David Mandell

Philadelphia

Freelance Journalist at Freelance

I direct @PennCMH at @PennMedicine. I conduct research and advocacy to increase access to high quality behavioral health care. he/him dasama68 on Threads

Articles

Understanding bonds: Do they belong in your portfolio?

4 days ago | healio.com | David Mandell |Andrew Taylor

Key takeaways: Bonds often underperform equities, and occasionally, they underperform cash equivalents. However, this short-term underperformance can overshadow their strategic value. Despite their importance in a diversified investment strategy, bonds remain one of the most misunderstood asset classes. Many physicians are unclear about how bonds function, what influences their prices and the critical role they play in portfolio construction.
Time in the Market: What History Tells Us About Investing During Volatile Markets

3 weeks ago | dermatologytimes.com | David Mandell |Adam Braunscheidel

Thus far, 2025 has been a challenging year for investors. Pullbacks in the US and other stock markets due to tariff policy and the fear of trade wars have cost investors dearly over the first 2 quarters. Some dermatologists may see this increased volatility and be fearful of what comes next. They might even consider selling their investments and “going to cash.”An emotional reaction to a stock market decline is natural, but as we hope to show you in this short article, reason should rule the day.
A flexible and rewarding option for physicians

3 weeks ago | healio.com | Sanjeev Bhatia |David Mandell

Key takeaways: Locum tenens, which refers to temporary medical staffing, is a growing industry. The flexibility, high pay per time period and opportunities for growth make it an attractive option for physicians seeking change. Locum tenens, a term derived from Latin meaning “to hold the place,” refers to temporary medical staffing. This practice has become increasingly popular among physicians seeking flexibility, variety and enhanced work-life balance.
Planning for incapacity: Essential steps and strategies

1 month ago | healio.com | David Mandell |Adam Braunscheidel

Key takeaways: Incapacity planning not only protects assets but also ensures that medical care preferences are followed. Plans should be reviewed at least annually or after significant life events. Although estate planning is often “on the radar” for physicians, too often they ignore another important planning area — incapacity planning.
Preparing the next generation for financial responsibility

1 month ago | healio.com | Sanjeev Bhatia |David Mandell |Michael Lewellen

As children grow and progress through formal education, they acquire a range of skills that are meant to prepare them for adulthood.
Practice and Personal Planning: Tactics That Reduce Taxes and Protect Assets

1 month ago | dermatologytimes.com | David Mandell |Carole Foos

1. Qualified retirement plans (QRPs) and IRAsQRPs include defined contribution plans, like 401(k)s or 403(b)s, and defined benefit plans, such as cash balance plans, which we have previously covered in this column. From a tax point of view, these tools all provide a current tax deduction against a dermatologist’s income, making them extremely attractive for tax planning. These tax deductions can vary from the $20,000 range for 401(k)s to $200,000 or more for certain types of defined benefit plans.
Energy Efficiency in Direct Current (DC) Lighting

1 month ago | energycentral.com | David Mandell

In the realm of modern lighting, energy efficiency is a paramount concern, driven by rising energy costs, environmental sustainability goals, and the global push for net-zero carbon emissions. Direct Current (DC) lighting emerges as a transformative solution, offering a compelling advantage in energy efficiency by eliminating the inefficient process of converting Alternating Current (AC) power to DC power.
Why physicians are unlike the "average" investor

1 month ago | kevinmd.com | David Mandell |Dawn Baker |Najat Fadlallah |Julian Maamari

An excerpt from Wealth Strategies for Today’s Physician: A Multi-Media Playbook. Physicians of all specialties are different from the average U.S. investor in several important ways. This statement reflects data in key areas that impact fundamental aspects of investing and wealth management. It is important for physicians to realize these differences because most financial news, whether in print, online, or on television, is geared to the average investor.
Preparing the next generation for financial responsibility

2 months ago | healio.com | Sanjeev Bhatia |David Mandell |Michael Lewellen

Key takeaways: One of the most effective ways to teach children about financial responsibility is to lead by example. Ultimately, the key to financial success is early education and consistent, age-appropriate conversations. As children grow and progress through formal education, they acquire a range of skills that are meant to prepare them for adulthood.
10 common mistakes made in health savings accounts: What physicians need to know

2 months ago | healio.com | David Mandell |Jason M. O’Dell

Key takeaways: Physicians can maximize HSAs by taking advantage of contribution limits and exploring investment options. It is important to understand eligibility criteria, state tax implications, rollovers and transfers. Health savings accounts are a powerful tool for managing health care expenses, offering significant tax advantages and flexibility. However, even the most well-intentioned account holders can make mistakes that undermine the benefits of their health savings accounts (HSAs).