February 16, 2024
Two Left Shoes: A Musical Essay on Homelessness
This musical essay tells the story of my time as a college student at the University of Washington when I experienced a period of homelessness during a Seattle winter. It explores the harsh realities of living on the streets through an essay, poems, and music. Themes of isolation, despair, and resilience emerge, but glimmers of…
January 19, 2024
Adherence to Core Principles in Academic Research
This article examines the essential principles and practices underlying ethical and rigorous academic research across scholarly disciplines. It emphasizes the importance of selecting meaningful research topics, conducting comprehensive literature reviews, aligning methodologies to research questions, effectively communicating findings, upholding transparency and ethics, and the role of institutions in promoting excellence through training and protocols. As…
January 10, 2024
Anginal Symptoms Do Not Predict Myocardial Ischemia in Diabetics
A 2005 study examined whether anginal symptoms can predict abnormal myocardial perfusion or function in diabetic patients. Among all patients, anginal symptoms were associated with myocardial ischemia and dysfunction. However, in diabetic patients, the presence of anginal chest pain did not correlate with myocardial perfusion defects or impaired left ventricular ejection fraction. Diabetic neuropathy likely…
January 5, 2024
How I Came to See Value in Defiance
I was walking past youth skateboarders, I noticed they were ignoring social distancing rules during the pandemic. My immediate reaction was critical. However, I reconsided as research shows children to be highly resistant, how Sweden succeeded without lockdowns, and as I remembered my own rebellious youth. Although unintentional, the skaters’ mass gatherings may have safely…
January 3, 2024
Quantifying Unpredictability: Exploring Applications of the Heston Model in Healthcare
A financial model used to quantify unpredictable fluctuations in the stock market shows promise for improving analysis in healthcare. The Heston Model captures volatile dynamics like sudden surges and gradual reversion to the mean. This could translate to better epidemiologic forecasting and optimization of medication dosing. Rigorous testing is needed, but the versatility of mathematical…
December 22, 2023
What’s Inside
My reflection on how we can look healthy on the outside yet on the inside be suffering a great tragedy, and in these situations, the only thing we can do is create a meaningful human connection. When I wrote this, I was nearly a decade younger and healthy. But since then I too had an abnormal…
December 18, 2023
Large language models may inadequately address mental health crises
This study evaluated the safety of AI chatbots built on ChatGPT for handling mental health risk scenarios. I gave the chatbots simulated conversations indicating escalating depression and suicide risk. The chatbots frequently postponed referring users to human support until dangerously high-risk levels. Most failed to provide crisis resources. The findings suggest overly optimistic views of…
December 13, 2023
A Systematic Approach to PET/CT Scan Interpretation and Reporting in Oncology
This abstract outlines a structured methodology for interpreting and reporting on PET/CT scans in oncology. It aims to reduce errors and improve clarity for referring clinicians. Key elements include ensuring imaging protocols, and patient preparation is correct, thoroughly reviewing multiplanar scans while correlating PET and CT findings, categorizing findings by anatomy, carefully detailing lesion characteristics,…
December 1, 2023
The Beholder: A Symphony of Life in Medicine Explores Interconnections Between Music and Healing
A new article titled “The Beholder – A Symphony of Life in Medicine” explores the interconnections between music, art, physics, and medicine. It reveals symmetries between sound, visual art, and quantum phenomena, hinting at a unifying framework tying together sciences and humanities. The author traces his journey toward integrating artistic, scientific, and humanistic viewpoints, illuminating…
November 30, 2023
Coronary calcium scores in patients with normal myocardial perfusion
This study examined coronary calcium scores (CCS) in patients with normal myocardial perfusion imaging to assess cardiac risk factors. 2351 patients were evaluated. 55% had a CCS of 0, 36% had a CCS of 1-400, and 9% had a CCS over 400. Older age and hyperlipidemia were the strongest risk factors for higher CCS among…