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Julian Barkan, DO MPH

@drjulianbarkan.bsky.social
364 followers 334 following 69 posts

Family Med, Urgent Care Physician. Writing to express my thoughts, sometimes teach, and mostly learn. Bluesky reminds me of old Twitter where medical education was a thing. medium.com/@julbarkan

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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
ProPublica @propublica.org · 09/09/2026
NEW: Our analysis found that from 2020 to 2025, the rate of deaths involving ectopic pregnancies nearly doubled compared with the previous six-year period. The uptick was steeper in states with abortion bans.
propublica.org
Ectopic Pregnancy Deaths Have Nearly Doubled. It’s Worse in States With Abortion Bans.
With prompt and appropriate medical care, experts say, people shouldn’t die from an ectopic pregnancy. Women in Texas and Oklahoma have sued over delays in care, which, coupled with our new analysis, ...
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Space @redditspaceviewes.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
This is my favorite shot from Artemis II so far—absolutely stunning CREDIT:NASA
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Julian Barkan, DO MPH @drjulianbarkan.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
New information on fish oil supplements and their relation to an injured brain. #fishoil #health medium.com/@julbarkan/c...
medium.com
Could Fish Oil Actually Be Bad for the Brain?
A new study looks at fish oil supplements to see if they may harm an injured brain
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Julian Barkan, DO MPH @drjulianbarkan.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
AI Did Not Help My Writing medium.com/p/ai-did-not.... But big shout out to @openevidence.bsky.social #writing #AIwriting
medium.com
AI Did Not Help My Writing
Why I will be sticking to traditional methods.
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
John Ross @johnrossmd.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Shingles vaccine is rougher than the average jab (36 hours of arm pain and a night of poor sleep for me). OTOH I’ve seen people’s “golden years” ruined by shingles: chronic insomnia, chronic pain, deep depression. Plus we now know there’s a robust association of shingles with dementia risk.
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Joe Meyers @joesview.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
www.businessinsider.com/photos-of-pe...
businessinsider.com
A Native American photographer took powerful portraits of members of every tribe across the US
Matika Wilbur's intimate portraits of Native people across America appear in her book "Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America."
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Carolyn Barber, MD @cbarbermd.bsky.social · 22/11/2025
Scientists just ‘supercharged’ vinegar with nanoparticles — and in mice it wiped out 99.995% of MRSA in lab tests. 1 topical dose. 24 hours. No damage to healthy cells. Who knew the secret weapon against superbugs might be… upgraded salad dressing? #BlueSky #MedSky #SciSky #IDSky #NurseSky #NewsSky
foodandwine.com
This ‘Supercharged’ Vinegar Wiped Out 99.995% of Bacteria in Tests
Vinegar may soon do more than dress your salad — it could help save lives. Scientists in Norway and Australia found a way to “supercharge” its antibacterial power using cobalt-based carbon nanoparticl...
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Aaron Parnas @aaronparnas.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
NEW: Epstein survivors release the most powerful PSA I have ever seen. Make this go viral so every member of the House of Representatives sees it.
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Murshed Zaheed @murshedz.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Perfect encapsulation of the Trump era.
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Julian Barkan, DO MPH @drjulianbarkan.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Something you may not know about nosebleeds and advice on a few common things that people get concerned about. medium.com/wise-well/5-... #medicine #wellness #health
medium.com
5 Emergency Medical Myths That Won’t Die
These common and sometimes scary issues have simple treatments that people often get wrong, risking a worsening situation.
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Madhu Pai, MD, PhD @madhupai.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
Even as the anti-vax lobby erodes public trust, new evidence confirms that "immunizations against Covid-19, RSV, and influenza have shown consistent effectiveness & safety and are associated with a substantially reduced risk of hospitalization & severe disease" www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Nicole E. Basta @nicolebasta.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
Check out our new paper @nejm.org. RSV, COVID-19 & Influenza vaccines continue to show consistent effectiveness & safety based on a review & synthesis of 500+ research studies👇! We worked hard to evaluate the evidence so you can be confident about getting vaccinated this fall!
