble propped up by slop, underpaid/overworked tech workers, and rampant copyright infringement that’s gonna explode
Reposted by Ben Duong, DO MPH
I know Charlie Kirk valued debate and free speech because he blocked me for fact-checking his lies on Twitter and then put me on his organization's Professor Watchlist for writing a book he didn't like.
September 11, 2025 at 5:38 PM
I know Charlie Kirk valued debate and free speech because he blocked me for fact-checking his lies on Twitter and then put me on his organization's Professor Watchlist for writing a book he didn't like.
Reposted by Ben Duong, DO MPH
We need an HHS Secretary who respects science and does not make policy based on conspiracy theories.
Vaccines are safe and effective.
Kennedy is threatening the health of our kids and all Americans.
He must resign.
Vaccines are safe and effective.
Kennedy is threatening the health of our kids and all Americans.
He must resign.
September 4, 2025 at 7:59 PM
We need an HHS Secretary who respects science and does not make policy based on conspiracy theories.
Vaccines are safe and effective.
Kennedy is threatening the health of our kids and all Americans.
He must resign.
Vaccines are safe and effective.
Kennedy is threatening the health of our kids and all Americans.
He must resign.
Reposted by Ben Duong, DO MPH
Florida Decided There Were Too Many Children
Florida Decided There Were Too Many Children
The state’s elimination of vaccine mandates is a courageous first step toward decluttering itself of any excess kids.
www.theatlantic.com
September 4, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Florida Decided There Were Too Many Children
Musk takes first canceling international aid that has consigned millions of people to death around the world. But RFK Jr is the second worst figure for the harm he is about to inflict on the long term health and future longevity of Americans
This is so harmful. Scientists are developing mRNA-based cancer vaccines that could save so many lives.
August 6, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Musk takes first canceling international aid that has consigned millions of people to death around the world. But RFK Jr is the second worst figure for the harm he is about to inflict on the long term health and future longevity of Americans
Reposted by Ben Duong, DO MPH
There is simply not enough to say about how bad this is. Not only will we miss out on cures for infections & things like pancreatic cancer, the US will fall behind in science, tech, economy, and while other countries will take this over it will still be slowed/delayed. It’s a national security risk!
This is so harmful. Scientists are developing mRNA-based cancer vaccines that could save so many lives.
August 6, 2025 at 2:46 AM
There is simply not enough to say about how bad this is. Not only will we miss out on cures for infections & things like pancreatic cancer, the US will fall behind in science, tech, economy, and while other countries will take this over it will still be slowed/delayed. It’s a national security risk!
Reposted by Ben Duong, DO MPH
"Every day I watch patients deteriorate and die, not from their injuries, but because they are too malnourished to survive surgery. The surgical repairs that we carry out fall to pieces, patients get terrible infections, then they die." www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
I’m witnessing the deliberate starvation of Gaza’s children – why is the world letting it happen? | Nick Maynard
A permanent ceasefire, the free and safe flow of aid, and the lifting of the blockade are needed now – all could be achieved with political will, says UK surgeon Nick Maynard
www.theguardian.com
July 23, 2025 at 7:26 AM
"Every day I watch patients deteriorate and die, not from their injuries, but because they are too malnourished to survive surgery. The surgical repairs that we carry out fall to pieces, patients get terrible infections, then they die." www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Ben Duong, DO MPH
It’s Abu Ghraib all over again.
But inside our borders.
But inside our borders.
Migrants at a Miami immigration jail were shackled with their hands tied behind their backs and made to kneel to eat food from styrofoam plates “like dogs”, per a report from Human Rights Watch
Migrants at Ice jail in Miami made to kneel to eat ‘like dogs’, report alleges
Incident in which migrants were shackled with hands tied of one succession of alleged abuses at jails in Florida
www.theguardian.com
July 21, 2025 at 10:15 PM
It’s Abu Ghraib all over again.
But inside our borders.
But inside our borders.
$100 million a year to avert about 6 million disease cases and save 300,000 lives, potentially more depending on the outbreak. Absolutely worth it. Vaccines remain one of the best health care investments ever
It costs nearly $100 million a year to maintain global stockpiles of vaccines for Ebola, cholera, meningitis and yellow fever in case of emergency. A new study estimates how many lives they've saved.
The world keeps millions of vaccines on ice. Is it worth it?
It costs nearly $100 million a year to maintain global stockpiles of vaccines for Ebola, cholera, meningitis and yellow fever in case of emergency. A new study estimates how many lives they've saved.
n.pr
July 22, 2025 at 11:27 AM
$100 million a year to avert about 6 million disease cases and save 300,000 lives, potentially more depending on the outbreak. Absolutely worth it. Vaccines remain one of the best health care investments ever
White Lotus gets a dozen noms despite being their worst season yet, with average to subpar performances. Pedro Pascal gets a main actor nom despite being on screen for less than 10 minutes. Andor gets none for any of its jaw dropping performances. Wild. One of the worst Emmy nom slates in a while.
#Andor creator Tony Gilroy on the entire main cast getting snubbed at the Emmys
“These are epic long term character studies ... the ultimate victory, is that these performances will be celebrated and discussed for years to come. I feel confident about that"
(via Deadline)
“These are epic long term character studies ... the ultimate victory, is that these performances will be celebrated and discussed for years to come. I feel confident about that"
(via Deadline)
July 16, 2025 at 2:02 AM
White Lotus gets a dozen noms despite being their worst season yet, with average to subpar performances. Pedro Pascal gets a main actor nom despite being on screen for less than 10 minutes. Andor gets none for any of its jaw dropping performances. Wild. One of the worst Emmy nom slates in a while.
Grain fields of southeastern Washington State. Captured in iPhone while on our road trip down to Texas. Probably one of the most beautiful pictures I’ve taken.
