While reviewing infections of the neck and complications of strep throat, I read about PANDAS , which stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections.

I hereby decree that all new Pediatric Syndromes must have similarly-cutesy acronyms. Like BUBBLEGUM or DUCKY or KITE or BINKY or BUNNY. Alternative spellings, like ELEFUNT, are acceptable.

(Not trying to offend anyone here, the name of the disease is cutesy, obviously the disease itself nor the patients it affects are being joked at.)

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It’s Step One of USMLE Boards season , and Rumors Were True has a nice writeup that I pretty much agree with. I did 5 weeks of studying, 10 hours a day, and ended up doing well. The key is to go in confident and rested, and be able to sort questions into 3 categories: I know the answer, I think I know the answer, and I don’t have any freaking clue. Answer #1 immediately, mark #2 and come back to it if there’s time, and educated guess #3 and move on.

Do. Not. Over. Study. It will only hurt you.

Good luck to all the 2nd years–take boards and get into clinics, it’s much more fun!

(And don’t push back your test date, that is stupid!)

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I never thought I’d link to a CNN Showbiz article, but it looks like Anna Nicole died of an overdose ; she had toxic levels of chloral hydrate (you can still get chloral hydrate?), plus 4, count them FOUR benzodiazepenes (anti-anxiety / sleeping drugs): diazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, and clonazepam. Autopsy is here.

Interestingly, she also had an abscess (pocket of infection) in her buttock, which was maybe be treated with tylenol, cipro, and Tamiflu–who treats an abscess without draining it?

Gives a sad/interesting look at the treatment of celebrity patients–I doubt any non-celebs would be given 4 benzos for their anxiety

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Just FYI, for those that watch Grey’s Anatomy:

Us medical students don’t date attendings. Especially for 3 years. I know some classmates who’ve dated residents, yes, but aged 50+ year-old attendings? Uhm, no.

That is all.

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