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Robert Roy Britt @robertroybritt.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
In this week's Wise & Well newsletter: > How to Curb Menopausal Weight Gain > This Vaccine Serendipitously Reduces Dementia > Politics is Like One Big Dysfunctional Family > Focus on Sleep Quality, Not Just Duration > Short ‘Exercise Snacks’ Boost Fitness in Inactive Adults Plus:
medium.com
Try ‘Physical Activity’ Instead of ‘Exercise’
Plus: Several other features to make your tomorrow a little better than today
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
STAT @statnews.com · 30/10/2025
Under the watch of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — who speaks frequently about his own recovery from substance addiction — the Trump administration has dismantled large portions of the federal agency focused on mental health and addiction treatment. trib.al/2a5CWjV
trib.al
Trump cuts have decimated the federal addiction and mental health agency
The Trump administration has dismantled big chunks of the federal agency focused on mental health and addiction treatment, reducing its staff by more than half
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Dr. SkySkull @drskyskull.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
How fucked is healthcare in the United States? I have to reduce my state healthcare plan coverage from the "enhanced" plan to the "standard" plan and it will still be $30 more per month. It would be $80 more per month to keep "enhanced" plan, but the benefits there have been drastically reduced.
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Rana Awdish MD @ranaawdish.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
Some people truly do change the world. Dr. Bartlett was one of them ❤️‍🩹
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Your Local Epidemiologist @ylepidemiologist.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
1/ Valley fever, a serious infectious disease, is on the rise in central California. Last year set a record, with over 12,000 cases, and we’re on track to surpass that figure this year. I’m Matt, Your Local CA Epidemiologist, with this and more public health updates👇
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Jake Scott, MD @jakescottmd.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
“We have 1,544 measles cases this year, 92% in unvaccinated people, and 3 deaths. The problem isn’t the vaccine — it’s that people aren’t getting it. O’Neill hasn’t offered a single scientific rationale for breaking up MMR.” @aniloza.bsky.social @statnews.com www.statnews.com/2025/10/06/t...
statnews.com
Acting CDC director calls for MMR vaccine to be broken up into three shots
There's no evidence that breaking up the MMR shot would make the immunization safer or more effective.
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Mother Jones @motherjones.com · 21/08/2025
“Those of you who feel like this is okay, get ready for the fight. Because the fight ain’t over. It’s not over until we’ve energized America to save Democracy.”
motherjones.com
Texas House just helped Trump rig the midterm elections
"This is racial gerrymandering at its worst."
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Ryan Marino, MD @ryanmarino.bsky.social · 10/08/2025
Increasing temperatures from climate change have led to a 40% reduction in blue whale “songs” in just the past 6 years alone. “It’s like trying to sing while you're starving,” said John Ryan, a biological oceanographer. The world's oceans absorb more than 90% of the excess heat from climate change
nationalgeographic.com
Blue whales are going eerily silent—and scientists say it’s a warning sign
A six-year study off California’s coast shows how marine heat waves and noise pollution are silencing the ocean’s largest singers. Does saving the ocean start with hearing it?
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Jonathan Howard @joho.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
If you want to drink raw milk, government doctors like Vinay Prasad will stand up for your bodily autonomy. If you are willing to risk a sore arm to get a vaccine, he says no. That’s his decision. My latest for SBM. sciencebasedmedicine.org/rawmilk/
sciencebasedmedicine.org
Dr. Vinay Prasad: Bodily Autonomy Applies to Raw Milk, Not Vaccines
This is what it looks like when disinformation doctors pretend to value data and science to further their true objective, MAHA politics.
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Robert Roy Britt @robertroybritt.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
It's no crime to enjoy a delicious snack or indulge in a store-bought meal now and then. Just know that the more of this ultra-processed #food you include in your #diet, the greater your risk for numerous bad #health outcomes, according to 3 new studies this week.
medium.com
We’re Stuffing Our Faces with Food That’s Not Food
New studies confirm serious health risks associated with the addictive, engineered “food” that predominates in Western diets
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
Happy 99th birthday to the man who gave voice to the wild. 🎉 Sir David Attenborough, thank you for a lifetime dedicated to the natural world, and for sharing its story with wisdom, wonder, and grace. You've inspired generations to fall in love with nature.
This photograph captures Sir David Attenborough seated outdoors on the rugged terrain of Skomer Island. Behind him, the ocean and coastal cliffs form a scenic backdrop under a clear sky. Sir David, dressed in a khaki jacket and light trousers, looks towards the camera with a gentle expression, exuding a sense of warmth, calm, and wisdom. Around him, puffins can be seen flying and perched on the rocky ground, illuminated in rays of golden sunlight as the sun sets behind the cliffs.
