I went to a pretty interesting conference in DC sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation yesterday dealing with PHR's (personal health records).  Overall it was quite informative and I definitely learned a thing or four.  However, one major take away point was the following: Fun with buzz words!

"The synergistic paradigm of the future PHR ecosystem empowers consumers to become proactive in their own health."

I made that one up (quite proud of it too), but it is certainly something you might have heard at the conference.  I assure you the underlined words were uttered multiple times, and with great conviction, by many of the speakers.  I should also underline "consumers," since, framed in a healthcare context, they adamantly insist on using that term instead of "patient," "individual," or my personal favorite, "people."  What's wrong with using simple and direct language these days?

Now for a relevant Simpsons quote!

Krusty: So he's proactive, huh?

Lady: Oh, God, yes.  We're talking about a totally outrageous paradigm.

Writer: Excuse me, but "proactive" and "paradigm"?  Aren't these just buzzwords that dumb people use to sound important?

[pause] ...Not that I'm accusing you of anything like that.

[pause] ...I'm fired, aren't I?

Meyers: Oh yes.