Core IM | Internal Medicine Podcast

Discover the emotional impact of music therapy in hospice care. Learn how music can create connections and ease anxiety for patients in their final moments. Hear moving stories illustrating the profound effects of music on grief and healing. Explore the challenges faced by music therapists and their essential role in enhancing the quality of life during end-of-life care. This discussion underscores the importance of integrating music therapy into healthcare for emotional and cognitive well-being.

Rob Palowell, a pulmonologist from Massachusetts General Hospital, and Kelly Graham, a primary care physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, delve deep into interstitial lung disease (ILD). They discuss the challenges of diagnosing incidental lung findings and the nuances between antifibrotics and immunosuppression. The conversation also highlights the complexities of patient care, especially when social barriers hinder treatment. Both emphasize a holistic approach, addressing patients' basic needs alongside their medical conditions for better care outcomes.

Join Dr. Aaron Goodman, a hematology oncologist from UC San Diego, and Dr. Vincent Rajkumar, an expert in multiple myeloma, as they delve into the complexities of monoclonal gammopathies. They clarify the roles of SPEP and immunofixation in diagnosis. Listeners will learn about the continuum from MGUS to multiple myeloma and the importance of urine testing. The discussion also tackles the clinical significance of symptoms in renal, neurologic, and dermatologic contexts. Key insights into patient counseling round out this informative conversation!

Explore the world of immune checkpoint inhibitors and their unusual, yet challenging, adverse events. Learn how to distinguish these reactions from infections, delving into issues like pneumonitis, colitis, and dermatitis. Discover the importance of early identification and the role of imaging techniques in diagnosing respiratory symptoms. Understand the long-term management of endocrinopathies, including hormone replacement strategies. Each case study reveals the complexities of treatment and the essential need for teamwork in patient care.

Dr. Allie Sheridan, an expert in inhaler delivery systems and patient counseling for respiratory issues, dives into the importance of proper inhaler techniques for asthma and COPD management. The conversation also highlights crucial insights on iron deficiency in pregnancy, stressing the need for routine screening to protect maternal and fetal health. Listeners gain valuable knowledge on the differences between oral and IV iron treatments, emphasizing the best practices for supporting pregnant women and addressing broader health impacts.

Discover the latest research on stress ulcer prophylaxis in ICU patients, focusing on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and their potential risks like aspiration pneumonia. Dive into the REVISE trial findings and understand the complexities surrounding the use of PPIs in critically ill patients. The discussion also tackles the evolution of treatments, addressing the need for high-quality evidence to guide practices while highlighting the importance of patient-centered outcomes. Plus, enjoy some engaging banter to lighten the mood!

Arthi Rao, a cardiology fellow, and Eric Sosemsky, a vascular medicine cardiologist, dive deep into the complexities of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). They discuss when to suspect PAD and the critical role of the Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) in diagnosis. The conversation highlights non-surgical management strategies, emphasizing lifestyle changes, medications like cilostazol, and cardiovascular risk management. They also outline when revascularization may be necessary and explore therapy options that can significantly improve patient quality of life.

Explore the essentials of parenteral nutrition, distinguishing between Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) and Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition (PPN). Discover when to use each type and the common complications, including myths surrounding TPN's effects on bowel movements. Dive into hydration management, emphasizing the need for personalized regimens and understanding the significance of tube feeds. Learn about the role of nutrition and pharmacy teams in enhancing patient care for those needing critical nutrition support.

Dr. Michael Insa, a primary care and addiction medicine physician at the University of Utah, teams up with Dr. Heather Stieglitz, a clinical analytical toxicologist at The Ohio State University. They dive into the intricacies of urine drug screening, including common false positives and negatives. The conversation emphasizes the importance of confirmatory tests and patient-centered approaches. They also discuss the sensitive nature of screenings, advocating for empathetic communication and motivating patients to engage in open discussions about substance use.

Dr. Harry Han, a palliative care expert, dives into the nuances of hospice care, discussing the practicalities clinicians face when transitioning patients to hospice services. He addresses critical issues like managing medications, navigating financial concerns, and the surprising reasons patients may return to the hospital while on hospice. The conversation also highlights the emotional challenges of opting for hospice and encourages a shift in perception to focus on celebrating life, rather than just the end.