Author: Benji Ho

Paperwork

As you can see from the recent dearth of posts on this blog, you may be wondering, is Benji still writing? Well, the answer is I am writing more than I ever have. Ever. The posts I write now are called SOAP notes, on a type of blog called the “electronic medical records,” about people and their medical issues .… Continue reading

Forever a Student

As a doctor, lectures and exams do not stop at med school graduation. Nor does it stop after end of residency. Getting state-licensed and board-certified is never a one-time done deal. In order for me to maintain my legal ability to practice medicine, I will be required to earn CME (continuing medical education) credit. CME comes in many shapes and… Continue reading

End of Residency

So that’s that, the end of residency. There’s no one word that can describe the last three years. Residency had been challenging, no doubt, with a steep learning curve, long work hours, and long board exams to study for. Throw two kids in the mix, balancing work and family life has made the experience a little more interesting. However, there… Continue reading

Staying Fit in Medical School

A few months back, I received a question from a blog reader concerning staying fit during medical school. Jonathan writes: “Benji, I have some questions regarding maintaining overall health and fitness during medical school, something which you obviously appear to have done. What did you personally do and what advice would you give to incoming students? Was there a specific… Continue reading

About the USMLE

What is the USMLE? In order to apply for licensure to practice medicine in the states, one must complete the United States Medical Licensing Exam, also known as the USMLE. The USMLE is not one exam, but several, taken as a series of exams over the course of med school and residency.  There are four exams, divided into… Continue reading

An Exciting Day

Do you remember when you were a kid and wondered what you will be when you grew up? Well, today is that special day when many of my medical colleagues find out. It’s Match Day! Congratulations to all those who matched this year. I am truly impressed by the matches AUC graduates have placed this year. Going through my Facebook,… Continue reading

Acne

Some Tid-Bits
  • Four factors lead to acne formation: increased sebum production, hyperkeratinization, propionibacterium acnes colonization, and inflammatory reaction.
  • Treatment Steps (from mild to severe)
    1. Comedones – Rx Topical Retinoids (Tretinoin, Adapalene, Tazarotene) – generally works about the same. For the following additional symptoms:
    2. Inflammation – Add Topical Non-Abx (Benzoyl Peroxide, Azelaic Acid) +/- Topical Abx (
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    Insomnia

    Some Facts:
  • Insomnia (ICSD-3 Definition) – Difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, early awakening, daytime impairment (i.e. fatigue, poor concentration, moody, increased errors, social dysfunction, worry). Occurs at least 3x per week x1 month. Chronic if >3 months.
  • Comorbid Conditions – OSA/breathing disorders, circadian rhythm disorders, GI issues, pruritus, heart failure, pain, restless legs syndrome, nocturia, medication side effects, psych
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    Erectile Dysfunction

    H&P
  • Check for psych factors, medications that may cause ED, and possible medical contributions to ED (DM2, obesity, CAD). Do physical exam to check for hypogonadism, peyronie’s disease, or other possible causes of ED.
  • Labs
  • Total testosterone level (deficient if <300), TSH, lipid panel, A1C. Remember, ED can be a sentinel marker for CAD.
  • First-Line Treatment
  • Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors – all
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    Scoliosis

    Background
  • Definition: >10° lateral curve to spine with vertebral rotation
  • Types: classified as congenital, neuromuscular, or idiopathic. Idiopathic scoliosis is further classified by age: Infantile (0-2 yo), Juvenile (3-9 yo), Adolescent (>10 yo).  Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis is the most common form.
  • Etiology unknown. Likely polygenic.
  • Risk factors for disease progression – initial Cobb angle (angle of curvature of spine) most
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    Osteoporosis

    Screening
  • USPSTF recommends all women 65 years and older get screened for osteoporosis with a DEXA scan to measure bone density.
  • You can also screen for osteoporosis in women younger than 65 who score high on the FRAX WHO Fracture Risk Assessment Tool.
  • USPSTF does not recommend routine screening in men unless they are older than 50 and have
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