Future Doc House

26/07/2023

Just added an unlisted youtube lecture on medicine, check it out before it goes public

I discuss in this video a bit of histology and biochemistry as the board exams love using these questions to trick you on getting your microbiology question ...

07/07/2023

"The Rising 'Bat Signal': Beware of Rabies!"


Rabies is the new hot topic making a sinister comeback. Increasing numbers of cases are sounding alarms across the board. The main culprit? Bats, our winged nocturnal friends. But, we can't pin all the blame on them - we, humans, encroaching on wildlife habitats, are equally complicit. The more we encroach, the higher the chances of cross-species transmissions. If you find yourself bitten by a wild animal, especially a mammal, don't 'bat' an eye - seek medical help immediately. Go for a prophylactic intervention, because once rabies symptoms manifest, it's akin to a death sentence.

07/06/2023

Let's Talk About...STDs?!



"Let's talk about s*x, baby; let's talk about you and me; let's talk about all the good things... and the bad things that may be..." Alright, my Salt-N-Pepa rendition might not be hitting the charts anytime soon, but it sure catches the attention. Because today, as those with a stethoscope around our necks, we're bound to encounter the inevitable moment when a patient mentions a burning sensation, or a peculiar rash in a not-so-sunny location. I can see some of you pulling a face right now, but hold on - it's not all doom and gloom! For the majority of these issues, we've got a dynamic duo on our side - ciprofloxacin and doxycycline. These two usually get the job done, but sometimes doctors add in a bit of metronidazole, just for cover!

17/05/2023

The Doctor is Back in the House!

Ladies and gentlemen, Future Doc House is (almost) back in the building! A new studio is being built so from July, you can expect a hot new series of lectures from your favorie medical maverick! Prepare for amusing anecdotes, liberal use of props, and the kind of medical knowledge you wish your professors had the guts to share with you. Sorry, textbooks, your time is up!

05/05/2023

Contact Dermatitis: Mother Nature's Reward for 'Rash' Decisions

Ah, spring! The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and green-thumbed folks are out gardening. Unfortunately, this is also the season of increased doctor visits for those pesky rashes. Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction that occurs when your immune system overreacts to something you've touched, resulting in itchy, painful blisters. When this happens, resist the urge to scratch, and wash the affected area with dish detergent soap (unless you're allergic to it, of course). This should remove any lingering allergens from your skin. Lastly, visit your doctor to get a potent steroidal cream to soothe the rash and promote healing. Now go and have (safe) fun in the sun!

17/04/2023

Don't Let the Kissing Bug Bite (Or Worse...)

I'm continually intrigued by diseases, especially when it comes to kissing (another area of my expertise, you could say)! A disease once limited to the Amazonian Equatorial region is now popping up in Texas. The obvious culprit? Climate change, as Texas transforms into the new tropical zone of the United States. The triatomine insect, also known as the "kissing bug," transmits a parasite called T. cruzi, or Trypanosoma Cruzi, causing a range of symptoms like fever, fatigue, and swelling. While most people recover on their own, some may experience life-threatening heart problems. How does this parasite spread, you dare ask? Through the bug's f***s, which can be ingested, inhaled, or rubbed into the eyes. So, while "don't let the bed bugs bite" may be a thing of the past with proper hygiene, the new saying might be: "Don't let the Kissing Bug kiss (or p**p) on your face!"

27/03/2023

My Two Cents on Making Sense

Four years ago, I wrote Is There a Doctor Aboard, calling for urgent change in government-managed medical education. Fast forward to today, and the situation has only worsened. Both the US and Britain face doctor shortages and long ER queues.Let's work together to fix this bureaucratic crisis that makes becoming a doctor expensive and demoralizing. If someone studies hard and passes government exams, they should have ample opportunities to become residents and practice medicine.How about using our tax dollars to build more facilities for the sick? Just my two cents on making sense.

13/03/2023

Measles is Making a Comeback!

Measles is once again in the news with the PAHO warning of a potential outbreak as vaccination levels decline. As someone who has studied medicine, it's frustrating to see this easily eradicated infection once again preying on children. The vaccine debate rages on and while parents have the best intentions there are times when it’s best to listen to medical advice and to take the so-called ‘doctor’s orders.’ Doctors didn’t spend years studying medicine for nothing!

The Organization recommends that countries of the Americas update plans to quickly respond to outbreaks, intensify vaccination efforts and strengthen surveillance Washington, DC, 9 February 2023 (PAHO)- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an alert, urging countries of the Americas...

28/02/2023

Dengue Fever May Be Coming to a Town Near You

Dengue Fever is on the rise with the WHO reporting 390 million dengue virus infections per year. The impact of climate change has broken down the natural barriers that once kept this disease in place. This once-rare infection used to be sequestered in the tropical regions of the world but may now be about to spread to more temperate zones via mosquitos. Knowing this, it is best for us to prepare to combat this illness by mitigating exposure to mosquitos and preparing therapies against Dengue. Spray yourself with mosquito repellant, and hope the researchers are doubling down on treatment and prevention!

24/02/2023

The Plasma That Flows in Your Veins

Lately I've been removing iron from my bloodstream through the process of phlebotomy. This has got me thinking about plasma donation and the importance of plasma in our body. We usually are so focused on blood cells, we tend to forget that about half of our blood is actually plasma. We need this plasma to maintain our blood pressure and carry nutrients for our body. So… Here's some spooky food for thought: Is the vampire after our blood, or maybe just after our plasma? (Should I make a new horror film called Plasma Vampires!?)

27/01/2023

In a World of Illness, Work to Stay Healthy

Medicine touches our lives in so many ways. As many as one in five people—some sources claim as many as one in two—will get some form of cancer in their lifetime. Many have diabetes from birth, and adult-onset diabetes is especially common in America, thanks to strong genetic links with cholesterol or high blood pressure. According to the CDC, over 10% of the US population had diabetes as of 2020! As we are still in the new year of 2023, and soon Valentine's day is approaching, I encourage everyone to keep themselves healthy with good food and exercise. And for those over 40, like myself, get that annual check-up to make sure all systems are good to go!

06/01/2023

Wait Times Are Out of Control—But The Warnings Were Clear

You've seen the headlines: Up to three months just to book an appointment with a specialist. Did anyone see this coming? Well, your trusty advisor Future Doc House did. In fact, way back in 2018, I wrote a book about this called
Is There a Doctor Aboard? - An Urgent Call for Change in Medical Education and Government Policy. Check out on Kindle, or drop me a note and I'll give you a free copy—and I won't even make you wait three months for it!