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Robert Roy Britt @robertroybritt.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Back before Covid, I wrote that only 5% of people washed their hands correctly. You might've since learned it involves vigorous scrubbing with soap during two singings of Happy Birthday. Now… this biochemist now explains how soap works its magic.
medium.com
Soap Science: How it Actually Works
The secret to cleanliness involve molecules that are both water-loving or water-fearing, which explains why water alone doesn’t do the…
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Robert Roy Britt @robertroybritt.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
We once stripped the paint in our 1900s-era home to remodel, realizing only afterward we'd exposed the whole family to a weeks-long cloud of lead dust. You might think us naive, and yep, we were. But did you know that a bid source of lead in our air comes from burning coal to generate electricity?
medium.com
Lead Poisoning Should be Leading News
Burning dirty coal releases toxins that poison our brains, impair intelligence, increase impulsivity, and even contribute to crime waves.
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Robert Roy Britt @robertroybritt.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
This article from my favorite dermatologist came at just the right time. I need a skin reset, and I've never known which lotions are best for #skincare, whether to use oil-based products, and so on. Now I can tackle a simple outer-layer rebuild with confidence.
medium.com
Don’t Fall for Complex ‘Skin Barrier’ Routines
Here’s the right way to care for your body’s first line of defense
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Robert Roy Britt @robertroybritt.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
We tend to trust our guts and make bad decisions over and over in what are called lifetraps. Traditional therapy can focus overly on emotions, putting labels on every mental condition in a way that can make people feel the their problems are out of their control. Lifetrap therapy is different.
medium.com
Lifetraps: Why We Make the Same Mistakes Over and Over
Understanding destructive behavioural patterns helps us break free of them
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Julian Barkan, DO MPH @drjulianbarkan.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Are #glp1 drugs more effective than bariatric surgery? medium.com/wise-well/su...
medium.com
Surgery or Meds: What’s the Best Approach to Weight Loss?
One may have better outcomes but the other can play a big role, and the decision depends on each person’s specific needs
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Julian Barkan, DO MPH @drjulianbarkan.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Just in case you thought it was. medium.com/wise-well/co... #measles #vaccines
medium.com
Cod Liver Oil is NOT a Remedy for Measles, Despite the Claims
Too much of it is sending kids to the hospital
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Julian Barkan, DO MPH @drjulianbarkan.bsky.social · 25/01/2025
A new way to measure obesity beats BMI. medium.com/wise-well/ne...
medium.com
New Way to Measure Obesity Beats BMI on Accuracy and Usefulness
The approach is more helpful for patients and medical professionals
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Julian Barkan, DO MPH @drjulianbarkan.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
While the FDA considers a ban, Red No 3 has been known to be toxic for a long time. medium.com/wise-well/th... #nutrition #medsky
medium.com
The FDA Has Red Food Coloring All Over Its Hands
You wouldn’t put this on your face. But you probably eat lots of it.
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Julian Barkan, DO MPH @drjulianbarkan.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
While the FDA considers a ban, Red No 3 has been known to be toxic for a long time. medium.com/wise-well/th... #nutrition #medsky
medium.com
The FDA Has Red Food Coloring All Over Its Hands
You wouldn’t put this on your face. But you probably eat lots of it.
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Julian Barkan, DO MPH @drjulianbarkan.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
A lot of talk about #fluoride lately. Facts > cherry picked data. Dental benefits are clear, the harms are not. medium.com/wise-well/is... #medsky #health #wellness
medium.com
Is Fluoride Harming Your Body While Helping Your Teeth?
RFK Jr. wants it out of your water. Dental stocks soar. Here’s the actual science.
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Julian Barkan, DO MPH @drjulianbarkan.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
Free link to full article for those without a Medium account: medium.com/wise-well/is...
medium.com
Is Fluoride Harming Your Body While Helping Your Teeth?
RFK Jr. wants it out of your water. Dental stocks soar. Here’s the actual science.
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Julian Barkan, DO MPH @drjulianbarkan.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
A lot of talk about #fluoride lately. Facts > cherry picked data. Dental benefits are clear, the harms are not. medium.com/wise-well/is... #medsky #health #wellness
medium.com
Is Fluoride Harming Your Body While Helping Your Teeth?
RFK Jr. wants it out of your water. Dental stocks soar. Here’s the actual science.
