Sore throat. Group A Strep. It’s a presenting complaint we see almost daily that certainly doesn’t get anyone’s heart racing. I feel comfortable identifying the “sick” child, have a well-practiced “it’s a virus” speech, am adept in the art of the parent-facilitated tonsil swab, and generally think I diagnose and manage these patients fairly well. For a discussion of the Modified Centor Score and helpful PV card, see Academic Life in the EM. …
A Constipation Cocktail
Constipation, as defined succinctly by Urban Dictionary, is when you’ve gotta go, but your ass says “no!” It is a diagnosis that I can truly empathize with – who hasn’t been at least a bit bunged up before? The constipated patients that present to the ED take this everyday ailment to a whole new level. No one shows up a little constipated. Those that know they’re constipated come in as a last resort …
Urinalysis Interpretation across specialties
I must have missed the class on urinalysis interpretation in medical school. When I hit the ward I didn’t have a clue. Those first few weeks I nodded along knowingly when the residents talked confidently about how the patient did/did not have a UTI, initially being too embarrassed about not knowing something so simple to ask what, exactly, on the urinalysis led them to their conclusion. A few rotations in I noted what …
I’m drowning in FOAM!
Over the past year my education has been enhanced by the wonders of Free Open Access Meducation (FOAM). While I have found the innumerable podcasts and blog posts to be extremely educational, I’ve noticed a problem: I’m drowning in FOAM! For the most part, it is a good thing. I am learning a ton from the many podcasts and blogs that I follow. This was working out great until I got to the …
Contagion – Pearls on Working Through a Pandemic
Unlike my usual posts this one is more ‘medical’ so here’s my disclaimer: the following is my opinion. You need to read around my post and make up your own mind. This one of the best products in the market with the added value that refrigeration is not necessary. Our Online Canadian Pharmacy is also accredited by the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA). Watched the movie Contagion the other night. Scary stuff. There’s a …