Computers are incredibly useful in recalling vast databases of information reliably and quickly. Knowing this, should we be “teaching” computers medicine? If so, how should we utilize them in the process of working up a patient’s symptoms?

Many patients I’ve encountered on the wards (especially those receiving chemotherapy) have been directly affected by our country’s drug shortage. It’s incredibly disheartening to know they’re receiving suboptimal therapy as many times their prognoses are dismal to begin with.

After revising grammar, spelling, and syntax, I methodically go through a personal statement (PS) sentence-by-sentence and ask if the content meets any of the following criteria:

Early in block 1 of the basic sciences, an upperclassmen mentor pointed out a post I wrote following my first preceptorship session which could have been considered an invasion of patient privacy. I had deliberately altered and removed descriptors which I thought could be labeled as HIPAA violations, but the mentor wanted me to err […]

I recently received this question from a friend deciding between med schools: I got accepted to TCOM [a D.O. school in Texas] and Ross [an M.D. school] in the Caribbean. Which one do you think is a better option? Do you think I should reapply to MD schools again? I am very confused and don’t […]

Medical school. Inundating us with knowledge. Some of which is interesting. A lot of which is tedious. All of which is important.

C. difficile is a bacteria part of our normal bowel flora, but when certain antibiotics (namely clindamycin) wipe out the other healthy organisms, C. diff’s growth is left unchecked. C. diff colitis is something I saw all the time in February while working on the gastroenterology service at St. Luke’s, so I learned quite a […]

This morning over breakfast, I discussed the new ACGME guidelines with the ENT resident I’m researching with. Beginning in July, these new provisions will affect all first year residents namely on two fronts – interns won’t be allowed to work shifts in excess of sixteen consecutive hours and an attending physician/senior resident will have to […]

A fellow student blogger recently inspired me to post a clinical mystery for my readership to solve from time to time. I’ll try to write at least one per month… starting with this one.

Jamie Davis, a freelance writer, specializes in writing about masters degree. Questions and comments can be sent to: [email protected]