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Talipes equinovarus, the Latin term for clubfoot, is the most prevalent congenital musculoskeletal anomaly worldwide, affecting approximately 1 in 1,000 newborns. A majority of clubfoot burden impacts low and middle-income countries, underscoring the global health disparities in access to early intervention. If left untreated, this condition can lead to significant deformities, emphasizing the critical role pediatricians play in timely...
As an emergency medicine resident, preparing for the ABEM In-Training Exam (ITE) is a pivotal phase in your medical journey. This high-stakes exam not only assesses your knowledge and readiness for the next steps in your career but also lays the groundwork for your lifelong practice in emergency medicine. While there is no “passing” score for the ITE, studies and empirical data have shown a strong correlation between test results and...
Have you ever been asked about ashwagandha? Or had a patient who prefers valerian root over trazodone for sleep? In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, patients frequently turn to dietary supplement use to address a variety of health concerns. As healthcare professionals, it is our responsibility to guide our patients with evidence-based recommendations while also supporting their holistic well-being. However, most of us have had...
As we celebrate American Heart Month, let’s take some time to review all the different ways our heart valves can break and how they present in the clinical setting. Ok, “break” is dramatic, but it’s February, when all sorts of heart puns are forgiven, right? ❤️
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a medical education company? Hippo Education makes video, audio, and written medical education, and we make a lot of it! If you wonder what makes us different, the answer, in short, is: practicing clinicians, peer review, and a crazy fun team.
Shave and punch biopsies are essential procedures for those who manage skin conditions and skin diseases. They can provide helpful information about undiagnosed skin lesions such as neoplasms, bullous disorders, keratoses, or dysplastic nevi. A diagnostic biopsy can also be the definitive treatment for malignant, irritated, or precancerous lesions. There's a right and a wrong way to do things, though. Here are our top 10 tips to prevent...
Conversations in the emergency department can be challenging, especially when we need to say "no" to patient requests. Let’s explore why this is difficult, the importance of having a script, and a framework for handling these conversations.
The holidays may be over, but ‘tis still the season for slip and falls on the ice that result in tailbone and coccyx area injuries. Coccyx injuries are a common chief complaint in urgent care during this wintery, icy time of year. Classic coccydynia (aka coccyx pain) is worse when sitting and can worsen when rising from a seated position. At first glance, this seems like a straightforward chief complaint, but it lends itself to...
As we usher in a new year, we find ourselves at the forefront of healthcare, continuously providing vital services and compassionate care to those in need. Amidst the challenges of the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, we must remember that we, too, deserve care and attention – not just for the sake of our well-being but also for the benefit of those we serve. According to an article published by the Journal of General Internal Medicine,...
Tens of millions of people in the United States have trouble accessing the healthcare services they need. Whether for lack of housing, insurance, or transportation or because of language and literacy barriers, there are so many reasons why people who need medical care may not be able to reach us. Or when they do, we may not always know how to help. As front-line clinicians, we can play a role in helping our vulnerable community members....
In this month’s episode of Peds RAP, we discuss the case of a two-year-old child that presented with a history of constipation and abdominal distention. The journey to diagnosis uncovered a complex medical condition - Hirschsprung’s Disease.
As December is Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to emphasize the importance of toy safety to parents and caregivers. Toys bring joy and learning opportunities to children, but they can also pose serious health risks. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) report on Toy Related Deaths and Injuries in 2022, there were 11 deaths in children under age 14 related to toys. There...