Why Do Culture Results Take So Long? [video]

One of the most common questions I get after obtaining a culture of pus whether from the ear or the nose is how long it takes before the culture results are back... especially when MRSA is a concern. Does it take a few hours? 24 hours? Days? Disappointingly, it can take up to 5+ days if not longer. You want to know why? Well, rather than explaining, watch a  6-minute video  that explains the numerous steps that goes into providing a diagnosis after a culture has been obtained... in th…

4/02/2013 0

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Surgeries on a Weekend Have More Complications

The New York Times published an interesting story regarding how patients with ulcerative colitis suffered significantly more surgical complications when performed on a weekend compared to a weekday. Just how much worse? The cited  research  reported that the most common post-operative complication was post-operative infections (Weekend 30% vs. Weekday 20%). However, there was also an increased risk of need for repeat laparotomy, mechanical wound complications, and pulmonary complications…

3/22/2013 0

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Why Do Biopsy Results Take So Long? [video]

One of the most common questions I get after a surgical procedure is how long it takes before biopsy results are back... especially when a mass was removed and there is a cancer concern. Does it take a few hours? 24 hours? Days? Disappointingly, it can take up to 7 days if not longer. You want to know why? Well, rather than explaining, watch a 6-minute video that explains the numerous steps that goes into providing a diagnosis after a mass is removed... in this particular case, a neck …

2/28/2013 1

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The "Morning Person" Gene

German scientists have potentially discovered a genetic reason why some people are morning people whereas others are night-owls. The gene called ABCC9 dubbed "morning person" gene was identified by analyzing 4251 individuals who reported their sleeping pattern. The ABCC9 variant type and number of copies significantly affected the number of hours of sleep. To confirm this finding, scientists modified the ABCC9 gene in the fruit fly and obtained similar results. The gene codes…

11/30/2011 0

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What Makes A Great Surgeon or Doctor?

Or for that matter, a great violinist? As many psychologists suggest (regardless of whether one is talking about sports, music, painting, astronomy, physics, etc), it entails: Focused practice (at least 10,000 hours according to many) Good coaching Great role model to provide motivation Does this apply to surgeons or doctors? I believe it absolutely does.  Any person who puts in enough good training hours under the tutelage of a great teacher with a great role model to aspire …

12/03/2010 0

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