Shiel, MD, FACP, FACR, William C. "MRI (magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scanning." MedicineNet. 5 Apr. 2007. Web. 30 May 2012. <http://www.medicinenet.com/mri_scan/article.htm>.
MRI how-it-works
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Monday, April 30, 2012
Web Content
"Sonography Grad Loves Her Job"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrMsDu2f3U0
This video is pretty straightforward. It's a brief interview of a ultrasound technologist at her place of work. She gives some reasons why she loves her field and she explains very briefly the quality of her education. I like also there is a plug in the video that briefly states how important sonography is to many fields, not just OB/GYN.
"Robert Fischell on medical inventing"
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/robert_fischell_on_medical_inventing.html
This video fits near the beginning of my spectrum of general medical technology. Rober Fischell is proposing some new inventions of his that act as a preventative measure by detecting migraines and heart attacks before they turn serious. One of the major reasons for his inventing these technologies is to improve overall healthcare and reduce the costs in the healthcare industries. It's pretty amazing how fast medical technology is advancing. 50 years ago, this kind of preventative technology would've been the size of a room and unable to be implanted into a person. But now, a small device can be implanted with a small battery that will last for 5 years. As of this video, the devices were under experimental trials.
"MR guided focused ultrasound could have "huge impact" on pancreatic cancer drug delivery"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7QPYl07R10
Here is another example sonography branching out into other fields. Delivery of drugs to the proper location using the least invasive method possible would be a golden standard of care. Noninvasive, outpatient procedures are not only mosre comfortable and quick, but much more cost effective than mobilizing an entire OR team for an endoscopic operation. Soundwaves from ultrasound also carry many less risks than radiometric methods. This video is a little dry to listen to, but the basic idea presented of utilizating now existing diagnostic technologies for leaps in medical treatment is a really neat concept.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrMsDu2f3U0
This video is pretty straightforward. It's a brief interview of a ultrasound technologist at her place of work. She gives some reasons why she loves her field and she explains very briefly the quality of her education. I like also there is a plug in the video that briefly states how important sonography is to many fields, not just OB/GYN.
"Robert Fischell on medical inventing"
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/robert_fischell_on_medical_inventing.html
This video fits near the beginning of my spectrum of general medical technology. Rober Fischell is proposing some new inventions of his that act as a preventative measure by detecting migraines and heart attacks before they turn serious. One of the major reasons for his inventing these technologies is to improve overall healthcare and reduce the costs in the healthcare industries. It's pretty amazing how fast medical technology is advancing. 50 years ago, this kind of preventative technology would've been the size of a room and unable to be implanted into a person. But now, a small device can be implanted with a small battery that will last for 5 years. As of this video, the devices were under experimental trials.
"MR guided focused ultrasound could have "huge impact" on pancreatic cancer drug delivery"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7QPYl07R10
Here is another example sonography branching out into other fields. Delivery of drugs to the proper location using the least invasive method possible would be a golden standard of care. Noninvasive, outpatient procedures are not only mosre comfortable and quick, but much more cost effective than mobilizing an entire OR team for an endoscopic operation. Soundwaves from ultrasound also carry many less risks than radiometric methods. This video is a little dry to listen to, but the basic idea presented of utilizating now existing diagnostic technologies for leaps in medical treatment is a really neat concept.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Film
Medicine Man. Dir. John Mctiernan. Perf. Sean Connery and Lorraine Bracco. Cinergi Pictures, 1992. DVD.
An eccentric scientist sponsered by a large drug company believes he has found the cure for cancer in a remote part of the Amazon rainforest. After he has been there for a couple of years, another scientist is sent to check on him to report on his progress. Dr. Crane (Bracco) is at first skeptical of any progress at all, but is soon convinced that Dr. Campell (Connery) is onto something. They are believed close to finding the cure when loggers threaten the current tribe and research location, so they must flee.
This movies ties in okay to my capstone, but it is definitely on the broadest end of the spectrum. Medicine Man deals more with medical research and biotech themes than diagnostic medicine, but it still discusses Medicine and Health, the origin of my capstone. Even though it has horrible reviews, I enjoyed to movie very much. There are some parts where there is a ton of technobabble when they're doing some experiments, but it's easy enough to understand if you pay attention. The acting, I thought, was right on. I enjoyed it. I wish it had been more specific to my capstone, but it's not the worst choice in the world.
An eccentric scientist sponsered by a large drug company believes he has found the cure for cancer in a remote part of the Amazon rainforest. After he has been there for a couple of years, another scientist is sent to check on him to report on his progress. Dr. Crane (Bracco) is at first skeptical of any progress at all, but is soon convinced that Dr. Campell (Connery) is onto something. They are believed close to finding the cure when loggers threaten the current tribe and research location, so they must flee.
