Case discussion on a patient with signs and symptoms of acute spinal cord compression due to a spinal epidural hematoma. Diagnostic studies including physical exam findings, lab work, and imaging modalities were discussed. Etiologies, risk factors, management, and prognoses of these patients were discussed. There was an emphasis on the role of rehabilitation management during the acute inpatient setting and outpatient setting.

Case discussion on a patient with multiple myeloma detailing clinical symptoms, onset, and pertinent labs. Lab workup and diagnostic studies were thoroughly reviewed to ensure this critical diagnosis is not missed. Inpatient and outpatient treatment options were discussed. Additionally, we examined the pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnostic criteria of multiple myeloma, emphasizing the importance of early detection and management.

Discussion on navigating shelf exams, comprehensive clinical science exam, and USMLE Step 2CK during MS-3 year. This presentation serves as a retrospective evaluation of different resources available in the third year of medical school. Philosophies behind which types of resources are recommended and how to utilize them per clinical rotation schedule were reviewed. The values and benefits of tutoring for both the student and teacher were also examined. 

Discussion on the use of visual mnemonics in medical education and the article "The Picmonic® Learning System: enhancing memory retention of medical sciences, using an audiovisual mnemonic Web-based learning platform" by Yang et al (2006). This presentation includes a novel visual mnemonic on lysosomal storage diseases, a discussion on memory biases, and the possible utility of board games to supplement medical education. 

Discussion of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) risk factors and the article: "Sex and Gender Driven Modifiers of Alzheimer's: The Role for Estrogenic Control Across Age, Race, Medical, and Lifestyle Risks" by Rahman et al (2019). This presentation focuses on the hormonal risk factors that increase the risk for AD in females. We examine the importance of furthering AD risk reduction research while a lack of disease-modifying therapeutics exists, as a means of disease prevention, and to offset the significant financial and health management burden as the AD endemic grows.    

Discussion of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) and the article: "Double Trouble - Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection of the Left Anterior Descending and Posterior Descending Arteries in a Right Dominant Circuit: A Case Report" by Mararenko et al (2021). This presentation focuses on the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and management of SCAD. We examine the importance of including SCAD as a differential diagnosis in young women who present with acute coronary syndrome. 

Discussion of screening mammography and the article: Twenty five year follow-up for breast cancer incidence and mortality of the Canadian National Breast Screening Study: randomised screening trial by Miller et al (2014). This presentation reviews important concepts in screening and takes a critical look at overdiagnosis in screening mammography. We contrast the findings of the paper to a case of healthcare disparity in the US and the current US screening guidelines published by the USPSTF, ACS, and NCCN. Finally, we take a brief look at risk assessment and encourage discussion on the interpretation of and caveats to screening guidelines.

Discussion of the application of the Caprini score for risk reduction and venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis protocol in patients undergoing breast surgeries. Unlike the Well's criteria which can be used to calculate a patient's pretest probability of DVT, the Caprini score can be used for both risk assessment and medical management. When applying Caprini suggested mechanical and pharmaceutical prophylaxis to a high risk VTE population, there were few adverse bleeding events. Physicians should be encouraged to follow this standardized approach to DVT prophylaxis in breast surgery patients.

Discussion of the recently published article: Placental endocrine function shapes cerebellar development and social behavior by Vacher et. al (2021).  This presentation highlights the findings of the article mentioned previously, in which the authors successfully created a novel knock-out mouse model. The mouse model was able to illustrate that a lack of placental ALLO hormone led to an increase in cerebellar myelination in male mice, which correlated with increased autism spectrum disorder (ASD) behavior. Additionally, through the use of western blot analysis, it was determined that the distribution of myelin dependent proteins in the cerebellar vermis of the new mouse model was consistent with that of a premature human infant age-corrected to 6 weeks. Reintroduction of the ALLO hormone during gestation depicted a reduction in the findings seen in the original knockout, thus rendering the importance of further studies in regard to the field of Neuroplacentology.

Case discussion of an atypical presentation of ankylosing spondylitis detailing symptom onset to differential rule out, including disease course and treatment. Examined the short and long term goals in regards to treatment, and reviewed FRAX guidelines for steroid induced osteoporosis. In addition, we looked at the ASAS diagnostic criteria for ankylosing spondylosis and concluded with a discussion on prevalence of late onset asthma in AS patients.

In this session we read about study regarding infants who were exposed to Zika Virus in Puerto Rico, who were also followed in order to examine any cognitive delay during the first year of life. We also reviewed the disease course, pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, imaging, and the most common presentations.