Clin Med
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Medical professionalism has been notoriously difficult to define and remains poorly understood. Because of this, graduates often have contrasting views on how it is best taught. ⋯ They were also asked to identify how they felt teaching about professionalism was best delivered from a selection of educational resources. The findings highlight major differences between how the material is taught and how students and graduates feel they learn best about professionalism and more research into this field is needed.
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Medicine is traditionally known as an 'art', and not an exact 'science'. Medical images of clinical signs and pathology were communicated through 'metaphors' in the 19th and early 20th centuries to make recognition easier in anticipation of the clinical counterpart when encountered in medical practice. ⋯ The continued use of metaphors has given rise to an ongoing debate, particularly in Africa, due to the usage of inappropriate or unfamiliar metaphors which are not locally or culturally relevant. Despite this, medical analogies will no doubt continue to be useful for medical education, clinical practice and 'aide memoirs' for examinations, and bring light humour, for a long time to come.
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Influenza-related pneumonia encompasses both primary viral pneumonia and secondary bacterial pneumonia, which may be difficult to differentiate clinically. A high index of suspicion, prompt initiation of antiviral and antibiotic therapy, and appropriate escalation to secondary/critical care are key to improving outcome.
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Case Reports
Addison's disease masked by long-term exogenous steroid treatment for presumed polymyalgia rheumatica.
Addison's disease can present insidiously. A 78-year-old woman presented with non-specific symptoms and hyponatremia, with a previous history of polymyalgia rheumatica treated with glucocorticoids. ⋯ Primary autoimmune Addison's disease can present with protean symptoms and diagnosis is often delayed. A high index of suspicion remains the cornerstone of diagnosis.