The Clinical Etymologist

Pernicious Precision


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The momentous discovery of Cobalamin 77 years ago made a macrocytic impact on medicine, saving millions of lives from their pernicious fate. In celebration, we take a subacute and combined degenerative dive into the world of Vitamin B12 deficiency.

From raw liver cures to Nobel Prizes, from cobalt atoms to collapsed gait, this episode traces the fascinating history and clinical nuance of a vitamin that does far more than make red cells. Join Dr. Kim and a curious medical student as they unpack the story behind megaloblastic anemia, nerve damage without anemia, and why B12 is not just a number to tick off — but a diagnostic lens into aging, memory loss, and evolution itself.

By the end of this episode, you’ll never look at falls, forgetfulness, or a “normal CBC” the same way again.

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The Clinical EtymologistBy Dr. Simon Kim