Anne Ross Library Blog

Why do Doctors Get Involved in Leadership?

2012-01-25T09:49:00.000-04:00

Why do Doctors Get Involved in Leadership?

Toby Hillman reflects on this question in his recent post to the BMJ Group Blog. As medical students and future physicians, you will each have to answer this question for yourselves.

"It is a useful exercise to take a step out of your comfort zone, and really examine the driving force behind your attitudes, and actions. It is not something that we as clinicians are often comfortable doing ..."

I invite you to click on the link and read the full posting.

What it means to care for your patient!

2012-01-11T08:49:00.001-04:00

Third year UMHS-SK medical student, Kristin Riggs, puts a little heart back into the practice of medicine. "For Jose" is a moving, personal narrative published this month in "Family Medicine" Journal ~ [Vol.44,No.1 Jan 2012] . Ms. Riggs will no doubt have many more similar patient encounters as she embarks on her chosen career as a family physician, but this one with Jose, she has generously shared with all of us.

"In just a split second, his eyes told me more than any doctor or procedure had told me that day; he was scared, he was alone, and there was nothing he could do about it."

Thanks Kristin for holding Jose's hand!
Please take a few minutes to read this precious experience! Click on the link to the TOC's for the latest issue [January 2012], and scroll down to the article.

Irreverent Charting

2011-12-08T12:18:00.011-04:00

Some humorous medical acronyms and abbreviations to add to your repertoire, impress your relatives, wow your friends, and fool your enemies! But what will it do for your patients?

Gathered by MediLexicon from actual hospital notes. Do you have some to add to their list?

Amazing Medical Animation

2011-12-08T11:50:00.004-04:00

Ghost Productions built this medical animation to showcase their capabilites at the 2009 Association of Orthopedic Surgeons conference in Las Vegas.

Heal - Animated Trauma from Ghost Productions on Vimeo.

They created a character animation, broke nearly every bone in his body, and then surgically repaired him in under 3 minutes. Amazing!

Congratulations on the Completion of Another Sucessful Semester!

2011-12-07T12:23:00.009-04:00

On behalf of all of us here in the Library, it has been a pleasure having you with us and serving your information needs over this past semester.
Have a wonderful relaxing semester break everyone & return refreshed and ready to tackle the next chapter!

Please be diligent about personally returning all borrowed materials to the library before you leave island ~ your cooperation is greatly appreciated!

Of course donations to the library of any used books you no longer need, or can't fit in your suitcase, will gladly be given a new home!

For those students transitioning on, we hope to hear good news of your future successes as you continue to travel the road ahead.

All the best from the Library Ladies!

A Panel of Students Comment on 'The Textbook'

2011-11-29T10:44:00.012-04:00

Recently in London, a UK Publishers Association in partnership with the University of Greewich, held a one day conference entitled ‘Students at the Heart of the System: How to fulfill their learning needs?’.

A panel of students was afforded the opportunity to register their take on the academic 'textbook'. Note some comments and expectations voiced by the Student Forum:

"Too much information – students are often overwhelmed by the amount of information, across a variety of formats... Although access to information is important, the critical skills to analyse and filter are greatly in demand."

"There is an overwhelming need for information analysis skills."

"Most students recognised that a mixture of formats is necessary or even desirable."

"Students would love, shorter chapters, chapter summaries, key learning points, revision aids etc."

"Because of the cost of their education, students expect their learning resources to be made available by their institutions/ libraries – and think most of them should be free. They should also be available in any format they can."

Click on the post title to read the report published November 21, 2011 in the "Information Today: Europe Blog"
.

Health Information-Seeking Behaviour on the Internet

2011-11-28T10:38:00.009-04:00

The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control has published a literature review providing an overview of online health information-seeking behaviour among European adults from the perspective of both the health consumer and the health professional.
Note some highlights from the report:

"..the wealth of information available [on the Internet] means that ‘healthcare professionals are increasingly finding that they have more information available than they can handle with confidence in their busy time schedules’ and ‘the hardest task now is to actually locate the information required from the flood of information received’. The literature also highlights the difficulty of identifying and filtering the most useful, accurate and credible sources while searching online for health information."

"In a study in the British Medical Journal, researchers also found that, out of 26 medical situations investigated 'Google searches found the correct diagnoses in 15 of the cases’", calling for caution if using Google (or any other general internet search engine) to search for a diagnosis.

Click on the post title for access to the 12 page PDF: "Literature review on health information-seeking behaviour on the web: a health consumer and health professional perspective" ~ ECDC Technical reports(Oct 2011).

Battling Bad Science with Ben Goldacre

2011-11-08T14:13:00.007-04:00

"Every day there are news reports of new health advice, but how can you know if they're right?"

Ben Goldacre: Battling bad science | Video on TED.com
Ben Goldacre writes "Bad Science" ~ "unpicking dodgy scientific claims and showing us how medical evidence can be distorted".
Enjoy his latest video critique from TED.com [14 minutes].

The Bottom-Up Impact of Medical Apps

2011-11-07T11:28:00.007-04:00

While federal incentive dollars are trying to work to encourage hospitals and other health care organizations to use electronic health record systems (EHRs), without much prompting, healthcare providers are showing themselves eager adopters of medical "apps". A recent survey of 4,000 physicians in the US found that nearly 80 percent use smartphones, while among the general population only 28 percent use smartphones. Another report estimates that by 2012 about half of physicians who have smartphones will use them in their work for administrative functions, research, and patient care.

"Nineteen percent of physicians use a tablet personal computer in their work, while 69 percent said they are likely to do so in the next few years. Only 5 percent of the U.S. population owns a tablet."

Click on the post title to read the full Quality Matters newsletter article from The Commonwealth Fund.

Turning the Pages of Medical History

2011-10-28T15:26:00.007-04:00

"Among the most beautiful and sought after objects of antiquity are the books and manuscripts created hundreds of years ago, and carefully preserved in libraries."

For those of us unable, or unwilling to wait to travel to the British Library or the National Library of Medicine; a handful of exquisite classics from the historical biomedical literature may now be explored virtually!

Click on the post title to begin your journey by scrolling through The Edwin Smith Papyrus,

"the world’s oldest surviving surgical text,..written in Egyptian hieratic script around the 17th century BCE, but probably based on material from a thousand years earlier. The papyrus is a textbook on trauma surgery, and describes anatomical observations and the examination, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of numerous injuries in exquisite detail."

New Rules for Retaking the USMLE

2011-10-17T09:22:00.002-04:00

PLEASE NOTE: The USMLE program have made adjustments to their rules regarding the retaking of the USMLE. The following is a quick overview of the changes that will go into effect on January 1, 2012.

"Starting January 1, 2012, examinees will be limited in the amount of times they can retake the USMLE within a calendar year. The following rules will apply to applications submitted before this date.

Examinees will be limited to:
4 attempts within a 12 month period for USMLE Step 1, 2 CK and 3.
3 attempts within a 12 month period for Step 2 CS.

For applications submitted on or after January 1, 2012, examinees will be limited to:
3 attempts within a 12 month period.
A 4th attempt must be at least 12 months after the first attempt and at least 6 months after the most recent attempt.

Examinees should take into consideration that their eligibility periods may be adjusted as necessary to fulfill these rules."

[extracted from AMSA's Test Prep Corner]

2011 Caribbean HIV Conference

2011-10-05T09:18:00.005-04:00

The 2011 Caribbean HIV Conference: Strengthening Evidence To Achieve Sustainable Action, Bahamas, November 18-21, 2011

The conference goal is to sharpen the focus on HIV in the Caribbean, the region with the world's second highest adult HIV prevalence. In 2008, approximately 240,000 people in the region were living with HIV, 20,000 new infections occurred, and 12,000 deaths resulted from AIDS-related illnesses (UNAIDS).

Click on post title to link to the conference website.

Information Search Assist: Drop In Q&A Session

2011-10-04T14:14:00.004-04:00

The Enduring Aura of the Stethoscope

2011-09-29T17:02:00.010-04:00

Christopher Snowbeck for Pioneer Press recently authored an interesting article called "Vital signs strong for 3M's stethoscope business". [09/23/2011]
The article gathers some interesting observations regarding this iconic diagnostic tool:

"If you ask anybody walking down the street - 'What is the one piece of equipment that identifies someone as a physician?' - easily 90 percent will say it's the stethoscope."

Yet "Cardiac auscultation - the technical term for using a stethoscope to hear heart sounds and make diagnoses - is 'a skill in decline' lamented heart experts writing last year in the British Journal of Cardiology."

