header image

Monthly Archives: June 2008

Ick Award

June 30, 2008 – 7:18 am

Here’s a potent argument in support of those Oh-So-Annoying JCAHO regulations – outpatients getting clinic-based chemotherapy came down with a rare, nasty blood infection. Clinics aren’t covered by those irritating rules and regulations. Perhaps the only way anyone really recognized the source of these infections is because the germ was sooo unusual.  Alcaligenes is a [...]

By Doc Gurley | Posted in In the News, Insider Info, Practical Medicine | Comments (2)

Ouch Award

June 29, 2008 – 1:43 pm

The Now-That-Hurts Winner of the week: anesthesia causes you pain. We’re not talking about that tube in the throat, or the botched IV. Instead, it’s more like what if your anesthesiologist asked you, “How would you like your chili-pepper powder? Blown down your lungs or directly stinging by vein?” That’s right – the type of [...]

By Doc Gurley | Posted in Doc Gurley Lists, In the News | Comments (0)

Hey, That’s Your Ringtone I Hear!

June 24, 2008 – 12:54 pm

Grand Rounds is calling you. This week’s extravaganza of the blogosphere is dazzling everyone with its new technology – Grand Rounds: The iPhone 3G Edition. Grand Rounds is being hosted over at My Three Shrinks – “A blog by Psychiatrists for Psychiatrists. A place to talk; no one has to listen. All patient vignettes are [...]

By Doc Gurley | Posted in In the News | Comments (1)

Hope and Death

June 23, 2008 – 7:55 am

Here are twin news items that strike a powerful chord. First up is a report looking at whether or not doctors are willing to tell patients that, in essence, the game is up. A study shows that only one third of terminally-ill cancer patients say they have a doctor who has discussed end-of-life care. There [...]

By Doc Gurley | Posted in Feature, In the News, Insider Info, Pods--Doc In Your Ear | Comments (5)

Your Brain On Cigarettes

June 22, 2008 – 7:36 am

Perhaps some of you (non-smokers?) remember the last claims of benefit from cigarettes – that they make you sharper. Nicotine was supposed to somehow improve alertness and mental function (separate, that is, from the improvement any addict feels when withdrawal symptoms are relieved). That last mighty claim of benefit just bit the dust. Well-designed large-scale, [...]

By Doc Gurley | Posted in In the News | Comments (1)

M.D.ea Culpa

June 21, 2008 – 7:03 am

Sometimes playing the blame game is the right thing to do. Recent research is pointing an accusing finger at doctors who fail to obtain appropriate health tests and interventions for…well, let’s just say certain patients. As in, specifically, African American patients. Is this racism? Class-ism? Sexism? Do your doctor’s biases affect your health? Or [...]

By Doc Gurley | Posted in Feature, In the News, Practical Medicine | Comments (1)

Warms Your Heart

June 20, 2008 – 7:48 am

Ah, that amazing sunshine vitamin strikes again. Studies are now mounting (this is not the first) to show a strong link between vitamin D and your heart. Low vitamin D levels are linked to increased risks of heart attack. This latest study is a case control study in the Archives of Internal Medicine that shows [...]

By Doc Gurley | Posted in In the News, Practical Medicine | Comments (0)

Patch That Poop!

June 19, 2008 – 7:31 am

This nifty news falls into the category of “Things We Wish We Had Right Now As We Go Through Customs.” Researchers are developing a vaccine for toxic E. Coli diarrhea, otherwise known as traveler’s diarrhea. What makes this vaccine really swift is that it’s a patch you apply to your skin. Look Ma, no needles! [...]

By Doc Gurley | Posted in In the News | Comments (0)

Soda Free Summer!

June 18, 2008 – 7:43 am

Six Bay Area counties have banded together to promote Soda Free Summer, especially among youth. Why should you care? Let’s take a look at what that sweet fizzy liquid you’re holding in your hand right now is costing you in terms of health, shall we?
Liquid Obesity* Question of the Day:
What has the same number of [...]

By Doc Gurley | Posted in Feature, In the News | Comments (1)

Tropical Grand Rounds

June 17, 2008 – 9:43 am

Feel the island breeze? Got that scratchy sand feeling between your toes? If so, that means you’re ready for a great beach read – and here is it, thanks to Dr. David Khorram over at Marianas Eye. He’s hosting this week’s Grand Rounds with a tropical theme from Saipan. What makes a good beach read? [...]

By Doc Gurley | Posted in Doc Gurley Lists, In the News | Comments (0)