Infectious Diseases

Host: Matt Birnholz, MD

Reports from hospitals in multiple states speak to a rapidly diminishing supply of personal protective equipment, leading healthcare systems to adopt alternative solutions to the shortage. But will these approaches meet the rising demand, and will clinicians be adequately protected along the way?

Published March 23, 2020

Host: Matt Birnholz, MD

Among the most touted candidates in the hunt for effective coronavirus treatments are the antimalarial drugs chloroquine and its derivative, hydroxychloroquine. Will these drugs become effective treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis agents?

Published March 23, 2020

Host: Matt Birnholz, MD

COVID-19 has irreversibly altered the progression track for the next generation of physicians, with cancellations of Match Day events, Board exams, and clinical rotations in effect. Now an increasing number of entities are calling on medical students to join front-line efforts to combat the virus.

Published March 23, 2020

Host: Mario R. Nacinovich, Jr., MSc

Guest: Charles P. Gerba, MD

The novel coronavirus outbreak that began in late 2019 may be the first global epidemic pronounced in the social media age, with myths and misinformation populating just as quickly and frequently as new cases. But is there any truth behind these claims? Here to shed light on this global health crisis is microbiologist Dr. Charles Gerba.

Host: Anne O'Donnell, MD

Guest: Robert "Brinkley" Sewell

Please note: This activity is no longer available for continuing education credit.

The successful management of nontuberculous mycobacteria lung disease (NTM-LD) remains challenging owing to the need for long-term treatment, the ongoing risks of adverse drug reactions, and the potential for nonadherence. These factors underscore the importance of specialty referral and shared decision making in the successful management of NTM-LD, as Dr. Anne O’Donnell and her patient Brinkley exemplify.

Host: Anne O'Donnell, MD

Guest: Patrick Flume, MD

Please note: This activity is no longer available for continuing education credit.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria lung disease (NTM-LD) is a relatively uncommon condition, although its prevalence is rising. In this interactive CME activity, Drs. Anne O’Donnell and Patrick Flume review two patient cases to demonstrate how clinicians can maintain a greater index of suspicion for the diagnosis of NTM-LD to enable timely and effective therapy. The management of NTM-LD remains challenging, owing to the need for long-term treatment, the potential for drug-related toxicities and patient nonadherence. These factors underscore the importance of specialty referral for the successful management of NTM-LD.

Host: Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP

The MMR vaccine offers protection from measles, mumps, and rubella, but why is it so important for children in particular to receive this vaccine? What are the proper doses for our patients who need protection, and who doesn’t need the MMR vaccine? These are just some of the FAQs Dr. Jennifer Shu answers amid our country’s measles outbreak.

Guest: Mary Beth Pfeiffer

With cases being reported in every state and across 80 countries, Lyme disease has become one of the fastest growing vector-borne illnesses in the world. But have you ever wondered how this global health threat came to be? That’s what journalist Mary Beth Pfeiffer investigates in her book, Lyme: The First Epidemic of Climate Change, and with the ReachMD team.

Guest: Jennifer Caudle, DO

It’s an unfortunate reality that an increasing number of patients are refusing to get vaccinated—regardless of whether that’s the recommendation for themselves or their children. But luckily, there are ways you can talk to your patients about this, as Dr. Jennifer Caudle explains.

Host: Brian P. McDonough, MD, FAAFP

Guest: Jorge Garcia, MD

Even though people have gained immunity to the Zika virus in certain parts of the world, Zika outbreaks can—and do—still occur. Tune in as Dr. Jorge Garcia joins Dr. Brian McDonough to discuss the who, what, where, why, and how of the Zika virus, the once headline-dominating epidemic.