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The return of measles—an unnecessary sequel
Why are we having such a tough time convincing people to get routine vaccines for themselves and for their kids?
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Infection or not infection, that is the question—Is procalcitonin the answer?
What is it about procalcitonin that allows it to succeed as a biomarker where CRP and the ESR fail?
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Can a humanities background prevent physician burnout?
Osler urged physicians to study the humanities. Can it prevent professional dissatisfaction and burnout?
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The tests that we order define us
In practice we balance the inputs from Watson, “Dr. Google,” our experience, and the specific data from the patient.
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There is more to the TSH than a number
Management of subclinical hypothyroidism should be nuanced and based on both clinical and laboratory parameters.
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MGUS: It’s about the protein, not just the marrow
What is a cause of a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate with a normal C-reactive protein and a low anion gap?
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A new reason to reconsider that antibiotic prescription: The microbiome
The impact of antibiotics on the gut microbiome may be implicated in the rise in obesity and diabetes.
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A physician’s response to observational studies of opioid prescribing
Not long ago, we were told we needed to do better at relieving pain.
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Small fibers, large impact
The wide interest in small fiber neuropathy may reflect our current apparent epidemic of chronic pain.
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We can learn a lot from drug adverse effects
No one likes adverse effects, but they can teach us important things about human biology.
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The bias of word choice and the interpretation of laboratory tests
Words matter. Calling ALT and AST “liver function tests” can lead to premature diagnosis of liver disease.
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How well do we understand calcium and vitamin D?
I do not believe we truly understand the ideal amount of dietary and supplemental calcium or vitamin D for a given patient.
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Training physician leaders to save the health system…and us
The success of the health system and the emotional well-being and clinical skills of its physicians are clearly interrelated.
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The algorithm less traveled
At Bellevue, the RPR was a routine test; at the University of Pennsylvania, not so much—it all depends on context.
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Understanding the tests we order: Comments and an invitation
Some new laboratory tests go through a life cycle, first being used by subspecialists and then by physicians everywhere.