Can Sharing a Medical 'Selfie' Save Lives?
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Data from a 2007 voluntary research scan helped Steven Keating identify his own brain tumor in 2014 when he began to notice a phantom vinegar scent. After an MRI confirmed the presence of a tennis ball-sized tumor, Keating immediately began collecting his own clinical, research, and self-generated data. Armed with 200 gigabytes of information, he was better able to understand his condition, make critical treatment decisions, and further scientific research and patient care through online sharing. From cutting open his own brain tissue to 3D printing his tumors (and giving them to family members as Christmas tree ornaments), Keating discusses how patient data access, use, and shareability will drive the next revolution in health care.
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