"I would say there's definitely been a reduction in the amount of training for auscultation," said Dr. Robert Wilson, a cardiologist at the University of Minnesota. "But at the same time, it's also probably less important. We have all these other tests now."

However it seems the manufacturers of stethoscopes are not about to go away quietly, but point to their newer electronic stethoscopes, and a long line of other innovations designed to make the classic doctor's tool more functional than ever.
Click on post title then search website to retrieve full article .

Physician Supply & Demand Projections

2011-08-17T10:51:00.005-04:00

Some interesting statistical projections for the next ten years came out during a recent panel discussion held at the annual conference in Chicago of the Association of Staff Physician Recruiters. Here are a few highlights:

"By 2020, there is expected to be a shortage of 91,500 physicians — 45,400 primary care and 46,100 subspecialists — in the United States..."
"By 2019, the number of physicians reaching retirement age is expected to more than double, compared to 2009."
"Medical school enrollment is projected to increase 40 percent by 2015, compared to 2002, according to AAMC data. More medical schools are expected to open across the country, and growth in non-U.S. based medical schools enrolling U.S. students (such as Caribbean-based institutions) also influence this increase."
"...the number of residency and fellowship slots actually grew nearly 18 percent between 2000 and 2009..."

Read the full news report from the Becker Hospital Review by clicking on the post title.

Enjoy Your Summer Semester Break!

2011-08-09T12:07:00.014-04:00

As another semester draws to a close, the Library Staff would like to say 'good-bye' and 'all the best' to those students who are moving onward and upward! It has been a sincere pleasure serving you all over this past semester, and we look forward to hearing of your continued success!

With the semester end, also comes the time to return all your checked out items to the library and settle your accounts. We very much appreciate your full and prompt cooperation.

Every semester, both students and faculty generously donate materials to the library. Please accept our gratitude and thanks! All donations are very much appreciated!

During the semester break the Library will be CLOSED from Saturday August 20th until Monday August 29. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
We will reopen Monday August 29 until Friday September 2 between the hours of 8am~6pm, and CLOSED Saturday & Sunday ~ Sept 3 & 4. Normal library hours will resume Monday September 5th.

Pathology Professor Generously Donates to the University's Library

2011-08-09T10:42:00.010-04:00

The Anne Ross Library wishes to sincerely thank Dr. Robert Fogel , Chair of Pathology, for the generous donation of more than 60 medical reference books. You will notice as you come into the library, we have relocated the Reference Collection to the shelves next to the 'Course Notes' in order to accommodate this valuable donation. The anatomical models have moved into the old reference shelves.
From all of us at the Library, we wish to say,
"Enjoy your retirement Dr. Fogel!"
You will be sincerely missed by all on campus!

Lunch & Learn: Sickle Cell Disease

2011-07-29T11:07:00.008-04:00

All students and faculty are invited to join us for this special "Lunch & Learn" event! Our guest speaker is a renowned Hematologist and expert on Sickle Cell Disease.
Dr. Adebayo Olujohungbe, whose current work is in cancer research, has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in the field of Hematology, a book on Sickle Cell Disease, as well as research articles on Multiple Myeloma.

Bring your lunch, learn and ask questions about the pathophysiology and manifestations of this disease.

See you all Wednesday August 3 at 12:00 (NOON)
in the Auditorium!

Keeping Pace with DynaMed

2011-07-28T10:09:00.006-04:00

Did you know that DynaMed has recorded nine "Practice-Changing Updates" already this morning? Yesterday, DynaMed posted 21 updates!
Never before has the saying "If you stand still you will be left behind" been more true than in the world of 21st century medicine.
How can you keep pace and truely provide current, best, evidence-based practice?
One method is to take advantage of DynaMed's "Recent Updates" page (notice the second link on left in the top navigation bar), which provides a view of the most recent articles added to DynaMed summaries.

◦DynaMed is updated daily through a 7-step evidence-based method for systematic literature surveillance so clinicians can find the best available evidence at the point of care. DynaMed topics provide synthesized summaries integrating new evidence with existing evidence to directly answer most clinical questions in a single source.

Check out DynaMed's new interface while you are there.
If you need more help accessing DynaMed come and see us in the Library for your EBSCO login and/or your mobile access code.

The Library Addition is now OPEN!

2011-07-19T15:52:00.015-04:00

The new study room addition to the Anne Ross Library is now open to students with 32 private study carrels!
Your cooperation is needed to maintain this space, along with the rest of the library, as a SUPER QUIET & FOOD FREE ZONE! We are also making a special request that you all take great care to not allow the furniture to get wet!

In addition, take note that any items left unattended are left at your own risk , and may be moved if the carrel is wanted by another student!

The power bars need to remain 'ON' at all times.
The hours for the Library Annex are the same as for the rest of the library:
Mon~Fri: 7:00am~10:00pm Sat/Sun: 9:00am~9:00pm

The Library Staff extends its thanks to President Warren Ross for approving this welcome addition to campus & to Dan Vitalo and the Facilities Crew for a job well done!

Try the "Trust It or Trash It" Tool

2011-07-08T12:32:00.009-04:00

Check out this great new tool for quickly evaluating the quality of health information presented on a website, booklet, handout, etc. Put on your critical thinking caps and let the tool guide you painlessly through the process.

Health professionals and families alike, can use the tool to judge the quality of currently available educational materials and to assist in the creation of new quality educational materials. The aim of the lead developer of this toolbox, the Genetic Alliance, was to provide assistance in determining information quality and completeness involving genetic conditions. Nonetheless, the principles are valid for all health and medicine topics.

Cochrane Journal Club: Join the Discussion!

2011-06-30T10:47:00.008-04:00

Have you been looking to join a journal club? Do you want to do more for your journal club but are restrained by time? I invite you to consider what the Cochrane Journal Club offers to members:

"The Cochrane Journal Club is a free, monthly publication that introduces a recent Cochrane review, together with relevant background information, a podcast explaining the key points of the review, discussion questions to help you to explore the review methods and findings in more detail, and downloadable PowerPoint slides containing key figures and tables. You can even contact the review authors with your questions."

The latest issue #21 discusses "Selenium for preventing cancer".

Pillbox: A Useful Pill Identification Tool

2011-06-17T12:13:00.009-04:00

The National Library of Medicine (NLM), in partnership with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is in the process of developing a website that will provide a visual reference system to aid identification of unknown pharmaceuticals. Currently in beta, it is envisioned that this resource will provide valuable assistance to emergency physicians, first responders, health care providers, poison control center staff, as well as concerned citizens. Users are able to search by imprint, shape, colour, size and scoring of medications in tablet or capsule form.

What is a library doing in a hospital?

2011-06-15T10:55:00.008-04:00

Pam Kress-Dunn, medical librarian at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque,Iowa, answers that question beautifully! In this latest installment article published online in the magazine 'Pulse', the reader is afforded an authentic glympse into the daily challenges of the hospital librarian, that largely stealth pillar and support of evidence-based medical practice.

'Pulse: Voices from the heart of medicine' delivers compelling, powerful first-person stories about health care written by patients and doctors, caregivers and nurses, mental health professionals and students. Real-life health care is captured in a way that is honest, intimate and unique; opening a window into the world of medicine. For more 'voices' from the 'heart of medicine' tune in weekly to Pulse Magazine .

The Development of DSM-5 Continues

2011-06-02T10:18:00.006-04:00

DSM-5: The Future of Psychiatric Diagnosis

"Publication of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in May 2013 [by the American Psychiatric Association (APA)] will mark one the most anticipated events in the mental health field. As part of the development process, the preliminary draft revisions to the current diagnostic criteria for psychiatric diagnoses are now available for public review ."

Follow the developments and participate by submitting your feedback.

"At this time, we are asking visitors to review and comment on the proposed DSM-5 organizational structure and criteria changes. Please note that the current commenting period will end on June 15, 2011."

Click on the post title to access the APA website and read about all the proposed changes.
To peruse the list of disorder-specific changes go to :
Recent Updates to Proposed Revisions for DSM-5.

United States Experiencing a Growing Shortage of Physicians

2011-06-02T09:25:00.007-04:00

Dr. Cecil B. Wilson, AMA President, speaking recently to the Society of Hospital Medicine:
"Right now, the AMA estimates that there will be a shortage of at least 125,000 physicians by 2025. The problem is not just the number of the physicians but who they are and where they practice. Some of the greatest physician shortages are in rural areas and in minority communities. Recruiting minority physicians has been a challenge, he said, in part because of the high cost of medical school, but also because there are few minority role models in the medical community."
Click on the post title for the news report by Mary Ellen Schneider on Elevier Global Medical News.

