The number of doctors who were punished by their state medical boards increased 6.8% between 2010 and 2011, with significant increases in high-population states such as Florida, California, Ohio, and Texas, according to the latest annual summary from the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB).

The number of disciplinary actions of all types rose from 5,652 to 6,025. These actions include the most severe penalties, in which a physician loses the license to practice or loses certain privileges, to less severe or "non-prejudicial" actions or public reprimands.

The shared-medical-appointment model has been around since the mid-1990s, and it is now getting more attention. In a shared medical appointment, eight to 10 patients with a common denominator-a chronic condition such as diabetes, or elderly adults in need of a road map to aging well-see the doctor together for a long visit, often 90 minutes. Joining the session in some cases are a nurse, behaviorist, and documenter, each working to help the ­appointment run smoothly.

On national forums that focus on assessing physicians, such as RateMDs.com, the comments cascade around the clock, reflecting patients' feelings about their ­doctors. The statements roll down the website with immediacy: This doc was "the best" (18 minutes ago!); that one was "very rude" (14 minutes ago!). The authors are anonymous, but the subjects of their commentary are sometimes identified, albeit only with a last name.

Physicians see their patients one-on-one, but what happens behind closed doors can quickly become open to debate on the Web, with patients telling all, if they want. It's a free market of ideas and conversation, and it's a reminder that there are some things a physician, or anyone, can't take too personally. Then again, when you consider that your professional reputation and livelihood are at stake, you might decide to go to court.

The nation's medical schools are on track to boost enrollment 30% by 2016, but they may not have residency slots available for all of their new graduates, the Association of American Medical Colleges  reports.

In 2011, the University of Michigan Health ­System found it extremely worthwhile in cost savings and ­patient satisfaction when physicians apologized for doing something wrong.

In medical cases, apologies don't make the malpractice issue go away, nor do they necessarily prevent such litigation. But efforts like the University of Michigan's are worth spotlighting because they are attempting to reduce malpractice litigation, not just through scattered health systems, but on a statewide stage.

Three in four healthcare organizations had to find temporary physicians at some point in the past 12 months because they couldn't find permanent physicians, according to a survey of more than 100 healthcare organizations conducted by Irving, Texas-based Staff Care. The survey also found that 41% of healthcare organizations are currently looking for temporary physicians.