Birth control: A taboo among the Asian community. But why?
Month: August 2023
Type 2 DM and Self administered insulin
In Sri Lanka, one in 12 adults suffer from diabetes which gives gives us a total of 1.6 million cases of diabetes across the country
What is insulin therapy for Type II Diabetes?
- Patients with Type I diabetes are occasionally treated with ‘intensive insulin treatment
- Intensive insulin treatment often involves multiple insulin injections per da
What is self administered insulin?
Self-administered insulin is when the patient monitors their blood glucose levels and injects their own doses of insulin
What are the benefits of self-administered insulin?
- Improved timing of insulin doses would improve blood glucose levels
- Greater convenience
What are the complications with self-administered insulin?
- Administering the wrong dosage could lead to an insulin overdose
- Incorrect injection site selection can lead to complications
- Incorrect injection timings
What is the “Barbie Syndrome”?
Just like the new Barbie movie captivates us with her flawless charm and stunning beauty, the “Barbie Syndrome” is a fascinating topic that sheds light on societal beauty standards. 
In the medical world, the term “Barbie Syndrome” refers to a psychological condition where individuals obsessively strive for a perceived “ideal” appearance, just like Barbie’s iconic figure. 
This can lead to various body image issues, eating disorders, and low self-esteem.
As future healthcare professionals, understanding the impact of these ideals on mental health is crucial! 
Barbie Syndrome
Also known as “Barbie Doll Syndrome,” it is not a recognized medical condition but rather a term used colloquially.
It escribes a psychological phenomenon where individuals, often young women, strive to attain an unrealistic and idealized body image, similar to the proportions of the Barbie doll.
Symptoms
- Obsession with Thinness
- Extreme Dieting
- Excessive Exercise
- Dissatisfaction with Appearance
- Negative Body Image
- Comparison with Unrealistic Standards
- Avoiding Social Situations
- Psychological Distress
- Body Dysmorphia
- Unhealthy Weight Management
- Distorted Perception of Beauty
- Social Media Dependency
Hormonal Heaven – A New Treatment For Endometriosis
Alright ladies, it’s time to have a heart-to-uterus. We all known that periods can be a pain in the, well, uterus. But what happens when Aunt Flo comes to town and brings more than just a suitcase
Enter edomeriosis. This sneaky little condition causes the lining of your uterus to grow outside of it, leading to all sorts of fun symptoms like excruciating pain, heavy bleeding, and even infertility. But what if we told you there’s a new treatment on the horizon that could help manage those pesky symptoms? 🩸💉
Enter VAY736, a monthly injection that targets the overactive proteins responsible for endometriosis growth and inflammation. Think of it like the bouncer at a club, kicking out the troublemakers and restoring order.
In clinical trials, VAY736 has shown promising results in reducing endometriosis-related pain and improving quality of life for patients. And while it’s still in the early stages of development, it could be a game changer for those living with endometriosis.
So medical students, take note: the more we understand about endometriosis, the closer we get to finding better treatments. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll even find the ultimate cure for this pesky ex. 😜
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
Are you preparing for your exams? Here are a few points on Dengue that you may want to know!
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
What are the 3 stages of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever?
- Febrile Phase
- Critical Phase
- Convalescent Phase
The Febrile Phase
SYMPTOMS:
- High fever for 2-7 days
- Facial flushing
- Skin erythema
- Arthralgia
- Headache
- Sore throat
SIGNS:
Tender hepatomegaly (suggestive of DHF)
LAB:
- Leucopenia (WBC<5000)
- Mild thrombocytopenia (<150,000)
- PLT<100,000 indicate entry to the critical phase
The Critical Phase
SYMPTOMS:
- Usually occurs around the 5-6th day and lasts for 48 hours
- Also includes petechiae, echymosis, purpura and bleeding from mucosa and injection sites
SIGNS:
Bleeding manifestation (not a must)
LAB:
- PIt < 100,000
- Evidence of plasma leakage
- Increased PCV > 20% rise from base line PVC (M – 40, F-36)
- Ultrasound Scan (USS) – Free Fluids (FF)
- CXR (right lateral decubitus film) – Effusion Js. Alb < 3.5 g/di
- Non-fasting S. Cholesterol < 100mg/dl
The Recovery Phase
SYMPTOMS:
- Occurs during the last 2-5 days
- There is improvement of general well being and appetite
SIGNS:
- Convalescent rash
- Generalized itching
- Haemodynamic stability
- Bradyacrdia (in some pts) diuresis
LAB:
- Stabilization of HCT (even I due to reabsorption of extravasated fluid)
- †wBc
- †PLT
Symptoms of Shock
- Sweating
- Abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Restlessness/altered conscious level
- Postural dizziness
- Decreased urine output (<0.5 ml/kg/hour)
Signs of Shock
- Cold extremities
- Prolonged capillary refill time > 2 seconds
- Unexplained tachycardia
- Tender hepatomegaly > 2 cm
- Increasing diastolic pressure
- Narrowing of pulse pressure < 20mmHg
The Long & short case
Short Case and Long Case exams are just another exam medical students have to deal with, sigh!
What is a short case?
In a short case examination, the candidate is expected to examine a body system or anatomical area with a time period of 8-12 minutes
Following the examination, the candidate must give a 3-5 minute summary of:
- The examination findings
- The likely differential diagnosis based on the finding
- The probable causes and severity of the condition in question
- A general discussion on the points mentioned above
What is long case?
A long case is a form or clinical examination when the candidate discusses a specific case with a professional in the medical field
The examination lasts for around 20 minutes per long case scenario and looks to replicate a consultation with a patient
The examination is broken down into 3 distinct segments
- History taking
- Focused examination
- Discussion with the medical professional to summarize findings
How to ace the exam?
- Rehearse like an actor
- Learn to ‘think on your feet’
- Be organized – have all your equipment ready to go before you start the exam
- Always be polite – exams like the neurological examination involves a lot of patient co-operation; a script of ambiguous questions would help
- Take your time – don’t panic if there seems to be a lot of abnormal symptoms. Take it one step at a time
How to score HIGH on the OSCEs
Crack the VIVA exams
Passing the ERPM exam
Passing the ERPM exam is essential in order to practice as a medical doctor in Sri Lanka as a foreign graduate.
How do you pass this competitive exam and qualify for provisional registration? How do you rank in the Merit list? What are the pass marks and the requirements? This post will answer all these questions for you 🙂Â
Successfully complete Part A of ERPM
To pass Part A of ERPM, which is the Theory Examination, you will have to obtain a minimum of 112.5 of 250 (45%) for :
- Paper 1 – MedicineÂ
- Paper 2 – PaediatricsÂ
- Paper 3 – SurgeryÂ
- Paper 4 – Obstentrics and GynaecologyÂ
And a 67.5 of 150 in Psychiatry (45%)Â
- Paper 5 – Psychiatry (Child + Adult)Â
Successfully complete Part B of ERPM
In Part B : The Clinical Examination, you will have to obtain a minimum of 45 out of 100 (45%) for each station AND score a minimum total mark of 100 out of 200 (50%) for the two stations in each subject.Â
- MedicineÂ
- PaediatricsÂ
- Surgery
- Obstetrics & GynaecologyÂ
Successfully complete Part C of ERPM
In order to pass Part C : The Oral Examination, you will have to score a 50 out of 100 in Emergencies in each of the Medical and Surgical Tracks.Â
Successfully complete Part D of ERPM
To pass the final stage of the ERPM examination, you will have to score a pass mark of 67.5 of 150 marks for  each paper.Â
- Paper 6 – Community medicineÂ
- Paper 7 – Forensics MedicineÂ
Â
