

The Curious Clinicians
The Curious Clinicians
The Curious Clinicians is a medical podcast that asks "why?". Why do diseases present in certain ways? What are the mechanisms of treatments we use? Why does the human body function as it does? Join us to explore these questions and many more.
Episodes
Mentioned books

12 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 34min
104 - A Pseudo-truth?
Giancarlo Buonomo, a medical student and producer, dives deep into the complexities of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in diabetic foot infections. He challenges the conventional wisdom around using empiric antibiotics, highlighting the bacterium's low prevalence in such cases. The discussion emphasizes tailored treatment strategies based on patient specifics rather than standard protocols. Buonomo also addresses the burden of medical documentation, offering innovative solutions to streamline the process while clarifying misconceptions about Pseudomonas.

Jan 8, 2025 • 27min
103 - Oral Argument
Why isn't insulin administered orally? This intriguing discussion traces the challenges and history of insulin since the 1920s. Discover the biological hurdles of absorption and how digestive enzymes complicate oral administration. Learn about advancements like semaglutide that enhance drug delivery. Dive into innovative research inspired by cephalopods, which explores futuristic drug delivery methods that could revolutionize treatments.

Dec 25, 2024 • 30min
102 - Long Lives the Lobster
Happy Holidays from the Curious Clinicians! In today's episode, Avi shells us about a fascinating question: "Why do lobsters live so long?" 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).

9 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 29min
101 - Automatic ABO
Discover why we automatically form antibodies to ABO blood type antigens that aren't our own. Explore the fascinating history of blood transfusions, from early experiments to understanding compatibility. Dive into the complexities of antibody production and the impact of gut microbes. Uncover how infants develop anti-ABO antibodies and the implications for transfusions and heart transplants. This exploration of blood types reveals intriguing evolutionary insights and highlights the importance of immunology in medicine.

Nov 27, 2024 • 16min
[Archive] Thanksgiving & The Food Coma
This delightful discussion unpacks the myth of the Thanksgiving food coma linked to turkey and tryptophan. Experts analyze how tryptophan’s effects on sleepiness are influenced by dietary factors, like the carbohydrates in a holiday feast. They decipher the science behind the feeling of drowsiness after a grand meal, explaining the real culprits behind holiday lethargy. Hint: it’s not just the turkey! Join the conversation to uncover fascinating insights about food, sleep, and holiday traditions.

Nov 13, 2024 • 24min
100! - Our Favorite Questions
Celebrate a milestone with hosts who reminisce about their four-year journey, highlighting the importance of curiosity. Discover the fascinating condition of bendopnea and how furosemide quickly aids pulmonary edema. Learn about the intriguing interactions of drug effects and unique breathing patterns tied to heart failure. Explore the evolutionary biology behind health outcomes, including why some mammals face lower cancer rates. The hosts emphasize how asking impactful questions enriches the learning experience in medicine.

Oct 30, 2024 • 34min
99 - Living on a Lung
The hosts celebrate a milestone, recording live at a major medical conference. They passionately discuss living with one lung, exploring resilience and adaptation after major surgeries. A riveting historical perspective reveals pioneering techniques from a Victorian-era surgeon. The marvel of lung regeneration is highlighted with a fascinating case study, showcasing the body’s incredible ability to adapt. Anecdotes from their medical journeys add a personal touch, enhancing the storytelling throughout the vibrant discussion.

Oct 16, 2024 • 31min
[Archive] Tusks and Tumor Suppressors
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!

Oct 6, 2024 • 33min
98 - How Do You Feel?
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.

Oct 2, 2024 • 22min
97 - Cascading Prescriptions
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!