The Curbsiders Internal Medicine Podcast

Dr. Kimberly Trotter, an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago and co-director of the Lupus Center, dives into the world of rheumatology, specifically focusing on crystalline arthropathies. She discusses diagnosing gout, including the critical use of uric acid levels and arthrocentesis. Trotter shares insights on effective acute treatments and emphasizes the importance of long-term management and patient education to prevent future flare-ups. Her expertise sheds light on the challenges faced by hospitalists in tackling these conditions.

Nora Taranto, the Digest's editor, teams up with epidemiologist Alexander Chaitoff to explore groundbreaking medical topics. They dive into cytisinicline as a promising new option for smoking cessation, examining its efficacy compared to traditional treatments. The conversation also highlights the benefits of combination therapy with statins and ezetimibe, and the impressive results of exercise on survival in colorectal cancer patients. Listen for insights on male partner treatment for bacterial vaginosis and the potential impact of recent innovations in screening methods!

Dr. Jessica Merlin, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh and expert in addiction medicine, shares invaluable insights on managing chronic pain among patients with opioid use disorder. She busts myths surrounding pain management and emphasizes the necessity for integrated care approaches. The conversation highlights the significance of behavioral interventions like cognitive therapy and mindfulness, as well as the importance of personalized treatment plans, to enhance patient outcomes and reduce stigma in this complex field.

Dr. Brindha Bavan, a reproductive endocrinologist and clinical assistant professor at Stanford, dives into the complexities of infertility in this enlightening discussion. She emphasizes the importance of comprehensive evaluations for both partners and when to refer patients. Key topics include the emotional support needed for couples facing infertility, the role of primary care in initial assessments, and innovative treatment options like IUI and IVF. Dr. Bavan also sheds light on the financial implications of fertility care and the necessity for clear communication in navigating these sensitive issues.

Join Dr. Lenny Feldman, a trailblazer in urban health from Johns Hopkins, and Dr. Tony Breu, Harvard's resident education director, as they dissect high-value care decisions. They challenge the effectiveness of lactate-guided resuscitation in sepsis, question the routine discontinuation of beta-blockers in cocaine users, and debate the risks of anticoagulation in fall-prone patients. Plus, discover the implications of pushing for hospital discharges before noon. It's a mix of insightful medical discourse and engaging anecdotes!

Join resident epidemiologist Rahul Ganatra and associate writer Laura Glick as they dive into some hot topics in health! They discuss the surprising impacts of vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acids on physical performance, sparking debate on their actual benefits. The conversation shifts to gabapentin and its risks of falls among older adults, as well as gepotidacin, a promising new antibiotic for UTIs. Finally, they explore intermittent fasting's intriguing potential for weight loss, all sprinkled with humor and expert insights!

Join Dr. Jeff Colburn, an esteemed academic endocrinologist and adjunct associate professor, as he tackles the intricate world of diabetes management. Delve into the unique challenges facing older adults, including medication de-escalation and personalized treatment strategies. Discover the crucial considerations for pregnant women with diabetes, from safe insulin use to postpartum care. Unpack the complexities of steroid-induced hyperglycemia and learn effective insulin management techniques. This conversation is packed with insights to navigate diabetic dilemmas!

Discover the intricacies of managing heart failure with reduced ejection fraction! The hosts highlight the necessity of tailored medication strategies and the crucial role of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors. They dive into the importance of dietary counseling, focusing on sodium moderation, and the benefits of patient follow-ups. Learn about SGLT2 inhibitors, their side effects, and effective patient education methods. Plus, humorous anecdotes and quirky insights into shoe design for better foot health add a delightful touch.

Dr. Michelle Kittleson, a renowned heart failure expert from Cedars-Sinai, dives into the complexities of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). She shares vital insights on identifying underlying causes and optimizing medication regimens. The discussion covers guideline-directed medical therapies like ARNI and SGLT2 inhibitors, emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment plans and ongoing patient education. Kittleson also highlights when to refer patients to advanced heart failure specialists, ensuring comprehensive care strategies for optimal outcomes.

This episode features Michelle Brooks, a doctor from Cashlack Southwest-ish, Avital O’Glasser, Chief of periop medicine at Cashlack Memorial, and Rahul Ganatra, known from the Hot Cake series. They dive into critical updates from SHM Converge, including insights on managing hospitalized homeless patients and addressing delirium's impact on recovery. The conversation also covers advancements in heart failure treatments, technological trends in medicine, and the importance of compassionate communication in healthcare. Tune in for some vital clinical pearls!