How do I Access 'The Bates' Visual Guide to Physical Examination' Videos?

2011-05-13T13:48:00.007-04:00

A step-by-step 'how to' guide to assist you in accessing the Bate's 18 vol. video series on your personal computers (while on campus) , is now available in the Library / LRC. Please note that this resource is only for the use of UMHS / IUON students and faculty and is not accessible off campus.

Global Status Report on Alcohol & Health 2011

2011-05-10T17:10:00.008-04:00

The Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health 2011, published by the World Health Organization, presents a comprehensive perspective on the global, regional and country consumption of alcohol. It also portrays patterns of drinking, their health consequences, as well as policy responses in the various countries. The goal of the WHO is to assist countries in their efforts to reduce the harmful use of alcohol, and its health and social consequences. Click for the statistics on individual countries including St. Kitts & Nevis.

Blame the Nurse ! ~ A Time-Honored Tradition ?

2011-05-09T10:36:00.011-04:00

A recent New York Times opinion article by oncology nurse Theresa Brown presents a disturbing picture! It seems that among our trusted and honored health-care profesionals, bullying is alive and well! A physician is quoted in the article to say ,“It’s a time-honored tradition — blame the nurse whenever anything goes wrong.”
The article also points to some of the more subtle manifestations of bullying:

"...the most damaging bullying is not flagrant and does not fit the stereotype ... It is passive, like not answering pages or phone calls, and tends toward the subtle: condescension rather than outright abuse, and aggressive or sarcastic remarks rather than straightforward insults."

How pervasive is bullying in the healthcare setting?

"...because doctors are at the top of the food chain, the bad behavior of even a few of them can set a corrosive tone for the whole organization. Nurses in turn bully other nurses, attending physicians bully doctors-in-training, and experienced nurses sometimes bully the newest doctors."

What is the cost, besides the ongoing toll from workplace stress?

The author contends that "The result, not surprisingly, is a rise in avoidable medical errors, the cause of perhaps 200,000 deaths a year."

Bullying, needs to be pulled off life-support, and fast!
Click on the post title to read the full article.

Why Not Just Google for Evidence-Based Practice?

2011-05-02T12:31:00.008-04:00

A recent study evaluated the information literacy skills of first-year dental students and looked to identify any significant associations between search engine use and database preferences.

Conclusion: The study confirmed that information literacy was lacking and that "preference for the use of Google was significantly associated with students who were unable to find evidence-based citations."

"Few issues in higher education are as fundamental as the ability to search for, evaluate, and synthesize information. The need to develop information literacy, the process of finding, retrieving, organizing, and evaluating the ever-expanding collection of online information, has precipitated the need for training in skill-based competencies in higher education, as well as medical and dental education."

Recommendation: Integrate evidence-based learning modules early in the curriculum to help students filter and establish the quality of online information.

Click post title for full text of the research article: "Why not just Google it? An assessment of information literacy skills in a biomedical science curriculum." (April 25, 2011), Kingsley K [et al], BMC Medical Education 2011, 11:17doi:10.1186/1472-6920-11-17.

Would they do it all again?

2011-04-28T13:28:00.006-04:00

Medscape has released the results of the first annual
"Physician Compensation Report 2011".
The survey conducted between February 2 and March 30, 2011, fielded 455,000 physicians from 22 specialties who are practising medicine in the United States. The results reflect the opinions of the 15,794 physicans who responded.
An interesting statistic for medical students to note came in response to the question "Would they do it all again?". Almost 70% answered in the affirmative! Click the links to Medscape to access the full report [ registration with the site is required but there is no charge ].

Unwind, detangle, and defrag!

2011-04-19T08:56:00.009-04:00

Have a GREAT vacation everybody!...and come back recharged and ready to face a fresh new semester!

...but first PLEASE remember to return all library materials & pay all outstanding fines before you leave island!

The Library Team thanks you for your cooperation!

Semester Break Hours:
The library will still be open most weekdays from 8:00am~4:00pm.
We will be closed on the weekends and holidays:
Easter Monday, April 25 & Labour Day Monday, May 2
Normal opening hours will resume Monday May 9th.

Cochrane has Joined the Blogosphere

2011-03-15T10:09:00.006-04:00

The Cochrane Collaboration has launched an offical blog to more efficiently and effectively disseminate news, announcements, events and other information involving The Cochrane Centre. Check out the short video and learn more about the new blog. [Access the Cochrane Library via VHL.]

Becker's Hosptial Review Names the 50 Best Hospitals in America

2011-02-25T09:05:00.004-04:00

Becker's Hospital Review has released it's list of what it has determined to be the top 50 hospitals in America. The list covers

"a wide spectrum from well-known academic medical centers to less widely recognized community hospitals. Each of these organizations has put patients' needs first, driven a variety of innovations and helped to set the bar for high-quality care. Each hospital has an impressive list of achievements and a story to tell."

Click on the post title to access the full article by Leigh Page called "50 Best Hospitals in America" (Feb 24, 2011).

Risking the Wrath of Google

2011-02-15T09:35:00.010-04:00

'White-hat'? 'Black-hat'? Seems almost 'cloak and dagger', but what does it all mean?
The New York Times has published some very interesting and enlightening information about the world of internet search and the games people play to get to the top ~ the top spot on your Google search generic list of hits that is! The article is called "The Dirty Little Secrets of Search".

"Despite the cowboy outlaw connotations, black-hat services are not illegal, but trafficking in them risks the wrath of Google. The company draws a pretty thick line between techniques it considers deceptive and “white hat” approaches, which are offered by hundreds of consulting firms and are legitimate ways to increase a site’s visibility."

The recent showdown on Google, which is the subject of the article, is described by one interviewee "as the most ambitious attempt to game Google’s search results that he has ever seen". Click on the post title to read this article from The New York Times.

Mobile Medical Apps: Reviews and Commentaries

2011-01-24T17:33:00.011-04:00

Check out this review article on ~
"The Top 20 Free iPhone Medical Apps for Healthcare Professionals" .

In fact, check out this whole website iMedicalApps.com ! It is great for keeping up on the latest mobile apps in medicine and healthcare.
What about their latest article ~
"The Top 15 Free Android Medical Apps for Healthcare Professionals" !

Or perhaps you have wondered about the role the iPad could play in the push for the adoption of electronic health records?
Check out iPad EHR.

AHRQ Health Care Innovations Exchange has a Redesigned Web Site

2011-01-14T08:43:00.004-04:00

The AHRQ’s Health Care Innovations Exchange Web Site has been relaunched today. "The redesigned site features streamlined navigation, enhanced browsing and filtering, and multimedia and social media elements to facilitate finding and sharing innovative health care solutions and tools." The redesigned makes the main content areas more visible and accessible, includes a browse-by-subject feature, rotating issue photos and videos, as well as social media links.

Nurses Recognized for their Honesty and Ethical Behaviour

2010-12-09T13:33:00.007-04:00

"Nurses continue to outrank other professions in Gallup's annual Honesty and Ethics survey. Eighty-one percent of Americans say nurses have "very high" or "high" honesty and ethical standards, a significantly greater percentage than for the next-highest-rated professions, military officers and pharmacists."

Nurses have topped the list for eleven years straight! Medical Doctors ranked 6th place this year with sixty-six percent.
Read the latest Gallup survey of professional honesty and ethical standards by clicking on the post title.

Defining Roles: Future Directions for Physicians and Nurses

2010-11-21T11:10:00.012-04:00

The New York Times weighs in on the recent Institute of Medicine's landmark report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.” [ Doctor and Patient: Nurses’ Role in the Future of Health Care, Pauline Chen, M.D., November 18, 2010. Click title for NYT article.]

"In all the discussions about adjusting the number of medical schools and training slots, rearranging physician payment schedules and reorganizing practice models, one group of providers has been conspicuously missing. The nurses."
"The expert panel is scheduled to convene again at the end of this month, this time to discuss implementing their recommendations. They will have their work cut out for them. Critics like the American Medical Association ...warns that “with a shortage of both nurses and physicians, increasing the responsibility of nurses is not the answer to the physician shortage.” "

The Times article notes...
“When the ship seems to be going down, you’ve got to get all hands on deck.”

World Cholera Facts & Statistics

2010-11-21T09:01:00.005-04:00

The border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti is closed due to the fear the Cholera will spread. Hurricane Tomas performed a spectaculor 90 degree turn north and blew across, complicating matters even further.
The situation is Haiti is dire indeed!
For a global perspective on cholera, a potentially fatal infectious disease, one of the best sources is the GIDEON online database ($). I have included on this blog post the link to the freely accessible GIDEON blog and a recent posting on the global statistics for this disease.

