2025 – A Moment With Dr. Ko

Tips for Audition Students: How to Shine Professionally During Clinical Rotations

Audition or sub-internship rotations are one of the most exciting and formative experiences in your medical training. It’s your opportunity to show programs not just what you know, but who you are, your professionalism, humility, [CONTINUE READING…]

The Power of Situational Awareness: The Skill That Defines True Professionalism (Including in Healthcare)

Understanding Situational Awareness Situational awareness is more than just being observant. It’s the ability to read the room, sense the moment, and respond appropriately to your surroundings. It’s knowing what’s happening, who’s involved, and what [CONTINUE READING…]

What Residency Programs Really Look For

1. Beyond Grades and Scores When residency programs evaluate applicants, they’re not only focused on exam scores or honors. Those numbers open doors, but your character keeps them open. Program directors are looking for individuals [CONTINUE READING…]

Paradoxical Reactions to Albuterol – A Tale of Two Enantiomers (Albuterol & Levalbuterol)

Albuterol represents a cornerstone in the management of acute bronchospasm associated with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). As a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (SABA), its efficacy in providing rapid bronchodilation is well-established and [CONTINUE READING…]

Hyponatremia: Types, Diagnosis, and Management

Hyponatremia, defined as a serum sodium concentration below 135 mmol/L, is the most common electrolyte disorder encountered in clinical practice. It ranges from asymptomatic presentations to life-threatening emergencies and often reflects a complex interplay between [CONTINUE READING…]

Management of Hyponatremic Encephalopathy

Hyponatremia, characterized by a serum sodium level below 135 mEq/L, poses significant clinical challenges, especially in acute settings where it can lead to serious neurological outcomes, including hyponatremic encephalopathy. Current medical guidelines emphasize the critical [CONTINUE READING…]

Radial Tunnel Syndrome

Radial tunnel syndrome (RTS) is a condition characterized by the entrapment of the radial nerve as it navigates through the radial tunnel near the elbow. This often leads to a spectrum of symptoms, primarily manifested [CONTINUE READING…]

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent condition that results from compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This syndrome is particularly notable for its characteristic symptoms: [CONTINUE READING…]

Axillary Nerve Compression

Axillary nerve compression is a significant clinical concern, particularly among experts in neurology and orthopedics. This condition is characterized by a distinctive presentation of symptoms, primarily located in the lateral shoulder region. Patients often report [CONTINUE READING…]

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Ulnar Nerve Compression at the Elbow

Ulnar nerve compression at the elbow, commonly referred to as cubital tunnel syndrome, presents a unique confluence of symptoms that affect a patient’s ability to perform everyday tasks. From a clinical perspective, the hallmark signs—numbness [CONTINUE READING…]

Preventive Screening: Breast Cancer Risk

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) plays a crucial role in shaping clinical practices in preventive healthcare, especially for women at risk of breast and related cancers. The USPSTF’s recommendations highlight the importance of [CONTINUE READING…]

Central vs. Peripheral Vertigo

Vertigo is a complex and often debilitating symptom that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. It is characterized by a sensation of spinning or movement, which can be distressing. The distinction between central [CONTINUE READING…]