This movies ties in okay to my capstone, but it is definitely on the broadest end of the spectrum. Medicine Man deals more with medical research and biotech themes than diagnostic medicine, but it still discusses Medicine and Health, the origin of my capstone. Even though it has horrible reviews, I enjoyed to movie very much. There are some parts where there is a ton of technobabble when they're doing some experiments, but it's easy enough to understand if you pay attention. The acting, I thought, was right on. I enjoyed it. I wish it had been more specific to my capstone, but it's not the worst choice in the world.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Nonfiction
Guyatt MD, Gordon H., Peter X. Tugwell MD, David H. Feeny PhD, R. B. Haynes PhD, and Michael Drummond DPhil. "A Framework for Clinical Evaluation of Diagnostic Technologies." Canadian Medical Association 143 (1986): 587-94. Http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Web. 9 Apr. 2012.
This article goes back to basics by preaching about how the scientific method should be followed very carefully when it comes to new forms of diagnostic technology. Sure, the source is a little older, but the principles it's flouting are those currently practiced by the FDA, so there must be some historical value at least.
Scientific methodology has undergone little to no changes since its inception, giving a commonality to science that is difficult to find on other fields. This carrys over to medicine and diagnositc technolgy very well.
This article goes back to basics by preaching about how the scientific method should be followed very carefully when it comes to new forms of diagnostic technology. Sure, the source is a little older, but the principles it's flouting are those currently practiced by the FDA, so there must be some historical value at least.
Scientific methodology has undergone little to no changes since its inception, giving a commonality to science that is difficult to find on other fields. This carrys over to medicine and diagnositc technolgy very well.
Fiction
http://www.emilysreadingroom.com/2012/02/partials-by-dan-wells-review.html
Wells, Dan. Partials. New York: Balzer + Bray, 2012. Print.
This book is a dystopian novel where the majority of the human race has been wiped out. A 16 year old medic, Kira, takes it upon herself to cure the human race of the disease that kills all newborns so the human race can repopulate. But to do that, she must capture one of the superhuman killing machines known as a partial in order to study its physiology. The government for her town is severly opposed, so she takes it upon herself to further her research.
As it pertains to my topic funnel, this book works okay. Compared to most YA novels, there is actually a lot about medicine and technology present. As far as I could tell, the information presented and the research methods used by the main character were compatible with current scientific methods. Of course, the research is on a fictional virus. But it is a fiction book, so I can live with that.
"As she flipped through them, she noticed that many of the images were similat, and the compunds seemed to break down into serveral major categories, repeated over and over. She started marking the images, studying the molecules and flagging what looke like key identifiers, separating them into subgroups, teaching the medicomp how to recognize the different pieces" (Wells, 249).
Overall, this book is ok. It loosely covers the topic of medical research and diagnostic technology. The plot is based 70 years in the future, so much of the technology used by the main character is super user friendly push-one-button-to-get-the-answer type of technology. The author does delve into actual science, which is really interesting to read through. The book is obviously geared more towards the cliche love triangle plot for young readers, but the little bits of intelligent writing sustained me through the whole book.
The prevailing view on Goodreads.com seems to be this: Partials almost was really good. The plot is following the current fad of YA dystopian, and the protagonist conquers the big, bad narrow minded adults to save the day, like every single other YA novel. Reviews average four stars, making this book above average, but nothing groundbreaking.
As it pertains to my topic funnel, this book works okay. Compared to most YA novels, there is actually a lot about medicine and technology present. As far as I could tell, the information presented and the research methods used by the main character were compatible with current scientific methods. Of course, the research is on a fictional virus. But it is a fiction book, so I can live with that.
"As she flipped through them, she noticed that many of the images were similat, and the compunds seemed to break down into serveral major categories, repeated over and over. She started marking the images, studying the molecules and flagging what looke like key identifiers, separating them into subgroups, teaching the medicomp how to recognize the different pieces" (Wells, 249).
Overall, this book is ok. It loosely covers the topic of medical research and diagnostic technology. The plot is based 70 years in the future, so much of the technology used by the main character is super user friendly push-one-button-to-get-the-answer type of technology. The author does delve into actual science, which is really interesting to read through. The book is obviously geared more towards the cliche love triangle plot for young readers, but the little bits of intelligent writing sustained me through the whole book.
