Orthopaedic Viewpoints & Orthopaedic Debates | Orthogate Professionals
Viewpoints
Latest views, polls and opinions on orthopaedic and musculoskeletal health topics from members of the Orthogate Community.
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- By Aki Puryear
- Viewpoints
So, interview season has come to an end. Most of you who are in the process of applying for residency are making your rank list. You may have had X number of interviews, liked Y number of programs, and have a list in your head of who you think is the best for you. So, how do you make your rank list? This is very difficult as you probably already know. So, this is my opinion. I think you really need to understand yourself. You need to look at your past and look at what has worked for you. I feel it is more of an introspective process.
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- By Aki Puryear
- Viewpoints
Music is wonderful, wouldn't you say. Songs inspire; bring back past memories. Both tragedy and joy can be tied to one song. The same lyrics can have separate meaning to different people. Change the vocalist and a crowd favorite can become a dud. American Idol is great, watching all of these hopefuls, and some freaks, get up there and sing their hearts out. Sometimes causing pain to my ears. We love watching people on both ends of the spectrum, the highs and the lows. And Simon Cowell is the driving force behind the whole thing. It is his British brashness and true honesty, sometimes may be a little mean, that we thrive on. I like him because he has the balls to say you suck.
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- By Aki Puryear
- Viewpoints
With
shows like Grey's Anatomy glorifying the life of surgical residents, I
have a feeling that the number of students who choose to go into the
surgical subspecialties will increase. It will probably be like what ER
did for emergency medicine and CSI did for criminalists. Not that
surgery ever needed to be promoted. It has always been seen as a great
specialty but a poor life style. With the 80hr work week restrictions,
it has been less intimidating from the life style stand point, and with
shows like Grey's Anatomy and Dr. 90210, it is becoming more high
profile. I predict the numbers of applicants will increase. In orthopaedics, we really don't need an increase in applications.
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- By Randale Sechrest
- Viewpoints
Brent Dodge, PT is the Director of PT services at Alpine Physical Therapy located in the Peak Health and Wellness Center in Missoula, Montana. He is also the Lead Author of the Back Care Boot Camp handbook. Today, we discuss the role of the physical therapist in the treatment of a new onset epsiode of low back pain.
Listen to Interview
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- By Randale Sechrest
- Viewpoints
Sam Schoeneman is with me today to discuss the role of Pilates exercise programs in the treatment of spine conditions. Sam is a physical therapist and also a certified Pilates instructor.
Sam Schoeneman, PT
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- By Randale Sechrest
- Viewpoints
Dr. David Poulsen is the Director of the Molecular Medicine Laboratory, a 1200 sq ft laboratory located on the St Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center campus. As the core research facility of the Montana Neuroscience Institute, the primary purpose of the lab is the investigation of animal models and the establishment of pre-clinical data in the support of the phase-I clinical trials. Dr. Poulsen is actively engaged in technology transfer, creating economic development opportunities in western Montana from biomedical research and development of new innovative products. We discuss the progress so far in this area and the future potential for biomedical industry in Missoula.
Dave Poulsen, PhD
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- By Randale Sechrest
- Viewpoints
Dr. Rich Bridges is a Professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology at the The University of Montana in Missoula, MT and founding member of the Montana Neuroscience Institute Foundation. Dr. Bridges’ main research interests are in glutamate transport in the brain. His laboratory research is aimed at understanding how glutamate transport proteins work, how the systems normally function to regulate glutamate levels, and whether or not compromised function may contribute to brain pathology in neurological disorders like stroke, epilepsy, spinal cord injury, ALS or Alzheimer’s disease. He joined me recently to discuss a bit about the history of the MNIF and what the future holds for the organization.
Richard Bridges, PhD
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- By Randale Sechrest
- Viewpoints
Dr. Carter Beck and I recently discussed the artificial disc replacement in the cervical spine and the lumbar spine. Dr. Beck will be participating in clinical trials here at the Montana Neuroscience Institute to further define the use of artificial disc replacement in spine disease.
Carter Beck, MDDownload 08-25_06_Carter_Beck_Artificial_Disc.mp3
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- By Randale Sechrest
- Viewpoints
I have just returned from Hollyhock on Cortes Island, British Columbia where I was attending the annual summer retreat on integrative medicine developed by Drs. Andrew Weil, Victoria Maizes and graduates of the University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine. The trip to Cortes Island itself was memorable since this was my first trip to Vancouver Island and the northern gulf islands of the Canadian Pacific coast. Hollyhock is a fabulous place to spend a few days. We met many interesting new friends. I am sure we will return to Hollyhock and become regulars. The food was excellent - organic vegetarian fair much of which was grown in the island all served in a community dining area that encouraged mingling and discussion for hours. The scenery was astounding.
The conference itself proved to be quite enlightening. The information provided was useful both on a personal health level and applicable to use in practice. I have already made significant changes in how I think about my own health and my practice with chronic pain patients. The conference illustrated just how far the concept of integrative medicine has come in the last few years - driven in a large part by the efforts of Dr. Weil and his colleagues at the University of Arizona. For anyone interested in exploring this field, start with the website at the University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine. Not only is this program on the cutting edge of the integrative medicine revolution, but are also redefining the concept of distance education in healthcare utilizing the Internet to full advantage. I suspect we will see many more academic centers moving in this direction. Interesting stuff.
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- By Randale Sechrest
- Viewpoints
Cindi Laukes, MA is the Clinical Research Manager for both the Montana Neuroscience Institute and the Montana Cancer Institute. Cindi dropped by to discuss clinical research and clinical trials.
She also provided me with some tips to post for those of you considering participating in a clinical trial.
TIPS FOR RESEARCH PATIENTS: BEING INFORMED
CAREFULLY READ THE INFORMED CONSENT FOR ANY STUDY. As a potential participant, you have the right and the responsibility to ask questions and make sure you fully understand the risks and potential benefits of participation in a study. If necessary, ask to take a copy of the consent form home to read it and discuss it with your family or regular doctor before signing.
Ask the study coordinator or nurse up front about any tests or scheduling that will need to be done in association with the study. You may need to schedule things in your life differently for a period of time to accommodate your participation in a study.
Ask the study coordinator what will or will not be paid for by the study.
If it is a medication study, make sure you fully understand how to take the medication, and ask for written instructions if you have not received them. Get a contact number for emergencies. Ask about any possible side effects and what you should be aware of. Make sure your study doctor or nurse knows ALL the medications and supplements you are currently taking in addition to the study medication.
Make sure all of your questions are answered to your satisfaction. As a patient, you always have the right to know about your own medical care. You also have the right to withdraw from a research study at any time after you have discussed your reasons with the study doctor. It is very important to talk to the study doctor before discontinuing any research treatment on your own.
Cindi Laukes, MA
Download 7_17_06_Laukes_Clinical_Research.mp3
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