I recently graduated in medicine from Townsville, Australia, and I still enjoy writing blogs on medicine and pharmacy-related topics. I appreciate writing about my experience on different placements or topics I'm interested in. As English is my second language, writing blogs is a hobby and a fun challenge!
All by Andréas L.P. Astier
This video is about my rural and remote medical placement experience as a medical student in Hughenden, Queensland, Australia. In context, every two years of my degree, we have a rural/remote focus placement. In my 4th year, I decided to go on a solo placement to Hughenden.
I should have been studying, but who can when these Laughing Kookas are making a ruckus? I desperately tried to catch a complete “laughing cycle” but I was unsuccessful, still though I had fun having these companions in my backyard.
Primitive reflexes, also known as developmental reflexes, are special reflexes that originate from the brainstem and are present from birth to early infant developmental stages. These reflexes are involuntary motor responses which facilitate survival.
Post-operative discomfort is a well-accepted phenomenon that occurs to almost everyone that undergoes surgery. However, the post-operative complications need to be looked at closer and with caution as the healing process is not performing. The 5W mnemonic may guide the physician to the most likely cause.
A lot happens during adolescent hood as teenagers have an increase in risk behaviours and psychological issues, which contribute to mortality and morbidity. Hence, when adolescents reach the healthcare system, it is imperative to do a HEADSS assessment.
Medical students who are soon to be interns need to acquire the skills of clerking on ward rounds. The SOAP framework (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) enables proficient and easy documentation on ward rounds and provides the basics required for good documentation.
An ISBAR is a recognised and effective method to deliver handovers practically to another person/team. The ISBAR is simple, quick-to-use, memorable and portable. It is designed to have a logical, structured approach in providing concise and easy-to-understand information, making communication more effective and streamlined.
The consent form is a critical aspect of surgery. Before doing any major and minor procedures, the patient must consent to that particular surgical procedure. In addition, the consent form helps the patient understand the procedure, how it is basically done, its benefits, harms, alternatives, and complications.
Delirium is a severe change in mental abilities, causing confusion and reduced awareness, and is a common and serious complication within the elderly population. It is often misdiagnosed, missed or diagnosed late. Thus, it is crucial in the emergency department or at a patient's house to quickly and efficiently identify patients presenting with delirium.
Whilst being on the surgical ward, I was astounded at the number of patients who presented with pancreatitis. An easy way to remember the causes of pancreatitis is by using the mnemonic I GET SMASHED. Statistically, you should find the cause of the pancreatitis and help you manage your patient.
Pathophysiology is a full-on and heavy subject to learn in medical school, and with so much going on during the clinical years, it is essential to create a streamlined and efficient way to describe diseases/conditions. By the end of the year, you may have a long list of diseases to learn and remember: hence, I recommend keeping it brief, succinct and easy to explain.
Today's blog feels more like an actual blog rather than the other more serious and referenced articles. So instead, I talk about how I managed my first clinical year as a student and, essentially, the routine I used to tackle the second half of my undergraduate degree.
As an integral part of a patient’s overall health, a sexual health history is a valuable skill to require and is essential in assessing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), genital symptoms, pregnancy and sexual functions. Regarding the nature of the questions, the examiner needs to make the patient at ease and comfortable talking about this topic.
The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a tool that screens for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA, not for central sleep apnea) and is one of the most recognized screening tools for OSA. It is a screening tool, thus not diagnostic, and depending on the outcome, advise the assessor on the next step.
In medicine, patients often present with signs and symptoms that resemble and overlaps with other conditions. Therefore, having the principal diagnosis (or your best suspicion) may not fit the picture perfectly; hence it is essential to think of other conditions that mimic the presentation. The differential diagnosis thus comes into play.
The AHD is a legal document that allows patients peace of mind on how their health will be taken care of if they are incapacitated. Their wishes will be legally fulfilled by the statutory health attorney whom they have appointed. The results enable family and friends to know and understand the patients’ wishes, alleviate extra anxiety and stress, and improve end-of-life care.
The BREAKS framework, just like SPIKES and ABCDE, can be used for interviews where bad news will be delivered. Breaking bad news can be stressful for both the patient and the physician. Patients will distinctively remember the day when bad news was delivered to them, and in a way, the physician becomes part of that moment.
The ABCDE framework can be used for interviews where bad news will be delivered. Breaking bad news can be stressful for both the patient and the physician. Patients will distinctively remember the day when bad news was delivered to them, and in a way, the physician becomes part of that moment.