Disease Facts (GIDEON):

Agent: BACTERIUM. Vibrio cholerae.
A facultative gram-negative bacillus.
Reservoir: Human
Vector: None
Vehicle: Water Fecal-oral Seafood (oyster, ceviche) Vegetables Fly
Incubation Period: 1d - 5d (range 9h - 6d)

UPDATE [Caribbean360, November 30, 2010]:
PAHO urges countries to ramp up Cholera readiness.

Exam Master: Medicine

2010-11-16T16:14:00.006-04:00

The Exam Master: Medicine practice review program is now ready to access once again for all of our medical students.
New users click on the link 'First Time Registration' and follow the instructions. If you had your registration set up before (while at UMHS) you can still use that login. This is a web-based program and therefore accessible 24/7, where ever you have an internet connection.
Thank you all for your patience!

AMA Guides Medical Students & Physicians in Their Use of Social Media

2010-11-15T10:21:00.005-04:00

The American Medical Association (AMA) has adopted a new offical policy to guide medical students and practicing physicians in the appropriate use of the various social media tools. This policy has arisen from the need to ensure the accuracy of information, maintain appropriate boundaries, as well as safeguard personal information and confidentiality in all online communications.

"Millions of Americans use social networks and blogs to communicate, but when those users are physicians, challenges to the patient-physician relationship can arise. New policy adopted today by the American Medical Association (AMA) aims at helping physicians to maintain a positive online presence and preserve the integrity of the patient-physician relationship." [8/11/2010]

UN Releases the Latest Human Development Report

2010-11-04T16:12:00.007-04:00

UNDP’s 20th anniversary Human Development Report entitled “The Real Wealth of Nations: Pathways to Human Development” launched today [November 4, 2010] at the United Nations.

"The past 20 years have seen substantial progress in many aspects of human development. Most people today are healthier, live longer, are more educated and have more access to goods and services. Even in countries facing adverse economic conditions, people’s health and education have greatly improved."

Click here for a summary of the report.

DynaMed: for When and Where You Need to Know

2010-10-25T09:27:00.009-04:00

Translational medicine just got a shot in the arm with DynaMed teaming up with McMaster University (Health Information Research Unit), along with a body of physicians from around the world, to identify and synthesize practice-changing evidence by monitoring high-quality research across medical disciplines. To faciltiate the rapid application of research, DynaMed synthesizes the new evidence, summarizes it into a digestable format, and rates the relevance for decision support.

"The sheer volume of the new information being published makes it impossible for a practicing physician to read every article or to identify which articles contain research that needs to be put into practice. Having a mechanism to synthesize the new medical evidence into a useable format and rate the relevance is becoming more and more essential. The agreement between McMaster University and DynaMed provides physicians with the information they need to know—the best available evidence—when and where they need it most—at the point of care."

Need help accessing DynaMed? Come and see us in the Library for your EBSCO login and/or your mobile access code.

'Leman's Lexicon' : Defining the Latest Buzz in Science and Medicine

2010-10-24T09:41:00.009-04:00

Trying to keep a handle on all the latest in science and medicine is a challenge, to say the least! And what about all those newly coined words that your peers and collegues seem to be regularily adding to their vocabulary, while you are starting to doubt your ability to speak english!
Have no fear, the buzz word buster is here!
Now we have this great new online dictionary to address this problem. Check out 'Leman's Lexicon' and discover not only what the latest buzz is, but also just what those new buzzwords [such as pharmacogenomics, epigenetics, or translational medicine] actually mean. If you haven't walked on the moon, understanding some of these words and concepts might still give you the edge for your next cocktail party chatter.

Oh! and while you are at the site, check out the rest of ResearchRaven for a great compilation of current information about all the medical and scientific research that is happening, conferences coming up, calls-for-papers, etc. Brought to you as a public service by the Center for Health Research and Quality, Samaritan Health Services in Oregon.

New Drug Formulary for the Eastern Caribbean

2010-10-05T15:52:00.007-04:00

The 7th OECS Medicine Formulary is now available on the Reference shelf of the Anne Ross Library. The formulary is a compilation of medicines used in the public sector of the nine OECS Member countries. An important reference guide to drug information on the indications, side effects and contraindications of medicines in current use in St. Kitts and the other Caribbean member countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Now in it's 7th edition for 2009 -2012, this pocket-size handbook lists over 500 essential medicines, including 127 new medicines.

An Artificial Pancreas? Considering the Looming Burden of Diabetes ~ This could be Huge!

2010-10-03T08:20:00.007-04:00

Research pharmacy news out of the UK describes an artificial pancreas for diabetics being developed by Prof Joan Taylor of De Montfort University, Leicester.
This 'smart' polymer device works to mimick the pancreas' role in delivering insulin as and when it is needed by the body.

"The implant is still under development and several years from being available to people with diabetes. However it promises to be an alternative to daily insulin injections and insulin pumps. Its design is aimed at reducing the life-threatening complications associated with diabetes."

In consideration of the growing burden Diabetes is threatening to impose on our healthcare systems, I had to share this exciting bit of news with the readers of this blog!

Progressing from Social Media to 'Social Medicine'

2010-10-03T07:44:00.008-04:00

Listen to the podcast from CBC Radio and then voice your opinion on this latest phenomenon called 'social medicine'.
What is 'social medicine'?

"That's when health professionals blog and tweet and text, not only to each other -- but to their patients. Some even go as far as making friends on Facebook ..."

CBC Radio program "White Coat, Black Art" presents the pros & cons.

Can Burnout be Blamed for Unprofessionalism Among Medical Students?

2010-09-17T15:15:00.007-04:00

JAMA this week released the findings of a study which looked at the toll burnout is taking among medical students.
The article is titled the "Relationship Between Burnout and Professional Conduct and Attitudes Among US Medical Students".
Hypothesis: "...professional conduct, attitudes regarding appropriate relations with industry, and attitudes regarding physicians' responsibility to society are influenced more by medical students' degree of professional distress than personal distress."
Conclusion: "Burnout was associated with self-reported unprofessional conduct and less altruistic professional values among medical students at 7 US schools."
To read more click on the title to take you to JAMA's website.
JAMA. 2010;304(11):1173-1180. doi:10.1001/jama.2010.1318

Slightly Funnier Than Placebo!

2010-09-13T14:24:00.011-04:00

Check out ZDoggMD's commentary on "physical assessment" skills,
coupled with his weight in on Caribbean Medical Schools!

Not to be taken too seriously please as Dr. Z strives to "enlighten and entertain",
but only claims to be "clinically proven slightly funnier than placebo"!

What Really Is the Best Way to Study?

2010-09-09T14:54:00.004-04:00

A recent New York Times article (by Benedict Carey, Sept 6, 2010) makes a very interesting read as it challenges many of our commonly held beliefs regarding the best way to study!
Now as we embark on another new semester, there is no better time to get on track with a new study plan. Some points would be relatively painless to adopt so take a look see ...

Academic Medicine Publishes it's 10 Year "Snapshot" of Medical Education

2010-09-09T08:27:00.006-04:00

Providing an excellent overview of the progress in medical education over the last ten years, Academic Medicine has just published this report as a freely accessible supplement to their September issue.

"This supplement provides details about curriculum management, the support for the educational program, and the many approaches to pedagogy and assessment that medical schools are employing."
"These reports provide important benchmarks and reveal a range of ideas for faculty and students to consider as they evaluate their own program. The reports provide similar opportunities for new schools that seek to build new and innovative programs."

Academic Medicine. 85(9):S1-S648, September 2010.

New Consumer Health Care Website

2010-07-04T12:43:00.003-04:00

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new on-line tool aimed to help consumers take control of their own health care by connecting them to new information and resources that will help them access quality, affordable health care coverage. The government is billing this new website, HealthCare.gov, as

"the first to provide consumers with both public and private health coverage options tailored specifically for their needs in a single, easy-to-use tool."

Go to HealthCare.gov or click on the blog title to read the press release.

HealthKnowledge Aids Teaching & Learning in Public Health

2010-06-28T08:54:00.008-04:00

HealthKnowledge is a new online learning resource of value to anyone studying, teaching or working in the community / public health and social care fields. The resource allows you to access a broad range of learning materials for teaching or personal use, with the aim of expanding public health knowledge.

