About This List

It was compiled by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a health care research and information company founded in 1992 by a former medical college board chairman and president to help guide consumers to America’s top doctors and hospitals. Castle Connolly’s rigorous selection process, under the direction of an MD, involves surveying hundreds of thousands of physicians, … Read more

Is Vaping Less Harmful Than Smoking?

Illustration: John Kenzie Related Content Top Doctors 2019 “There’s a common belief that electronic cigarettes pose less cancer risk because e-cigarettes do not produce tar. But I am not convinced; there have been no long-term studies. E-cigarettes have also been promoted as a way to quit smoking tobacco, but there is no proof they work … Read more

How Bad Is Sitting All Day at Work, Really?

Illustration: John Kenzie Related Content Top Doctors 2019 “After you sit for just 30 minutes, your metabolism slows 90 percent. This means that the enzymes that move bad cholesterol to muscles also slow, allowing this fatty substance to stay in your arteries. After you sit two hours, good cholesterol circulating in the arteries drops 20 … Read more

I’m Always Sniffling, But I Don’t Have Allergies. What’s Up?

Illustration: John Kenzie Related Content Top Doctors 2019 “Prolonged sniffling is generally caused by inflammation of the mucus membranes inside the nose. If not an allergic reaction, it could be caused by hormone shifts, like from hypothyroidism or pregnancy. Also, some drugs, such as certain blood pressure medications, cocaine, and even nasal decongestant sprays, can … Read more

How Important Is It to Wash Your Face Before Bed?

Illustration: John Kenzie Related Content Top Doctors 2019 “Very. Cleansing is especially important if you wear makeup. Leaving mascara and eye shadow on overnight can contribute to eyelid infections and inflammation. Use a gentle cleanser that contains synthetic detergents called syndets — for example, Cetaphil or CeraVe — before applying moisturizer or any antiaging products you use. But even … Read more