Dr. Centor discusses teaching diagnostic reasoning with Drs. Rabih Geha and Reza Manesh.

Dr. Centor discusses evidence-based treatment of low back pain with Dr. Roger Chou.

Dr. Centor discusses diagnostic reasoning with Dr. Jerome Kassirer.

Dive into the intriguing world of diagnostic reasoning as experts explore its critical evolution. A memorable internship case highlights how pivotal diagnostic skills can change outcomes. The journey from laboratory research to real-world clinical decision-making underscores the importance of collaboration. As the conversation unfolds, listeners gain insight into the complexities of diagnostic trade-offs and how these influence treatment choices. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the necessity for accurate diagnoses to enhance patient care.

Dr. Jeffrey Carson, a distinguished transfusion researcher, and Dr. Maria Maury-Brooks, an expert in epidemiological data, dive deep into transfusion thresholds in myocardial infarction. They discuss critical strategies to optimize patient care and the implications of recent studies on hemoglobin levels. The conversation covers a comparison of liberal versus restrictive transfusion strategies and innovative statistical methods aimed at reducing biases in clinical trials. Ultimately, they advocate for tailored approaches to transfusion that consider individual patient conditions.

Dr. Centor discusses why guidelines recommending that clinicians advise patients on lifestyle changes may be a questionable approach to improving public health with Dr. Minna Johansson.

Mark Sarnak, Chief of Nephrology at Tufts School of Medicine, dives deep into the role of renin-angiotensin system blockade in advanced chronic kidney disease. He discusses the complexities and risks associated with using ACE inhibitors and ARBs, particularly hyperkalemia and acute kidney injury. Highlighting meta-analyses, he reveals significant reductions in kidney failure events with these treatments. The conversation also covers new insights into potassium management and the promising role of SGLT2 inhibitors, capturing the optimism in nephrology communities.

Eileen Barrett, an expert in internal medicine and former chair of the American College of Physicians Board of Regents, joins Amanda Collar, an internal medicine intern and kratom researcher. They unpack the recreational uses of kratom, noting its methods of consumption and its potential for pain relief. The discussion dives into the regulatory challenges and health risks associated with kratom, as well as its complex role as a possible gateway substance. Emphasis is placed on improving physician-patient communication and the urgent need for further research on kratom's safety.

Dr. Centor discusses the importance of physician humility with Dr. Caroline Matchett.

Dr. Barbara Jones, an associate professor at the University of Utah specializing in pulmonary and critical care, dives into the intricate world of diagnosing community-acquired pneumonia. She highlights the clinical challenges that arise from overlapping symptoms, especially in older patients. The conversation reveals how misdiagnoses can occur in emergency settings and introduces innovative tools like natural language processing to enhance diagnostic accuracy. The importance of communication and patient involvement in navigating diagnostic uncertainty is emphasized throughout.