The resource includes a section on Finding and Appraising the Evidence which takes you through the process of how to find the evidence and then how to assess the validity and reliability of the published research in order to provide effective and efficient healthcare.
Another useful section teaches you Research Methods , focusing on what is appropriate to the practice of public health; including epidemiology, statistical methods, qualitative research methods, etc.
The Teaching module cover a variety of different subjects, including undergraduate training and a range of ‘soft skills’ required for an holistic education, such as leadership and management, and working collaboratively.
by the Public Health Action Support Team (PHAST): UK 2010.

Flashcard Feature Added to Exam Master

2010-06-25T08:38:00.001-04:00

A new flashcard feature has been added to the Exam Master! Once you log in note the buttons in the left hand sidebar. You can create an unlimited number of individual flashcards, file them in groups, edit them, and even convert any of your study notes into a flashcard. Click on the title to start.
If this is the first time you are using Exam Master you have to register [click on the 'First Time Registration' link, bottom left] using your personal email account.
While you are on the site try out the new 'Practice Exams' as well, and be more prepared for your upcoming NBME shelf exams and the USMLE Step 1!

What is Exam Master? ~ It is an internet-based, advanced preparation study aid and exam practice program designed to help prepare you to sit the USMLE Step 1. UMHS has purchase access for all our students and faculty to utilize ~ so make the most of it!
Permanent links to this site can also be found in the sidebar of this Library Blog, on the Library Home page , the Medical Toolkit, and the Med Four Toolkit!

Rating the Social Mission of Medical Schools

2010-06-24T10:29:00.001-04:00

While "the basic purpose of medical schools is to educate physicians to care for the national population. Fulfilling this goal requires an adequate number of primary care physicians, adequate distribution of physicians to underserved areas, and a sufficient number of minority physicians in the workforce."
In a new study released in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the researchers took a fresh look at the ranking of American medical schools according to these three criteria, labelling this new metric the 'social mission score'.
They summarized their conclusions in this way: "Medical schools vary substantially in their contribution to the social mission of medical education. School rankings based on the social mission score differ from those that use research funding and subjective assessments of school reputation. These findings suggest that initiatives at the medical school level could increase the proportion of physicians who practice primary care, work in underserved areas, and are underrepresented minorities."

"A diverse, equitably distributed physician workforce with a strong primary care base is essential to achieve quality health care that is accessible and affordable, regardless of the nature of any future health care reform."

The full text article is accessible through your EBSCO login or click on the title.
Online access includes a Facebook discussion as well as PowerPoint slides for teaching.

(2010). The Social Mission of Medical Education: Ranking the Schools. Annals of Internal Medicine, 152(12), 804-811. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.

Learning the Basic Principles of Pharmacology with EDGT

2010-06-22T09:46:00.010-04:00

Attention IUON Nursing Pharmacology students ~ please remember the online supplementary tutorials that we subscribe to on your behalf from EDGT [Educational Global Technologies Inc.]. The Basic Principles of Pharmacology is on online tutorial designed to help you learn the basic concepts and principles related to the field of pharmacology including the safe administration of medications.This resource is divided into five modules:
Module 1: Introductory Concepts
Module 2: Drug Facts
Module 3: Principles of Drug Action
Module 4: Responses to Drugs
Module 5: Test Bank
[Ask at Library Desk for login.]

MedEdPORTAL is blossoming into a Suite of Portals!

2010-06-08T17:07:00.002-04:00

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has embarked on a plan to significantly expand the scope of the MedEdPORTAL, by establishing a new and exciting initiative called the Continuum of Learning Initiative (CLI). The CLI aims to unite multiple databases into a single medical education portal "to enhance competence along the health education continuum"; made possible by new content management technologies.

"The CLI will link medical education curricula, training innovations, administrative tools, teaching tools, and assessment resources across the entire physician-education continuum (from pre-med to the practicing physician)."

The portals will be launched in phases over the next five years, with each portal serving to expand the knowledge base of "academic medicine through a seamless and interactive system, providing a multi-faceted learning experience." Click to read more about these exciting new developments.

ChemSpider

2010-06-08T15:19:00.000-04:00

ChemSpider aggregates and indexes chemical structures into a special repository allowing you to freely search across platforms, in effect providing a 'meta' chemistry search engine with access to all open source material. Many properties and structure identifiers have been added to each of the entries within the database offering a flexible, user-friendly chemical structure search. Optionally available with a mobile-friendly interface.

The Polio Crusade: PBS

2010-06-04T14:41:00.000-04:00

Part of the "American Experience" series, this PBS documentary film narrates personal accounts of polio survivors; interviews historians, scientists, and researchers; and is based in part on David Oshinsky's award-winning book Polio in America.

"The story of the polio crusade pays tribute to a time when Americans banded together to conquer a terrible disease. The medical breakthrough saved countless lives and had a pervasive impact on American philanthropy that continues to be felt today."

Generation Me : How Will Today's College Students Impact Health Care?

2010-06-01T15:40:00.002-04:00

A meta-analysis found that narcissism levels among American college students have risen dramatically in recent decades. In 85 samples of students who completed the 40-item forced-choice Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) between 1979 and 2006, the mean narcissism score increased by 30%. The results complement previous findings that other individualistic traits; such as assertiveness, agency, self-esteem, and extraversion, have also been on the rise. Of grave concern to institutions such as our's, who are educating the next generation of nurses and doctors, is what is happening to empathy !

"We found the biggest drop in empathy after the year 2000," said co-author Sara Konrath, a researcher at the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research. "College kids today are about 40 percent lower in empathy than their counterparts of 20 or 30 years ago, as measured by standard tests of this personality trait."

Konrath and her colleagues presented their findings this week in Boston at the annual meeting of the Association for Psychological Science.

ECG Made Simple

2010-05-28T17:45:00.000-04:00

"ECG Made Simple is a comprehensive web-based ECG learning program that teaches the art and science of electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation. It addresses the needs of various groups of learners, from beginners to advanced." The tutorial modules cover all the basic concepts, make extensive use of animations, as well as present practice cases.
Thank you to the development team at the University of Toronto for making this resource available! Registration is required [but free] for instant access to the training modules.

Our EBSCOhost Databases are Mobile!

2010-05-10T08:50:00.010-04:00

Now when you login to our EBSCOhost databases you will notice a new button to access a mobile friendly version of the search interface!
So now you should all be good to go!
You have mobile access to our Library Catalogue, DynaMed and now all the other EBSCO journal databases such as Medline & CINAHL with Full Text!
Check out the Toolkits as well for links to information on mobile 'Apps' for medicine and nursing.

How to Take an Exam: according to Mr. Bean that is!

2010-04-19T09:47:00.012-04:00

Enjoy a little comic relief to help you get through your exams!!
The Library Ladies are rooting for you all to do well
& have a great semester break!
For those of you leaving us this semester we hope all the best for you,
but we are sad to see you go!!
Click on the title if you prefer to watch it on You Tube.

ProQuest Celebrates Libraries

2010-04-12T13:15:00.006-04:00

To celebrate National Library Week, ProQuest® is extending free, open access to many of its popular resources, for the duration of this week ~ April 12 ~ 18, 2010!

Note in particular:

SIRS Issues Researcher ~ Medical Ethics and other social issues.
eLibrary ~ Health & Medical Science resources
eLibrary ~ Nursing resources

We also reccomend that you tour these other interesting databases while you have the opportunity ~ ProQuest® African American Heritage &
ProQuest Historical Newspapers™ !

Transforming Health Care With Knowledge

2010-04-06T10:55:00.009-04:00

"The enemy of disease is knowledge!"
~ Sir Muir Gray, Chief Knowledge Officer, NHS.

In a short video interview, Sir Muir Gray likens knowledge to water by stating that just as 'clean, clear water' is crucial to good health, so today's 'water' is 'clean, clear knowledge'. He maintains that this 'knowledge' is even more important than any drug or technological healthcare innovation.

As a spokesperson for the Map of Medicine, the tool that is tranforming healthcare in the UK and beyond, Sir Gray explains that we are currently in the '3rd health care revolution'. The three key ingredients in this revolution he states are:

1) knowledge
2) the internet
3) patients

This Web 3.0 meets the '6S model' of evidence-based medical practice; is transcending the old 'care plan/ medical record' to facilitate a new, more satisfactory level of interdisciplinary cooperation and patient-physician collaboration for improved health outcomes!
Click on the post title to access the video clip of this interview.

