What is normal blood pressure by age and gender? There is no such thing as normal blood pressure (BP). For most people, most of the time, the normal range of human blood pressure is 100/70 – 135/80. But the normal range varies for men and women of different ages. And hence peoples’ optimal (target) blood […]
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How to improve learning in an outpatient clinic The majority of medical student clinical teaching is either: At the bedside (on a ward), or In an outpatient clinic. You can learn alot in either setting (shoulders, giants! etc). There are other areas where it can occur, e.g. operating theatre, small group teaching or skills laboratory. […]
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10 top tips to be a successful and happy doctor In this article we will list 10 top tips on how to be a successful and happy doctor. It is an honour and privilege being a doctor. We all want to be successful ones. But how? So. What are 10 top tips to be a […]
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What is freshers flu? ‘Freshers’ flu’ is a term for the (mainly viral) illnesses that commonly affect new students – particularly in halls of residence – at the beginning of the academic year (end of September/early October) – such as colds, sore throats, the flu (and now COVID). It may (may) affect upto 90% of […]
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How to examine the abdomen – and gastrointestinal system Introduction (“WIPER”) W – Wash your hands I – Introduce yourself to the patient P – Permission. Explain that you wish to perform an abdominal examination and obtain consent for the examination. Pain. Ask the patient if they are in any pain, and to tell you […]
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Is there such a thing as ‘good medicine’ and ‘bad medicine’? Yes, there is such a thing as good and bad medicine. What is good medicine? Good medical practice: Involves advice or treatment that has proven value or will not exacerbate the problem Is based on thorough understanding of anatomical, physiological and pathological mechanisms Is […]
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How to examine the human body The ability to examine the human body carefully and reliably is a key skill for most health professionals. How to examine the heart and cardiovascular (CVS) system How to examine the lungs and respiratory system How to examine the abdomen and gastrointestinal system Other resource Guide to examination (UCL) […]
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How to examine the lungs – and respiratory system Examination of the chest is a fundamental technique that all doctors need to be able to perform. Introduction (‘WIPER’) W – Wash your hands. I – Introduce yourself to the patient. P – Permission. Explain that you wish to perform a respiratory examination and obtain consent […]
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What are normal human physiology values? Blood pressure (BP): 130/80 (but this varies second to second) Pulse (heart) rate: 80 beats per minute (ditto) Breathing (respiratory rate): 16 breaths per minute Temperature (core): 37°C Blood pH (acid-base balance): 7.40 Glomerular filtration rate (GFR): 120 ml/min Total blood volume: 5 L. Cardiac output: 5 L per minute But, actually these […]
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Medical history taking: maximise ‘golden minute’ and listening Sir William Osler, the Canadian physician, said, Listen to your patient, he (or she) is telling you the diagnosis” This article is about the start of a medical history, where this statement is especially true. It is relevant to a GP or hospital clinic assessment; but the […]
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