DocTalk

I really hate to displace GBNF's "brilliant" comment. He is too kind but it is a reminder that for those who need background medical information, please don't hesitate to call or email.

This week, my favorite drug is back in the news with charges being presented in the Michael Jackson case. Propofol is again being named as the "powerful" anesthetic that caused his death, but the drug is innocent. It's like blaming a murder on the gun instead of the person who pulled the trigger. If you're interested in primary source reading, here is the autopsy report: http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/02/09/mj_autopsy.pdf

More on anesthesia, sedation, paralysis and pain control in this week's web entry.

Thanks again for your support and encouragement.

www.MDdirect.org/blog

 

Because I have been asked and for those who are interested, economics is one of the driving forces behind the weekly web columns, aside from the joy of writing and educating. Each entry is available to be published, first come, first served. This week's propofol and Michael Jackson article can now also be found here:
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=113188

 

Bill Clinton's heart is taking center stage and makes a good opportunity to talk about how chest pai nis approached in the ER. The abbreviated version of Chest Pain 101 is now available on the website.

www.MDdirect.org/blog

 

This week's web discussion is more philosophic and will appeal to those who believe that perhaps physicians may do more harm than good. Nothing special in the news precipitated the article; it was just time.

 

Plenty of injuries in the Olympics this past weekend. But after discounting Lindsey Vonn's leg injury and gold medal bruise and Petr Madjics' bronze with broken ribs, perhaps the story that should give hope to millions is that of Kris Freeman.

Endurance athletes who are diabetic just don't compete at the international level, but he does. His story and performance should be an inspiration to diabetics and non-diabetics alike. Overcoming a temporary obstacle may be a story; overcoming a permanent obstacle is a cause.

www.MDdirect.org/blog

 

If enough people rename an injury, is it possible that the medical community will take notice? Gamekeeper's thumb, skier's thumb, Shaq's thumb?

More about the injury and surgical repair on the web.

 

For those who care about the fate of English soccer, following David Beckham's achilles injury repair and rehab may be front page news for the next 6 months. For me, it's the opportunity to write about a pretty common injury.

Interestingly, Achille's rupture is sometimes seen as a complication of quinolone antibiotics like Cipro or Avelox. You may wonder why your doc asks seemingly unrelated questions: did you recently had a sprained something when you came in for a bladder infection or bronchitis? Who knew that antibiotics could cause such remote issues.

Back on topic: more about Achilles tendon ruptures on the website. Thanks for reading.

www.MDdirect.org/blog

 

Health care reform is still on the front page as the debate rages on; it's on my web page as well. Please let me know what you think.

Ben

 

I think we can't talk about it.

 

This week's entry talks about the philosophy of cutting edge therapies. It will be interesting to see if the new health care environment will nurture research. More on the web.

www.MDdirect.org/blog

 

The concept of breaking your face seems more relayted to old gangster movies than to real life but it is a pretty common injury. Chris Bosh found out the hard way that the face is a vulnerable part of the body. More about facial fractures on he website.

 

The pituitary-thyroid axis is not the most riveting part of the body but then endocrinology was not my most favorite part of anatomy and physiology. It takes an athlete to get me a little excited about writing about a common ailment like thyroid disease. Thank you Mr. Reyes.

More on the web. Thanks for reading.

www.MDdirect.org/blog