The Infectious Disease ~ Cancer Connection: Partnering with Uganda

2010-04-05T13:01:00.010-04:00

The World Health Organization estimates that chronic infectious diseases cause more than 20 percent of all cancers in the world, including liver, cervical and gastric malignancies. Given that infection-related cancers are more frequent and often more severe in people infected with HIV, in resource-poor Uganda, the HIV epidemic is fueling a 20,000-fold upsurge in Kaposi’s sarcoma in adults and Burkitt’s lymphoma in children! Both are disfiguring cancers with abysmal survival rates due to lack of access to early diagnosis and treatment.

In response, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has recently awarded a $500,000 grant to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to aid in the establishment of the first American cancer clinic and medical-training facility in Africa. The institute is being constructed at Mulago Hospital in Kampala, and on the campus of the Makerere University College of Health Sciences. The grant renews support for the 43 year old Uganda Cancer Institute and it's many proactive efforts to develop and promote novel treatments and cancer prevention efforts in Africa.

"Up to one-quarter of the world’s cancers are attributable to chronic infections,” Hutchinson Center physician-scientist Corey Casper, M.D., M.P.H., scientific co-director of the Uganda Program on Cancer and Infectious Diseases, explained. “Better understanding the link between infectious disease and cancer provides a unique opportunity to reduce cancer-related suffering and death in both resource-rich and resource-poor regions.”

It is the hope of Dr. Casper and Dr. Jackson Orem, Director of the Uganda Cancer Institute, that this partnership

"will benefit the world by identifying new infectious causes of cancer, new ways to prevent infection-associated cancers such as through the development of new vaccines, and new ways to treat such cancers with nontoxic drugs, thus avoiding the need for chemotherapy."

Citation: (2010). Hutchinson to Build First US Cancer Clinic and Training Facility in Africa. Cancer (0008543X), 116(7), 1618-1619. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.

Enhancing Mobility! Go Ahead ~ Try This at Home!

2010-04-04T12:37:00.017-04:00

Now you can browse the holdings of the Anne Ross Library on your mobile device with the added feature of a new mobile-friendly interface!
Library World has added this new interface option to give you the flexibilty of browsing the physical and electronic resources of our library from wherever you happen to be.
To login:
1) Click on the post title.
2) Enter our Library's name ~ AnneRoss Library ~ [no space between Anne and Ross].
3) No password is required so leave it blank!

NOTE: Online materials that have been added to the catalogue include seamless linking to the full text ~ just click on the field 'Electronic Location and Access' in the item record.

Nursing Curriculum Materials for Teaching Safe Patient Handling

2010-03-25T14:18:00.007-04:00

The Safe Patient Handling Training for Schools of Nursing has been released by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
The material includes web-based training in safe patient handling and movement (flash media), as well as a downloadable .pdf booklet.
This resource has been developed in partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and the American Nurses Association (ANA).

Inaugural Issue Published of New Medical Education Journal

2010-03-22T17:11:00.003-04:00

The Canadian Medical Education Journal (CMEJ) is pleased to announce the publication of its inaugural issue.

The CMEJ "is an online, open-access peer-reviewed journal exploring new developments and perspectives in the field of medical education from premedical to postgraduate and continuing medical education. We intend to publish research that focuses on the quantitative and qualitative aspects of prominent issues in the education, training and maintenance of health care professionals. Furthermore, the journal provides a forum for discussion specific to the challenges faced by medical education practitioners in Canada and internationally. Research in areas related to medical education including psychology, psychometrics, sociology, anthropology, linguistics, economics and other sciences is welcome. The target audience includes medical and medical education researchers and scholars, practitioners and professionals, universities and their students."

National Electronic Library for Medicines

2010-03-14T11:42:00.004-04:00

NeLM is the largest medicines information portal for healthcare professionals in the UK National Health Service (NHS).
In operation since 1998 as Druginfozone, this free service is updated daily with a wide range of information; including news, evidence-based reviews on drugs and drug therapy, and health promotion material.
This redeveloped pharmaceutical knowledge-base will provide valuable information for our students here in St. Kitts & Nevis, as they perform their clinicals in the local hospitals and health care facilities.
Also click here to access A to Z NHS Medicine Guides.

Dentistry & Medicine: A Vital Part of a Healthy Life

2010-03-14T08:22:00.011-04:00

Join us Friday March 19
for a Lunch Hour Lecture on Campus: 12:30 pm ~ 1:30 pm

Take the opportunity to hear these distinguished guest speakers:
Dr. Therese Rawlins ~
Dentistry as it relates to medicine and nursing.
Dr. Veron Brookes ~
Oral manifestations of systemic disease.
Dr. Ron Carty ~
The link between oral health and general health.
Dr. Trevor Christmas ~
Common dental problems in children.

View video animation of a Dental Abscess.

Barbados Tightens up the Practice of Medicine

2010-02-23T08:08:00.007-04:00

Yesterday's report in the Brigetown Barbados newpaper, the Daily Nation brought attention to plans for change being proposed by that islands' Ministry of Health. The Government is planning to tighten up the practice of medicine in two respects:
Minister of Health Donville Inniss stated it would soon become mandatory for doctors to continue their medical education to stay on the register and continue practicing medicine.

"Medicine is a very dynamic field and one has to continue to read, research and analyse matters in order to keep abreast..."

In conjunction, "We are going to establish, for the first time, a specialist register which will indicate who qualifies to be registered as a specialist in the medical profession," Inniss stated. Click on the title for the full news report.

What is Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)?

2010-02-15T08:25:00.004-04:00

Evidence-based practice is

"the integration of best research evidence
with clinical experience
and patient values and circumstances."

EBP is like a three legged tripod. Just as a tripod needs all three legs to stand, EBP needs all three components to really succeed!

Thank you Janet Wale from CCNet for sharing this in the Cochrane Collaboration 'Consumer Digest' Vol.556(1), Feb 14, 2010.

From: Straus S, Richardson SR, Glasziou P, Haynes BR. Evidence-Based Medicine. How to practice and teach EBM. 3rd ed. Elsevier Churchill Livingstone. 2005.

Is Health Care Policy-Making Facilitated or Trapped by EBM?

2010-02-14T14:00:00.008-04:00

Has the Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) movement "driven the study of health care policy-making into a conceptual cul-de-sac"?
The goal of EBM has always been to find and implement the best medical research evidence to ensure best patient outcomes. In effect 'bridge the know-do gap'. A smooth unimpeded path for new research knowledge to be translated to patient care and beyond to health care policy, has been the default expectation.
Should this be, or does this have to be a 'cul-de-sac' situation? This has been a growing argument in some circles (no pun intended), and one put forward by an interdisciplinary research group based out of the UK. Studying the science and nature of evidence with a wide-angle lense, this group takes policy studies in general and health care policy-making in particular, beyond simple 'decision science'.

"...we have argued that it is time to problematize the notion of 'evidence' in the heath care policy-making process and to legitimize rather than devalue the place of practical judgement."

Login to the EBSCO database for the full text of this interesting article from the Journal of Health Services Research & Policy (UK) .
Citation: Russell, J., Greenhalgh, T., Byrne, E., & McDonnell, J. (2008). Recognizing rhetoric in health care policy analysis. (pp. 40-46). doi:10.1258/jhsrp.2007.006029.
This all brings to my mind the infamous word's of Inspector Clouseau, "Facts Hercule, nothing matters but the facts..."

Cancer Incidence and Death Rates Declining

2010-02-12T08:28:00.003-04:00

The 2009 Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975-2006 has been released. The American Cancer Society, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) collaborate annually to provide updated information regarding cancer occurrence and trends in the United States.
Highlights from this years report are:

1) overall cancer rates continue to be higher for men than for women.
2) men experienced the greatest declines in incidence (new cases) and mortality (death) rates.
3) For colorectal cancer [the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in both men and women, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States] overall rates are declining but with increasing incidence in men and women under 50 years of age.

Click on the title to access the full report.

AMSA Skill Builder Suture Clinic Lecture

2010-02-11T08:27:00.003-04:00

Date: February 12th
Time: 4-6 pm
Venue: Auditorium, UMHS Campus
Note: A Suture Clinic Lab is scheduled for February 24th @ 4-6 pm in the Sim Lab. You must attend both sessions. Please RSVP EeeLN Buckarma (ebuckarma@umhs-sk.net ) if interested, first come first serve.
ASMA members:Free, Non Members: $20 EC.

Guest Lecturer on Campus

2010-02-11T08:06:00.004-04:00

Dr. Cal Robinson, a medical psychologist, will present a Brown Bag Lecture on Thursday, FEBRUARY 11 at 12:40PM in the Eastern Classroom. The subject of his lecture is:
Primary Care, Behavioral Medicine and Chronic Pain:
An Ideal Marriage!
Dr. Robinson hails from Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he worked as a Medical/Health Psycologist at the The NeuroMedical Center.
You are invited to attend and bring your lunch!