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Julian Barkan, DO MPH @drjulianbarkan.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
Is H5N1 something to be concerned about or are we just freaking out? The data and new infections seem concerning given no point of infection known for the child in CA. Any thoughts #medsky community? #medicine #viruses #health
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Jennifer C @thejenniwren.teamlh.social · 26/11/2024
Millions with ADHD are struggling due to a worsening medication shortage, including my son & me. We’ve been without essential meds for a week. Name brands cost $400, & insurance won’t cover them. This affects our ability to function. How do we fight back? Can we unify to demand action? #MedSky
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Julian Barkan, DO MPH @drjulianbarkan.bsky.social · 23/11/2024
This is happening all over the US. With the VC takeover of medicine, rural access to care is decreasing. Coupled with less primary care physicians, this begins to spiral quickly. aninjusticemag.com/my-brave-lit... #healthcare #ruralmedicine #medicine #medsky
aninjusticemag.com
My Brave Little State is Becoming a Healthcare Desert
The death of healthcare in the Green Mountains
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Julian Barkan, DO MPH @drjulianbarkan.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
I encourage doctors to write more. Doing that on Medium has been amazing for me. You can reach more people and teach on topics that interest you and your audience. Just don’t be a #quack :) They belong on that old website we used to use. #writingcommunity #writers #meded #medsky
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Magdalena Skipper @magdalenaskipper.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
‘A place of joy’: why scientists are joining the rush to Bluesky For me, it certainly feels good to be here! @natureportfolio.bsky.social @bsky.app www.nature.com/articles/d41...
nature.com
‘A place of joy’: why scientists are joining the rush to Bluesky
Researchers say the social-media platform — an alternative to X — offers more control over the content they see and the people they engage with.
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Julian Barkan, DO MPH @drjulianbarkan.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
Ever wonder how often you should poop? Glad to help. medium.com/aha-science/... #medsky #meded #wellness #health
medium.com
How Often Should You Poop?
Frequency varies dramatically with the type of pooper you are
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Julian Barkan, DO MPH @drjulianbarkan.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
The most exciting thing about #medsky is learning alongside the medical community without being bombarded with political information and “news.” I love the ability to separate things here. Used to love Twitter circa 2011-2015 for the same reason. #doctors #medicine #learning
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Sébastien Poulin @sebpoule.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
🚨 Antibiotic Treatment for 7 versus 14 Days in Patients with Bloodstream Infections BALANCE trial publication is here ! #IDsky #Medsky @idjclub.bsky.social www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....
nejm.org
Antibiotic Treatment for 7 versus 14 Days in Patients with Bloodstream Infections | NEJM
Bloodstream infections are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Early, appropriate antibiotic therapy is important, but the duration of treatment is uncertain. In a multicenter, non...
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Julian Barkan, DO MPH @drjulianbarkan.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Writing has been transformative for me. It allows me to research things I enjoy while teaching and reaching more people. medium.com/illumination... #writing #medicine #medsky
medium.com
Why Medical Doctors Should Write More and Consider Creative Writing Too
A personal take, but one that was transformative for me
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Reposted by Julian Barkan, DO MPH
Ruth Ann Crystal @drruth.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
🥕Carrot recall as warning issued over 19 brands sold in major stores bc of E. Coli buff.ly/4gawaDF Brands include: 365 Bunny Luv Cal-Organic Good & Gather GreenWise Grimmway Marketside Nature's Promise O-Organic Presidents Choice Raley's Sprouts Trader Joe's Wegmans Wholesome Pantry Medsky
buff.ly
Carrot recall as warning issued over 19 brands sold in major stores
Grimmway Farms' recall has affected 19 brands across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
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Julian Barkan, DO MPH @drjulianbarkan.bsky.social · 16/11/2024
It turns out that video games can be good for you, especially if you are a surgeon. medium.com/wise-well/su... #medsky #surgery #surgeons #medicine
medium.com
Surgeons Should Play More Video Games
Media gives gaming a bad wrap, but playing proves to be beneficial
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Julian Barkan, DO MPH @drjulianbarkan.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
Will we see more additives banned? There’s thousands we use in the US that are illegal abroad. Here’s one example. medium.com/wise-well/it... #food #nutrition #health #medsky
medium.com
It Took Only 54 Years for the FDA to Ban This Food Additive
Other countries figured it out a long time ago, but the US FDA continually lags behind in removing harmful chemicals from our food
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Julian Barkan, DO MPH @drjulianbarkan.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
Rhabdo can be dangerous. Be careful with intense exercise, especially when doing a new routine. medium.com/wise-well/wh... #excercise #health #medsky
medium.com
What Happened When College Athletes Tried a Navy SEALs Workout
Things go horribly wrong, as overexertion causes a rare muscle injury
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