Navigating Commonly Used Supplements: A Guide for Clinicians

By Suzette Iverson, PA-C
on February 05, 2024

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 little or no training on the risks and benefits of the various dietary and herbal supplements on the market.

Don’t Go Breaking My Heart…Valve

By Katie Iverson, PA-C, MPAS
on February 05, 2024

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? ❤️

How We Make Medical Education, Hippo-Style

By Suzette Iverson, PA-C
on January 29, 2024

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.

Top 10 Tips for the Best Skin Biopsy Ever

By Matt Zeitler, MD
on January 09, 2024

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 errors during skin biopsies.

Getting Comfortable With Uncomfortable Conversations

By Rob Orman, MD
on January 08, 2024

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.

Bumped and Bruised Bottoms: Coccyx Injuries

By Kelly Heidepriem, MD
on December 27, 2023

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 opportunities for a more nuanced discussion with patients.

A New-Years Resolution: Caring for Clinicians in 2024

By Katy Vogelaar, FNP-C
on December 26, 2023

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, nearly half of healthcare professionals are burned out. Burnout among healthcare providers has been shown to negatively impact patient safety, quality of care, and patient satisfaction. This new year presents a golden opportunity for us to prioritize self-care, fostering a healthier and more resilient healthcare workforce.

Navigating Whole Person Care for the Underserved in Urgent Care

By By Vicky Pittman, PA-C
on December 11, 2023

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. This is especially true for those of us working in urgent care. 

Unraveling the Case of a Constipated Toddler: Hirschsprung’s Disease

By Jen Janocha, PA-C
on December 11, 2023

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.

Toys for Kids: Keep them Safe

By Katie Iverson, PA-C, MPAS
on December 06, 2023

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 were also 209,500 emergency department visits due to toy injuries in those under age 14, with 38% of those injured being young children under age 4. Many toys can cause minor scrapes or cuts and according to the U.S. CPSC report, 41% of the ER visits due to toy injury were for lacerations or bruising in 2022.