Clin Med
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Comparative Study
Discordance between cancer prevalence and training: a need for an increase in oncology education.
The impact of cancer on healthcare is increasing. Therefore, it is key that all doctors receive oncology training. This study surveyed UK undergraduate medical schools to determine the extent of oncology training provided by their curricula. ⋯ Oncology was included in 11% posts and 48% programmes offered by the London Deanery specialty schools. Our results show that < 50% of junior doctors receive dedicated undergraduate or postgraduate oncology training. An increase in oncology training is therefore urgently required.
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Case Reports
Lesson of the month. (1). What lies beneath the surface? Diagnosis. Churg-Strauss syndrome.
This reports describes the development of a rash in a 43-year-old man with asthma, who was admitted to the respiratory clinic with dyspnoea, leucocytosis and a productive cough. His symptoms progressed and he was admitted to the high-dependency unit for respiratory support. ⋯ The key message from this particular case was the importance of early diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndrome, in which a rash is combined with marked peripheral eosinophilia and signs of respiratory distress. Early intervention will reduce the risks of morbidity and mortality in patients with this rare, life-threatening syndrome.
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Case Reports
Lesson of the month. (2). Stroke in a 53-year-old woman: getting to the heart of the problem. Diagnosis. LA myxoma.
This Lesson of the Month illustrates both the complications and the pivotal role that echocardiography has in the diagnosis of a cardiac source of embolism.
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This column explores the links and synergies between medicine and literature. What roles can literature play in reflecting and influencing good practice, and what sorts of images of doctoring are to be found in drama, poetry, fiction, biography, electronic fora and film? The editors would be pleased to receive short papers, ranging from 500–1,000 words, on relevant topics. Those interested in contributing should email brian.hurwitz@kcl.ac.uk or neil.vickers@kcl.ac.uk