Alive, or Just Breathing?

Last week I completed my Forensics rotation, which is essentially a 5th year medical student’s first exposure to a fresh dead body – 3 cases a day for 5 days. I sound like a bit of a psycho emphasizing the fact that the bodies were, in fact, fresh dead bodies, but allow me to contextualize. … Read more

What Triggers Sneezing?

Need a Tissue? Aah… aah… aah… Waiting for the choo? It’s a horribly annoying feeling to feel a sneeze coming up, but not actually showing up. Some people would advise you to look at bright light. That’s because they’re not doctors. Or aspiring doctors (like us). Or maybe they just don’t know.   Autosomal Dominant … Read more

Emergency Medicine Doctor – Is it for You?

An ambulance’s siren wails as it drives up to the to the hospital’s emergency room door. Two nurses and a doctor wait as the stretcher is rolled out. The (Emergency Medicine) doctor quickly examines the patient, determines their need – and saves the person’s life.   This can be you! A doctor who daily saves … Read more

Fundamentals of Clinical Pharmacology

What is Pharmacology Definition: Pharmacology is the scientific study of drugs and how they are used in medicine.   Introduction to Pharmacology For most medical students a pharmacology lecture is usually not the highlight of the day, to put it mildly. In the minds of medical students, the study of pharmacology is kind of a “necessary … Read more

How to Become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Article at a Glance Cardiothoracic surgeons focus their efforts on the organs, bony structure and tissues that form the chest cavity. Many years of schooling are required to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. Patience and intense focus are keys to remaining dedicated and consistent. To be successful as a cardiothoracic surgeon, a person must possess physical … Read more

Upper & Lower Respiratory System

Advice to Anesthetists: Lose anything you like – but NEVER-EVER lose your patient’s airway! Apprentice Doctor Club / Chapter: Module Three: The Airway – it’s all about Oxygen! The respiratory system is the bodily system responsible for moving Oxygen from the atmosphere and facilitating the transfer of Oxygen into the bloodstream, as well as moving … Read more

What is Neurology and What is Neurosurgery about?

In Module Four – Welcome to the Operating Theater: A Glimpse into Neurosurgery First, let’s understand the key differences between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon. Though often confused, these specialties have distinct roles and training paths: A neurosurgeon is a surgeon specializing in brain and spinal cord surgery, with primary surgical training and secondary neurology … Read more

Gastroenterology | Colorectal Cancer

The Silent Epidemic: Colorectal Cancer Let’s look at some USA death statistics and view it in perspective?   Nearly 3000 people died in the horrific 9-11 attacks. Over a period of 9 years during the war in Iraq, just over 33000 American soldiers died. Every year 50 000 Americans die due to Colorectal cancer!   … Read more