Dr. Joel Rudman

32 years ago, back when I was a complete nobody, I married this beautiful woman from another country, and she changed my life. She married me before I was a doctor, back when our cars were hand-me-downs, and we had no idea what we were going to do.

But we had each other. Sophie left her family and her belongings behind to be with me, at a time when no one else cared. 32 years later, she is the best thing that ever happened to me.

And still all that matters is that we have each other.

Happy anniversary, Sophie!

Are CVS and Walgreens about to be the next casualties of America’s healthcare meltdown?

I know independent doctors’ offices like mine and mom and pop pharmacies have had to tighten their belts due to poor reimbursement from insurance companies. But now I see changes happening in the large pharmacy chains, too. And it’s not good.

I haven’t said anything for months, hoping my experience was just an outlier. But after going to Walgreens and CVS stores in multiple towns in Florida over several months, I’ve had the same experience over and over.

It now seems one employee is running the entire store, from the photo lab to the cash register to customer service. Whereas you always used to see at least 3 uniformed employees before you hit the pharmacy counter, you are now lucky if you see just one.

I feel so sorry for the lone worker now doing the job of four people. It’s not their fault- I even watched last night as an overworked employee had to call and leave a message for their manager.

Is this a sign of the times, or is this the first sign that these pharmacies may be about to fall victim to their own corporate greed?

As someone who lived and studied in Europe for a year, one thing that separates us from Europe is the affordability of good meat in America.

What is going on here???
Why is Publix trying to turn us into Europe?

$20 a pound for roast beef or pastrami???
$9 a pound for lean ground beef “on sale”??

Publix has always been associated with Florida and has an army of loyal supporters. Their headquarters are in Lakeland, Florida.

But their pricing lately has been suspect. Are they trying to recoup the costs of opening new stores every five miles, a questionable strategy at best? Are they using high gas prices as an excuse to take advantage of American meat eaters?

Is it time to boycott this Florida institution? Or at least get some answers as to why they are gouging Floridians at a time when we can least afford it??

Would you believe we have some rock heroes from right here in Pensacola, Florida?
On this week’s podcast, we talk to Austin Ingerman and Jordan Benson of Gunshine as they embark on their latest tour!
Watch the interview in the comments