Run the List

Dr. OP Hamnvik, an endocrinologist and medical educator at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, joins Emily Gutowski (host) and Joyce Zhou (case presenter) to discuss hypercalcemia. Through a case of an outpatient presenting with incidental hypercalcemia and no symptoms, Dr. Hamnvik walks through ways to differentiate the various causes of hypercalcemia, from primary hyperparathyroidism to non-PTH-mediated sources such as malignancy. Together, they discuss the normal regulation of calcium in the body and explore the ways in which various labs can be used in conjunction to pinpoint the diagnosis, paying attention to possible laboratory artifacts. The conversation closes with ways to manage both inpatient and outpatient hypercalcemia, in addition to learning several clinical pearls from Dr. Hamnvik!

Dr. Rachel Blair, an endocrinology fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, joins Emily Gutowski (host) and Katie Kester (case presenter) to discuss hyperthyroidism. Together, they walk through a case of a young patient with suspected thyrotoxicosis and discuss the diagnostic workup, from physical exam and labs to radioactive iodine uptake studies. They talk through causes of primary and secondary hyperthyroidism, when thyrotoxicosis is considered an endocrine emergency, and how to provide initial empiric management of patients with suspected hyperthyroidism while awaiting thyroid antibody tests. The conversation closes with Dr. Blair’s three major clinical takeaways, but you’ll have to tune in to find out!

Dr. Rachel Blair, an endocrinology fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, joins Dr. Navin Kumar (host) and Sarah Onorato (case presenter) to discuss hypothyroidism. Together, they use a sample case of a patient with hypothyroidism as a framework to guide discussion about primary vs. secondary hypothyroidism, associated lab findings, and management of unambiguous hypothyroidism vs. subclinical hypothyroidism. They wrap up their discussion with several clinical pearls, advocating for both a broad differential and panel of lab studies, assessed over time, to cinch the diagnosis.

Dr. Ari Moskowitz, the Associate ICU Director in the division of pulmonary and critical care medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, talks with Dr. Navin Kumar about the management of patients with severe COVID-19. The two examine which patients require escalation to ICU-level care, in addition to the complications of severe COVID-19 and which organ systems can be affected. They discuss how to identify hypoxemic respiratory failure, the utility of the physical exam in the process, and the need to avoid anchoring bias during diagnostic work-up. Lastly, Dr. Moskowitz covers the mainstays of ICU care in ARDS and severe COVID-19 patients, with a focus on physical maneuvers like proning, and an emphasis on evidence-based medicine.

Moses Murdock, a 5th year medical student at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, is interviewed by Blake Smith, a 2nd year medical student at Harvard Medical School, about virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, they talk about what virtual learning means to medical students both now and in the future, in addition to ways to take charge of independent learning through identification of diverse learning formats that best suit oneself. In the episode, Moses offers a number virtual learning resources and breaks them down into three major categories: content, community building, and active learning. They also offer tips to those seeking to engage on #MedTwitter and ways to continue sharpening one's diagnostic skills, virtually.

Walker Redd, an internal medicine resident at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, chats with Emily Gutowski, a 4th year medical student at Harvard Medical School, about what to expect as an incoming intern amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic. They talk through adjustments that interns may be expected to make as part of the care team, in addition to mindset changes that can be adopted early on during this state of flux. Moreover, they discuss virtual learning opportunities that rising interns - as well as current residents and attending physicians - can use to think through and practice end of life discussions, enabling humanism during this uncertain time.

Dr. Mary Montgomery, an infectious disease physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, talks with Dr. Navin Kumar about the current COVID-19 pandemic. The two focus their discussion on inpatient diagnosis and management, covering the disease’s variable presentation, optimal time to test via nasopharyngeal swab, and current treatment paradigm from initial hospitalization to ICU. Possible therapeutic candidates, such as remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and IL-6 inhibitors, are also discussed.

Dr. Lisa Rosenbaum, a cardiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital speaks to Emily Gutowski, a 4th year medical student at Harvard Medical School, about her unique career as a clinician and physician-writer for the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) as the National Correspondent. They also shed light on aspects of gender disparity in medicine, finding role models, and avoiding burnout in the ever-changing field of cardiology.

Dr. Joshua Lang, cardiology fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, joins us in this episode of Run the List to discuss common inpatient procedures on the wards. He is interviewed by Dr. Walker Redd and together they walk us through placing central/arterial lines, paracentesis & thoracentesis, ultrasound-guided procedures, and more! They emphasize the importance of doing dry runs early on, talking patients through the intended plan, and conclude with pro tips on becoming more comfortable with doing procedures at the bedside.

Dr. Victor Nauffal, cardiology fellow at Brigham and Women's Hospital, is interviewed by Dr. David Wang about tachyarrhythmias. They work through a case and general approach to this topic, including a discussion about when to use electricity, distinguishing rhythms on an EKG, and treatment considerations. The case concludes with clinical pearls to take with you on the wards.