Physician-informed medical book reviews and clinical education resources.
Richard Feynman, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, once said: Science is a way to teach how something gets to be known, what is not known, to what extent things are known (for nothing is known absolutely), how to handle doubt and uncertainty, what the rules of evidence are, how to think about things so that judgments … Read more
Iatrogenically-mediated glucocorticoid deficiency Iatrogenically-mediated glucocorticoid deficiency is a condition that occurs when prescribed glucocorticoids are abruptly withdrawn. Signs and symptoms include weakness, nausea, vomiting and hypotension. Secondary adrenal failure is an inferior and confusing term for what should be more appropriate termed iatrogenically-mediated glucocorticoid deficiency, Secondary adrenal failure incorrectly implies that all of the hormones made by the adrenal gland, including mineralocorticoids and adrenal … Read more
Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes comprise MEN1, MEN2A, and MEN2B. MEN1 features pituitary adenomas, parathyroid hyperplasia, and pancreatic tumors. MEN2A involves calcitonin, calcium, and catecholamines leading to hypercalcemia and hypertension. MEN2B is characterized by a marfanoid habitus and mucosal neuromas. Each syndrome presents distinct clinical features.
This demonstration of the examination of the lymph nodes by Dr. Saul A. Rosenberg, Professor of Medicine (Emeritus) at Stanford University School of Medicine and a lymphoma specialist, is outstanding. Hat tip: Stanford 25. Lymph node exam 1 from Blake Charlton on Vimeo. Lymph Node Exam #2 from Blake Charlton on Vimeo. Lymph Node Exam #3 from … Read more
Toxicology Handbook (2011) by Lindsay Murray, Frank Daly, Mark Little, and Mike Cadogan is a straightforward guide to the management of numerous common and rare overdoses and toxidromes. Each toxin in described in terms of risk assessment, clinical features, investigations, management, disposition and follow-up, handy tips, pitfalls and controversies. The “controversies” section is particularly welcome. As Dr. Otis Brawley once said (paraphrased): … Read more
The format of this book is unique. A case scenario is described in vignette format. A question is posed, along with the answer. Then, a number of variations to the question are given, and answers are proffered for these as well. For example, a case of right lower quadrant pain is presented. Case variations include, (1) dysuria and … Read more
There are very few medical books in existence about which one can be tempted to declare, “I doubt whether in my lifetime there will ever be another book about this topic that is as good as this one.” In fact, I know only one medical book about which a statements like this might be said … Read more