ALSO NOTED: Doctors study up on herbal medicines; Providers plan to spend big on clinical IT this year; and much more...

> With herbal medicines becoming a favored option for many patients, doctors are gradually beginning to educate themselves on their use. Articles

> Providers are expected to spend big bucks on clinical technology this year, including digital medical imaging, med management, EMRs and mobile applications. FierceHealthIT

> A Pennsylvania hospital chief is defending mass employee firings, noting that with only 25 to 27 inpatients per day, he couldn't continue to staff for 96 beds. Article

> Atlanta's struggling Grade Memorial Hospital has a plan in place to stay on its feet, but politics could scuttle the deal. Article

And Finally... For some reason, this creature doesn't seem to feel certain types of pain--a condition which could help researchers fight chronic pain in humans. Article