The Curious Clinicians 117 - The Body A-Z with Dr. Mike Todorovic
Oct 29, 2025
Join Dr. Mike Todorovic, an associate professor and medical educator, as he dives into fascinating insights from his book, The Body A-Z. He explains why people with Parkinson's can bike ride effectively, connecting it to basal nuclei circuits and dopamine. Dr. Mike also explores the hiccup reflex, revealing quirky remedies, including an unusual rectal massage. Learn why rigor mortis causes stiffness and the science behind it. His engaging educational philosophy emphasizes simplifying complex topics, making learning entertaining and accessible!
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From Whiteboard Videos To A Million Followers
- Mike co-hosts Dr Matt and Dr Mike's Medical Education and hit one million YouTube subscribers sharing anatomy and physiology lecturing at a whiteboard.
- He runs a top-10 medical podcast and provides online resources through drmattanddrmike.com.
One-Page Lessons Scale Understanding
- The Body A to Z uses short one- to two-page chapters to explain single anatomical or physiological topics clearly.
- Mike and Matt aim for a bedside-readable book that teaches something new in each brief chapter.
Dopamine Smooths Motor Programs
- Parkinson's motor symptoms arise when dying substantia nigra neurons reduce dopamine that 'smooths' initiation and inhibition signals in basal nuclei.
- Rhythmic tasks like cycling rely less on basal nuclei and spinal patterning, so Parkinson's patients often can ride bikes despite fine motor deficits.
