The Curious Clinicians

Hannah Abrams, an expert in cancer biology, discusses the fascinating reasons why elephants experience significantly lower rates of cancer compared to humans. Joined by medical professional Tony Brew, they dive into the role of the P53 gene and its multiple copies in enhancing elephants' cancer resistance. The conversation touches on evolutionary biology, comparing other large mammals like whales, and the implications of this unique genetic advantage. Explore the intriguing relationship between size, genetics, and cancer across species!

Dr. Jessi Gold, a psychiatrist and wellness expert, discusses her new book 'How Do You Feel?' and its focus on the mental toll of caring for others in medicine. She highlights the often-overlooked emotional challenges faced by healthcare professionals, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Dr. Gold shares compelling insights on the importance of self-awareness and support systems, advocating for authentic expression and storytelling within the medical community. She also emphasizes aligning medical careers with personal values to foster meaningful connections.

This discussion dives into the complexities of prescribing cascades, particularly the side effects of gabapentin. The hosts highlight how gabapentin can lead to peripheral edema, sparking questions about its unexpected impacts. They emphasize the dangers of unnecessary prescriptions and the importance of understanding medication side effects for better patient care. The conversation also touches on myogenic tone and how medications influence vascular health, alongside gabapentin's role in blood pressure management. Tune in for insights into smarter prescribing!

Fever serves as a fascinating evolutionary adaptation that benefits both humans and animals. The discussion dives into how fever enhances immune responses and inhibits pathogen growth, shedding light on its protective role. Experiments with lizards, fish, and honeybees illustrate various temperature regulation strategies in nature. The complexities surrounding fever management in clinical practice raise questions about the common use of antipyretics. Overall, fever reveals surprising advantages that challenge conventional medical approaches.

Discover the rapid relief furosemide provides for pulmonary edema in heart failure. Learn how this medication alleviates dyspnea almost instantly, with mechanisms beyond just diuresis. Explore historical studies that showcase its venodilatory effects and how it impacts left ventricular filling pressures. Delve into the interplay of furosemide and prostaglandins, revealing potential benefits even in cancer-related dyspnea. This fascinating discussion highlights the clinical implications of furosemide's diverse actions in acute congestive heart failure.

Dr. Mike Todorovic, a medical educator and science communicator extraordinaire, joins the discussion to delve into the Na+/K+ ATPase pump, hailed as the most vital enzyme in our bodies. He explains its crucial role in maintaining ionic balance and its evolutionary significance. Engaging analogies help illustrate concentration gradients interactively—making complex concepts accessible. The conversation also highlights the digital education revolution, offering strategies to connect with Generation Z and enhance medical teaching.

Delve into the mystery of Beethoven's deafness and its surprising connections to his health. Explore the composer's chronic ailments, including inflammation and gut issues, and the shifting theories around lead poisoning. Recent hair analyses reveal alarming levels of lead that may have impacted his hearing and overall health. Discover the historical context of lead exposure and its toxic effects, as well as the complexities of Beethoven's life as he triumphed over health struggles to create timeless music.

Dive into the intriguing world of hot flashes and their role in cancer treatment. Uncover the complexity of hormonal influences on reproductive health and how they contribute to these sudden temperature surges. Discover the interplay of hormones like kisspeptin and neurokinin B in women's health. Learn about the variability of hot flashes post-menopause and explore cutting-edge treatment options. Plus, ponder the evolutionary basis of these symptoms that many experience during significant life changes.

Producer Giancarlo Buonomo joins the Curious Clinicians this week to answer a morning report musing: why do we use IV PPIs to treat upper GI bleeding? Watch this episode on our new YouTube channel here, and read the show notes here! Click here to obtain AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (0.5 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (0.5 hours), or ABIM MOC Part 2 (0.5 hours). Audio edited by Clair Morgan of Nodderly.com. Medical student Giancarlo Buonomo is our producer. 

Exploring the absence of steroid use in acute pancreatitis despite inflammation, with a focus on predictive tools and inflammatory markers. Evolution of IV fluid resuscitation, historical context of cortisone use, recent studies on cortisone benefits. Controversies surrounding steroids and insights on rectal endomethacin for pancreatitis treatment.