Student's Videomicrography Work Recognized

2010-02-08T08:36:00.013-04:00

The Scientist 2009 Video Awards, an annual international competition of the life sciences magazine The Scientist, has honored the videomicrography work of Arjumond Khan (currently studying medicine at UMHS-SK) and Benjamin Woodhouse.
The two students conducted their work in videomicrography as part of their senior research project at Western Connecticut State University. Their video captures the microscopic time-lapse progression of the life cycle of the slime mold species Dictyostelium discoideum.
The video was named one of three runners-up in the competition's Individual Category division.

Take a Break ~ Boost Your Memory!

2010-02-01T15:40:00.005-04:00

According to new research conducted by The New York University & the University of South Florida Center for Aging and Brain Repair [published Jan 28, 2010 in the journal Neuron], "active rest" was found to actually strengthen memory. The finding suggests that having a rest period after learning new information may be valuable.

Dr. Paul Sanberg, Prof. of Neurosurgery added, "By keeping on doing many different tasks [after learning new information], you may interrupt the memory you want to strengthen,..."

Searching for Clinical Trials?

2010-01-25T16:39:00.004-04:00

Whether you are a potential Sponsor , Investigator or Volunteer, the search for a clinical trail just became easier!
MyClinicalTrial.com has been launched for the purpose of increasing awareness of what clinical trials are taking place and provide information about current and upcoming trial opportunities; as well as to uphold and promote high enrollment standards.
The site includes a nationwide listing database allowing you searching capability to a wide range of clinical trials taking place all over the country. Even if you aren’t able to find what you’re looking for at this time, the site includes a trial notification registry service via email, of future opportunities in your area.

Bioethics Briefing Book

2010-01-21T16:52:00.004-04:00

The Hastings Center offers the 'Bioethics Briefing Book', geared to journalists, policymakers, and campaigns, which contains 36 overviews of issues in bioethics that command high public interest.
Each chapter presents considerations from various perspectives, news stories, linked resources, and any recent legislation.

Mapping Disease to Genetics

2010-01-21T15:33:00.006-04:00

Mapping the Human ‘Diseasome’
New York Times Science

"Researchers created a map linking different diseases, represented by circles, to the genes they have in common, represented by squares."

Click the title to take you to this cool interactive graphic.

MedlinePlus on the Move!

2010-01-14T17:09:00.009-04:00

The #1 starting point for consumer health information has just gone mobile!
Mobile MedlinePlus is an optimized version for use on the various mobile communication devices. It includes a subset of content from the full MedlinePlus site; such as summaries for over 800 diseases, conditions and wellness topics, latest health news, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, and information on prescription and over-the-counter medications.

The Global Library of Women's Medicine (GLOWM)

2010-01-12T15:12:00.008-04:00

Dedicated to the enhancement of women's healthcare globally, with the hope of particularily benefiting those to whom current access to expert clinical information is difficult; the Global Library of Women's Medicine is an online, freely available resource offering comprehensive, up-to-date, peer-reviewed information from across the field of women's health.
Derived from the well-known encyclopedic textbook by John J. Sciarra entitled 'Gynecology & Obstetrics', originally published in 1934, online content has grown to include close to 500 chapters written by over 650 expert contributors; along with surgical videos, diagnostic atlases, laboratory tests, and other supporting information to promote safer motherhood.

Back to the Future for New Zealand's Doctors and Nurses

2010-01-11T11:27:00.007-04:00

New Zealand's healthcare system is facing an increasing challenge to meet current demands while anticipating demand to still double in the next ten years. Yet...

"The Government has funding for 154 general practice trainees; only two-thirds of the places have been filled." Meanwhile..."We have been told by the World Health Organisation that our reliance on importing health workers is unsustainable. About 70 per cent of psychiatrists, 40 per cent of all doctors and midwives, and 25 per cent of nurses and dentists working in New Zealand were trained overseas."

"Things must be done differently (says Des Gorman) and Health Workforce NZ has the task of facilitating this reform. Ironically, this includes a return to the past for both medicine and nursing."

How so? Click title to read more from The Dominion Post [Jan 6, 2010] ...also new reports were released in Aug 2009 addressing the education and training of New Zealand's healthcare workforce.

Des Gorman is head of Auckland University School of Medicine and chairman of Health Workforce New Zealand.

Who's in the know? Campus Gender Shift

2009-12-08T16:06:00.003-04:00

"Women surge, men sink in education's gender gap ~ Female students are dominating campuses..."according to this interesting article by Education Reporter for the Globe & Mail ~ Elizabeth Church.

"There are now three female undergraduates for every two male students on Canadian campuses, and more women than men graduated with higher education degrees in 75 of 98 countries examined in a recent UNESCO study."

~ article published Monday Dec 7, 2009 in Globe & Mail newspaper.

Expat Explorer Survey Series 2009

2009-12-08T10:38:00.010-04:00

Since most readers of this blog are expats or may soon become expats, I thought it appropriate to feature this interesting survey series done by HSBC Bank International which explores both the economics, and quality of life factors of living and working abroad. Expat Experience , the second in the series, focuses on lifestyle experiences determined by 23 factors. What were the overall results? Canada comes out on top, with Australia and Thailand ranking 2nd and 3rd.

“What is clear is that the locations where salaries may not be as high, such as Canada and Australia, are where expats are really enjoying not only an increased quality of life but are also finding it easy to fit in to their new communities.” Alan Smith, Head of International Wealth Management, HSBC Bank International.

Click on the title to read the full reports. Also check out the Expat Explorer Blog!

New Oncology / HIV Point-of-Care Resource

2009-12-07T09:12:00.005-04:00

Have you checked out the latest online resource from Clinical Care Options designed specifically for oncologists and hematologists seeking quick answers to their everyday treatment questions?

CCO inPractice allows you to simultaneously search an original, comprehensive oncology etextbook as well as 5 additional databases for HIV/AIDS and hematology/oncology resources [including databases of drug information, treatment guidelines, and PubMed].

CCO inPractice is free to use with registration.
Textbook edited by Ramaswamy Govindan, MD
from Washington University School of Medicine

Enjoy a 3 Minute Comedy Break with Brian Malow!

2009-11-27T12:09:00.007-04:00

Want more? click on the title...

NEJM Medical Image Challenge

2009-11-27T10:20:00.003-04:00

Some diagnostic fun for 4th Semester Clinical Medicine students ~ thanks to Dr. Sayeed for pulling this together from the New England Journal of Medicine's gallery of medical images.

Nejm Medical Image Challenge

View more presentations from DR AHMED SAYEED.

Appealing for a 'Culture of Integrity" in Our Nursing Schools

2009-11-26T09:07:00.011-04:00

Academic dishonesty, such as plagiarism and cheating on tests, seems to be on the rise in our institutions of higher education including nursing schools! A number of factors seem to be contributing to this sad state of affairs; such as the proliferation of online exams, copying from the Internet, as well as a general deterioration of ethics among this generation of students. Such are the findings of a new research study of nursing students published in the latest issue of the Journal of Nursing Education.

"When I began this project, I expected to demonstrate the greater integrity of nursing students versus students in other disciplines, but that has not turned out to be the case ..The finding that more than half of the nursing students, as well as approximately half of the graduate nursing students...self-reported one or more classroom cheating behaviors is discouraging. The fact that these proportions seem to be higher than those for non-nursing students is even more disturbing."

So what can be done? The article concludes that in fact "Faculty have a major role in controlling cheating and promoting academic integrity." The reasons given are that students rise to faculty expectations so they need to role model academic integrity.

"I believe that we should develop a 'culture of integrity'. We need to instill in our students the importance of honesty and integrity and how that translates to ethical behavior in our nursing practice."

Click on title to login to EBSCO CINAHL database to read the full text.
Citation: McCabe, D. (2009). Academic dishonesty in nursing schools: an empirical investigation. Journal of Nursing Education, 48(11), 614-623. Retrieved from CINAHL with Full Text database.

The SGA Election Results Are...

