Medical Fraud

This posting comes as the 100th, marking almost 100 weeks since being accepted to medical school. Time has gone faster than I could have imagined. Thankfully it wasn't any slower!

Never Give Up

With Spring Break around the corner, professors have scheduled quizzes and midterms to query our knowledge. Normally this is not a problem, but with a block only four weeks long, there is a lot of information to cram in there. As a result, after last weeks barage of graded interrogations and late nights, I was flat out exhausted. Thinking I was the only one having difficulties focusing and reviewing materials, I didn't say much to my peers. A few days later I was surprised to learn that the majority of us have had similar experiences.

I have heard this called the impostor phenomenon. We feel as though we are the only ones who are not pulling our weight, making advances, or in plain terms...frauds. It is not until we see our achievements and learn that our peers are in the same position that we begin to feel a sense of belonging. Now that I know I am not alone, or at least the only fraud in the class, it's time to get ready for the exams next week. Medical school is relentless - if it's truly where your heart is, you have no reason to give up.

Board Prep Question of the Week

A 25 year old from Massachusetts complains of increasing fatigue and pre-syncope. Upon further questioning, he admits to having had a rash on his arm a couple of months ago. He denies joint pain, photophobia or a stiff neck.

An EKG is taken which shows 3rd degree heart block (complete heart block). His laboratory tests are within normal limits. Blood cultures are pending.

What is the most appropriate treatment?

A. Ceftriaxone
B. Doxycycline
C. Implantable defibrillator
D. Penicillin G
E. Rifampin

 Answer & Explanation