Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Benjamin Lai, M.D.  Substance use disorders are chronic and often relapsing conditions associated with compulsive substance use. They result from a complex interaction of chemistry within the brain, often combined with genetic and environmental issues. Common substances involve alcohol, stimulants, sedatives and opioids; opioids commonly prescribed by health care clinicians. Early identification of...

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Michael Mueller, M.D.  Fibromyalgia is a chronic health problem commonly seen in a primary care setting. It can be challenging to diagnose and even more so to manage. It can have a devastating effect on a patient’s lifestyle, and patients will commonly go from provider to provider seeking relief for their...

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D  Guest: Mark D. Tyson, III, M.D., M.P.H.  Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and primary care clinicians are often the first to evaluate patients with bladder cancer. The symptoms are usually subtle and may include either gross or microscopic hematuria. The decision in whether to investigate these presenting symptoms can often impact early diagnosis and the patient’s...

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Stacey Rizza, M.D.  Hantavirus has been in the news lately. Although it’s rare, it can cause serious disease which can be life-threatening.  Early symptoms are similar to other common viral infections including fever, myalgias, headache, and fatigue. As a result, the ability to establish an early diagnosis is challenging. Who’s...

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.   Guest: Joseph Murray, M.D.  Celiac Disease affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide and can present at any age, frequently with very subtle, atypical or at times entirely non-GI symptoms. The presentation can be extremely diverse and may involve a variety of organ systems. If not recognized and effectively treated, multiple potentially serious complications can...

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Uma Thanarajasingham, M.D., Ph.D.  Systemic lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease with a variety of immunologic and laboratory abnormalities. It has numerous clinical manifestations potentially involving multiple organs. It’s known as the great imitator because it can mimic a variety of other diseases, and it’s not uncommon for patients to have symptoms for a number of years prior to a diagnosis being established. What symptoms...

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Carl H. Cramer, III, M.D.  Kidney transplantation has significantly improved the outlook for children with end-stage renal failure. The journey these children follow to transplantation starts in primary care with the recognition of chronic kidney disease, timely referral to nephrology, and long-term coordination of care with the transplant team. What are the most common health conditions...

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Rebecca Ameduri, M.D.  Most primary care clinicians see very few children with advanced heart failure or complicated congenital heart disease. However, when they are a part of our practice, they require timely referral and coordination with other medical specialties, as well as ongoing longitudinal and supportive care not only for the patient...

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Lauren Jackson, M.D.  Deep brain stimulation is an established management option for Parkinson’s Disease. It’s a neurosurgical procedure in which thin electrodes are implanted into various areas of the brain and then connected to a pulse generator that produces electrical stimulation which modulates abnormal brain activity. The procedure has the potential to improve the quality of life in those with...

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Forrest Sturgill, M.D.  Parkinson’s Disease is a relatively common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as bradykinesia, rigidity and resting tremor, as well as non-motor symptoms such as autonomic dysfunction, mood disorders and cognitive changes. The diagnosis is established with a medical history and physical exam. Parkinson’s is truly a disorder where the neurologist needs to...