Author Archive

James Hamblin

Staff Writer, The Atlantic

James Hamblin, MD, is a staff writer at The Atlantic. He hosts the video series If Our Bodies Could Talk and is the author of a book by the same title.
James Hamblin, MD, is a staff writer at The Atlantic. He hosts the video series If Our Bodies Could Talk and is the author of a book by the same title.
Workforce

Is Everyone Depressed?

Suddenly, many people meet the criteria for clinical depression. Doctors are scrambling to determine who needs urgent intervention, and who is simply the new normal.

Management

You’re Likely to Get the Coronavirus

Most cases are not life-threatening, which is also what makes the virus a historic challenge to contain.

Defense

Trump Told the VA to Order ‘a Lot’ of Ketamine for Vets

The president wants to make a controversial new nasal spray available to depressed veterans. The agency says it will consider incorporating the drug after it has more data.

Management

Analysis: The Problem With Trump Dictating His Own Medical Assessment

A superlative evaluation of physical health becomes a failed test of character.

Management

Analysis: The Doctor Who Suddenly Got 9 Million Patients

For a position that demands high-level policy expertise, President Trump appointed his personal physician, Ronny Jackson.

Defense

Analysis: The Cost of Banning Transgender Service Members

Exclusion leaves the military weaker and the country more divided.

Management

Drinking Four Cups of Coffee Is Probably Safe

The most comprehensive review of evidence on health consequences of caffeine use has just been published.

Management

Why Morning People Thrive

Some neuroscientists are trying to change school and work hours that discriminate against night owls.

Management

How to Write the Perfect Email

An etiquette update: Brevity is the highest virtue.

Oversight

When Hillary Clinton Coughs

A coughing spell is fueling right-wing attempts to portray the candidate as weak and frail. Her history suggests otherwise.

Management

The Futility of the Workout-Sit Cycle

In a new statement, the American Heart Association warns that exercise doesn’t seem to undo the health effects of excessive sitting.

Oversight

How Agriculture Controls Government Nutrition Guidelines

Meat producers showed dominance over scientists this week, preventing discussion of sustainability.

Management

Obama Administration to Ban Artificial Trans Fats

The FDA announced Tuesday that certain oils are no longer recognized as safe.

Management

Ebola Discussion Moves to How to Prevent the Next Epidemic

Global leaders will need to build a network that can detect and contain outbreaks before they kill thousands.

Management

Exactly How Much Sleep Is 'Enough'?

New recommendations from the National Sleep Foundation

Management

Attention: A Muscle to Strengthen

A doctor's recommendations for mental health evoke more philosophy than biology.

Management

The Health Benefits of Going Outside

Ecotherapy can help mental and physical health.

Management

Video: Never Tell People How Old They Look

Looking at age discrimination in the workplace.