July 14, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Grain fields of southeastern Washington State. Captured in iPhone while on our road trip down to Texas. Probably one of the most beautiful pictures I’ve taken.
Reposted by Ben Duong, DO MPH
There could be about a million 'orphan' oil and gas wells across the U.S. As they age, they can leak greenhouse gases or unhealthy chemicals.
Defunct oil wells are a national problem. Finding them is the first step
There could be about a million 'orphan' oil and gas wells across the U.S. As they age, they can leak greenhouse gases or unhealthy chemicals.
n.pr
July 12, 2025 at 2:37 PM
There could be about a million 'orphan' oil and gas wells across the U.S. As they age, they can leak greenhouse gases or unhealthy chemicals.
I refuse to give money to the NYT, but here’s my best movies of the 21st century so far. Honorable mention to The Vast of Night and Ratatouille, which are interchangeable with Your Name and Shin Godzilla.
June 25, 2025 at 12:48 PM
I refuse to give money to the NYT, but here’s my best movies of the 21st century so far. Honorable mention to The Vast of Night and Ratatouille, which are interchangeable with Your Name and Shin Godzilla.
Good reminder that it’s unethical to pay money to the NYT. Time and time again they pander to authoritarianism, anti-science, bigotry, and corporatism, and are active participants in the enshittification of this country. There are other publications and journalists that are more worthy of your dime.
"pro-vaccine groups"
NYT editors are the fucking enemy
NYT editors are the fucking enemy
June 12, 2025 at 12:52 AM
Good reminder that it’s unethical to pay money to the NYT. Time and time again they pander to authoritarianism, anti-science, bigotry, and corporatism, and are active participants in the enshittification of this country. There are other publications and journalists that are more worthy of your dime.
Bleak
WASHINGTON (AP) — Health secretary removes every member of scientific committee that advises the CDC on how vaccines should be used.
June 9, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Bleak
Reposted by Ben Duong, DO MPH
🚨BIG STORY: Senators put a line into the crypto bill requiring bankrupt banks to prioritize remunerating crypto investors over depositors.
The provision could require banks to take cash from your savings account & use it to pay senators' crypto donors.
www.levernews.com/cryptos-new-...
The provision could require banks to take cash from your savings account & use it to pay senators' crypto donors.
www.levernews.com/cryptos-new-...
June 5, 2025 at 7:04 PM
🚨BIG STORY: Senators put a line into the crypto bill requiring bankrupt banks to prioritize remunerating crypto investors over depositors.
The provision could require banks to take cash from your savings account & use it to pay senators' crypto donors.
www.levernews.com/cryptos-new-...
The provision could require banks to take cash from your savings account & use it to pay senators' crypto donors.
www.levernews.com/cryptos-new-...
Reposted by Ben Duong, DO MPH
A sad reminder this Memorial Day:
At least four times as many active duty personnel and war veterans of post-9/11 conflicts have died of suicide than in combat.
watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/p...
At least four times as many active duty personnel and war veterans of post-9/11 conflicts have died of suicide than in combat.
watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/p...
May 23, 2025 at 5:42 PM
A sad reminder this Memorial Day:
At least four times as many active duty personnel and war veterans of post-9/11 conflicts have died of suicide than in combat.
watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/p...
At least four times as many active duty personnel and war veterans of post-9/11 conflicts have died of suicide than in combat.
watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/p...
Reposted by Ben Duong, DO MPH
This blue Bay Area county insists it has 'zero contact' with ICE. But it gets $$ for sharing its info with federal immigration authorities.
It's all part of a little-known data-sharing program that exists around the country & only some places have quit.
really critical new reporting:
It's all part of a little-known data-sharing program that exists around the country & only some places have quit.
really critical new reporting:
This Bay Area County Says It Cut Ties with ICE. This Program Says Otherwise. - Bolts
A widespread data-sharing program highlights financial ties between local police and immigration enforcement—and how even sanctuary jurisdictions still feed “the deportation machine.”
boltsmag.org
May 23, 2025 at 6:30 PM
This blue Bay Area county insists it has 'zero contact' with ICE. But it gets $$ for sharing its info with federal immigration authorities.
It's all part of a little-known data-sharing program that exists around the country & only some places have quit.
really critical new reporting:
It's all part of a little-known data-sharing program that exists around the country & only some places have quit.
really critical new reporting:
Reposted by Ben Duong, DO MPH
they really gotta start bringing back 90% tax brackets
Texas doctor who falsely diagnosed patients with chronic illnesses in $118M scheme sentenced to prison
A Texas doctor who falsely diagnosed his patients with chronic illnesses in a $118 million scheme has been sentenced to prison.
www.click2houston.com
May 22, 2025 at 3:21 AM
they really gotta start bringing back 90% tax brackets
Reposted by Ben Duong, DO MPH
60% of American households can’t afford a minimal quality of life.
Meanwhile, the 19 richest households saw their wealth increase by $1 trillion in 2024 — the biggest one-year increase ever.
Our problem isn't a lack of resources.
Our problem is ever-expanding inequality.
Meanwhile, the 19 richest households saw their wealth increase by $1 trillion in 2024 — the biggest one-year increase ever.
Our problem isn't a lack of resources.
Our problem is ever-expanding inequality.
May 15, 2025 at 7:47 PM
60% of American households can’t afford a minimal quality of life.
Meanwhile, the 19 richest households saw their wealth increase by $1 trillion in 2024 — the biggest one-year increase ever.
Our problem isn't a lack of resources.
Our problem is ever-expanding inequality.
Meanwhile, the 19 richest households saw their wealth increase by $1 trillion in 2024 — the biggest one-year increase ever.
Our problem isn't a lack of resources.
Our problem is ever-expanding inequality.