2009-11-24T14:35:00.004-04:00

Dear Students, Staff and Faculty,

The UMHS Student Government Association thanks you for your interest and support during today’s elections. Please join the current UMHS SGA in welcoming our new elected Student Government representatives for Winter Semester 2010:
Executive Board:
President: Igor Areinamo
Vice-president: William Bridge
Secretary: Rachel Mullins
Treasurer: Jeff Beal
5th Semester
President: Elliot Backer
Vice-president: Chris Goett
4th Semester
President: Moses Nawlo
Vice-president: Rohini Last
3rd Semester
President: Sam Farmer
Vice-president: Tyler Goins
2nd Semester
President: Sierra Gross
Vice-president: Luke Cramer

Message delivered on behalf of 4th Semester President ~ Pooya Heiraty (Election Committee Representative)

Julie P. Baumberger, EdD, LPC, NCC
Dean of Student Affairs
Associate Professor of Behavioral Science

...and most important our new Library/LRC Committee Rep. is Mahala Patrick!!

Inter-Specialty Rivalry is Alive and Well and Impacting our Medical Students

2009-11-20T11:55:00.010-04:00

The Lancet Student takes a hard look at 'inter-specialty rivalry' in all it's manifestations, and how it has and does effect the career choices of each new generation of physicians.

"Sweeping generalisations such as 'the medics are the clever geeks and the surgeons are the cool heroes’ may masquerade in jest but both health professionals and the media have a huge obligation to project a positive image of their own specialty rather than badmouthing others ... it is through an attitude of arrogance and disregard for others choices ... that a universal hierarchy of specialties has been allowed to persist... such a chain of command may eventually influence the priority level of various specialties within healthcare and thus impinge upon patient treatment."

Click on the title to read the full article "Why does everyone love a brain surgeon?" by Priya Garg, 5th year medical student at Imperial College, London.

Top 100 Tools for Learning 2009

2009-11-19T11:27:00.002-04:00

Top 100 Tools for Learning 2009

View more documents from Jane Hart.

The Front Lines of Primary Health Care: Comparing 11 Countries

2009-11-16T11:49:00.009-04:00

The Commonwealth Fund conducted a survey of more than 10,000 primary care physicians in 11 countries to compare perspectives, care, costs and experiences.

"Across the globe, countries are working to redesign their primary care systems by investing in information technology, round-the-clock access, teamwork, integration, and quality improvement."

"A Survey of Primary Care Physicians in 11 Countries, 2009: Perspectives on Care, Costs, and Experiences" (November 5, 2009) Schoen C [et al] Health Affairs Web Exclusive.
Also for interactive, custom statistics visit the new Commonwealth Fund International Health Policy and Data Center.

Engaging the Campus 'We Generation'

2009-11-13T14:52:00.008-04:00

What else is new in information technology? A 'culture of innovation' is permeating education today and information technology is it 'up to their necks'!
Read this excellent article by Jennifer Pagliaro published in the latest edition of Macleans: On Campus , "Networking U: How IT is helping educators engage students in new ways".

Striving for Quality in Tertiary Education in the Caribbean

2009-11-11T08:23:00.011-04:00

The 6th Annual CANQATE 2009 conference:
Balancing Quality and Quantity: The Global Challenge for Tertiary Education was held in Bridgetown, Barbados October 6~8, 2009.

However if you missed the event or you wish to revisit it, click on the title to view pictures, and access plenary sessions & presentations of the conference, in .pdf and powerpoint, from their website.

Note the paper presented on Medical Education in the Caribbean
by Lorna Parkins Director CAAM-HP.

CANQATE stands for Caribbean Area Network for Quality Assurance in Tertiary Education.

Face-to-Face vs. Facebook

2009-11-06T10:33:00.011-04:00

For our plugged-in, internet savvy, Gen Y's the question arises; when it comes to the bigger, deeper emotional issues are you going to seek therapy online or are you still going to prefer face-to-face therapy?
Our very own professor Dr. Vickie Rogers set out to determine the response from a perspective that had not been previously studied, that of the psychiatric nurse.

"The purpose of this study was to compare differences in emotional self-disclosure between young adult Internet users who prefer face-to-face therapy to those who prefer Internet therapy. A convenience sample of 328 was recruited from Facebook to complete an online survey. A total of 263 preferred face-to-face therapy (F2FT) while 65 preferred Internet therapy (IT). Significant differences were found with the F2FT group willing to disclose emotions of depression, jealously, anxiety, and fear to a therapist more frequently than the IT group. The majority reported a preference for F2FT over IT." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides an important first step to determine the emotional self-disclosure differences and preferences in our young adult population. Given the high number of participants that reported a history of therapy, a need for psychiatric nurses to reach out with new ways to deliver therapy to better serve these clients, seems warranted.
Full-text of the article was published in October in the journal, Issues in Mental Health Nursing, and is available on Reserve in the Library.

Citation: Rogers, V., Griffin, M., Wykle, M., & Fitzpatrick, J. (2009). Internet versus Face-to-Face Therapy: Emotional Self-Disclosure Issues for Young Adults. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 30(10), 596-602. doi:10.1080/01612840903003520.

Anne Ross Library Blog

Why do Doctors Get Involved in Leadership?

What it means to care for your patient!

Irreverent Charting

Amazing Medical Animation

Congratulations on the Completion of Another Sucessful Semester!

A Panel of Students Comment on 'The Textbook'

Health Information-Seeking Behaviour on the Internet

Top Ten Toxic Pollution Problems 2011

Battling Bad Science with Ben Goldacre

The Bottom-Up Impact of Medical Apps

Turning the Pages of Medical History

New Rules for Retaking the USMLE

2011 Caribbean HIV Conference

Information Search Assist: Drop In Q&A Session

The Enduring Aura of the Stethoscope

Physician Supply & Demand Projections

Enjoy Your Summer Semester Break!

Pathology Professor Generously Donates to the University's Library

Lunch & Learn: Sickle Cell Disease

Keeping Pace with DynaMed

The Library Addition is now OPEN!

Try the "Trust It or Trash It" Tool

Cochrane Journal Club: Join the Discussion!

Pillbox: A Useful Pill Identification Tool

What is a library doing in a hospital?

The Development of DSM-5 Continues

United States Experiencing a Growing Shortage of Physicians

How do I Access 'The Bates' Visual Guide to Physical Examination' Videos?

Global Status Report on Alcohol & Health 2011

Blame the Nurse ! ~ A Time-Honored Tradition ?

Why Not Just Google for Evidence-Based Practice?

Would they do it all again?

Unwind, detangle, and defrag!

Cochrane has Joined the Blogosphere

Becker's Hosptial Review Names the 50 Best Hospitals in America

Risking the Wrath of Google

Mobile Medical Apps: Reviews and Commentaries

AHRQ Health Care Innovations Exchange has a Redesigned Web Site

Nurses Recognized for their Honesty and Ethical Behaviour

Defining Roles: Future Directions for Physicians and Nurses

World Cholera Facts & Statistics

Exam Master: Medicine

AMA Guides Medical Students & Physicians in Their Use of Social Media

UN Releases the Latest Human Development Report

DynaMed: for When and Where You Need to Know

'Leman's Lexicon' : Defining the Latest Buzz in Science and Medicine

New Drug Formulary for the Eastern Caribbean

An Artificial Pancreas? Considering the Looming Burden of Diabetes ~ This could be Huge!

Progressing from Social Media to 'Social Medicine'

Can Burnout be Blamed for Unprofessionalism Among Medical Students?

Slightly Funnier Than Placebo!

What Really Is the Best Way to Study?

Academic Medicine Publishes it's 10 Year "Snapshot" of Medical Education

New Consumer Health Care Website

HealthKnowledge Aids Teaching & Learning in Public Health

Flashcard Feature Added to Exam Master

Rating the Social Mission of Medical Schools

Learning the Basic Principles of Pharmacology with EDGT

MedEdPORTAL is blossoming into a Suite of Portals!

ChemSpider

The Polio Crusade: PBS

Generation Me : How Will Today's College Students Impact Health Care?

ECG Made Simple

Our EBSCOhost Databases are Mobile!

How to Take an Exam: according to Mr. Bean that is!

ProQuest Celebrates Libraries

Transforming Health Care With Knowledge

The Infectious Disease ~ Cancer Connection: Partnering with Uganda

Enhancing Mobility! Go Ahead ~ Try This at Home!

Nursing Curriculum Materials for Teaching Safe Patient Handling

Inaugural Issue Published of New Medical Education Journal

National Electronic Library for Medicines

Dentistry & Medicine: A Vital Part of a Healthy Life

Barbados Tightens up the Practice of Medicine

What is Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)?

Is Health Care Policy-Making Facilitated or Trapped by EBM?

Cancer Incidence and Death Rates Declining

AMSA Skill Builder Suture Clinic Lecture

Guest Lecturer on Campus