The prevailing view on Goodreads.com seems to be this: Partials almost was really good. The plot is following the current fad of YA dystopian, and the protagonist conquers the big, bad narrow minded adults to save the day, like every single other YA novel. Reviews average four stars, making this book above average, but nothing groundbreaking.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
My Capstone - Source #10
Bhanap, MD, Bilwa, and Aleksandra Niedzwiecki, PhD. "Dr. Rath Health Foundation." How to Use Diagnostic Technologies Wisely and for the Benefit of Your Health. Dr. Rath Health Foundation, 2010. Web. 11 Apr. 2012. http://www4.dr-rath-foundation.org/NHC/articles/2011_02_02_how_to_use_diagnostic_technologies_wisely.html.
This source is a good general overview of the risks and benefits of various diagnostic technologies, written for the benefit of the patient. It mostly focues on CT scans and other sources of radiation, which is understandably a big concern. The info is published by a nonprofit organization, so bias may be lurking.
My Capstone - Source #9
Wells, Dan. Partials. New York: Balzer + Bray, 2012. Print.
This book is a dystopian novel where the majority of the human race has been wiped out. A 16 year old medic, Kira, takes it upon herself to cure the human race of the disease that kills all newborns so the human race can repopulate. But to do that, she must capture one of the superhuman killing machines known as a partial in order to study its physiology. This source is ok. I like it because it actually focuses some of the plot on the actual process of medical research and not just on the overly-cliche love triangle.
Monday, April 9, 2012
My Capstone - Source #8
MPR. "The Lost Art of Medical Diagnosis." MPR News. Minnesota Public Radio, 28 Mar. 2012. Web. 09 Apr. 2012. http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/03/28/daily-circuit-lost-art-diagnosis/.
This is a radio excert from Minnesota Public Radio. It focuses on patient and doctor communication as the best method for diagnosis, not all the "new-fangled" technology that has been replaced a thorough medical examination. What are the losses to the patient? what is the best use of a doctor's time? both are covered in this radio clip. Interesting.
My Capstone - Source #7
Healthcare Marketplace Project. "How Changes in Medical Technology Affect Health Care Costs." Www.kff.org. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, Mar. 2007. Web. 09 Apr. 2012. http://www.kff.org/insurance/snapshot/chcm030807oth.cfm.
Advances in medical technology of any kind are extremely expensive and, like any good capitalist economy, those costs are passed onto the consumer of said technologies. This article is sponsered by a foundation, so there needs to be caution for bias, but the information given is an interesting overview of diffusion of cost in the US healthcare system and the factors affecting it.
My Capstone - Source #6
Liotta, Lance A., and Emanuel F. Petrocoin. "Regulatory Approval Pathways for Molecular Diagnostic Technology." Molecular Profiling 823 (2012): 409-20. Springerlink.com. Web.
Diagnostic technology is not just a noninvasive filed, there are many, many, many other forms that operate inside the body ar at the molecular level, such as bloodstream tagging for CT scans or bronchoscopies. These have a rigorous approval process through the FDA, even more so than many of the noninvasive technologies. This article gives a basic overview of the different approval paths that a new technology can follow, and it gives some insight as to all the work that goes into bringing a new technology to market.
Diagnostic technology is not just a noninvasive filed, there are many, many, many other forms that operate inside the body ar at the molecular level, such as bloodstream tagging for CT scans or bronchoscopies. These have a rigorous approval process through the FDA, even more so than many of the noninvasive technologies. This article gives a basic overview of the different approval paths that a new technology can follow, and it gives some insight as to all the work that goes into bringing a new technology to market.
My Capstone - Source #5
Guyatt MD, Gordon H., Peter X. Tugwell MD, David H. Feeny PhD, R. B. Haynes PhD, and Michael Drummond DPhil. "A Framework for Clinical Evaluation of Diagnostic Technologies." Canadian Medical Association 143 (1986): 587-94. Http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Web. 9 Apr. 2012.
This article goes back to basics by preaching about how the scientific method should be followed very carefully when it comes to new forms of diagnostic technology. Sure, the source is a little older, but the principles it's flouting are those currently practiced by the FDA, so there must be some historical value at least.
This article goes back to basics by preaching about how the scientific method should be followed very carefully when it comes to new forms of diagnostic technology. Sure, the source is a little older, but the principles it's flouting are those currently practiced by the FDA, so there must be some historical value at least.
My Capstone - Source #4
"Sonography Education." Sonography. Web. 09 Apr. 2012. http://www.sonography.net/sonography-education/.
This source is pretty basic, offering a lot of information on the various education options for sonography. There are local resources which can be of use, as well as national foundations and organizations surrounding the field of DMS. There are also many subfields in DMS, many of which are detailed here.
Friday, March 30, 2012
My Capstone - First Three Sources
Belluz, Julia. "Will the doctor see you know? They're cheaper and often more effective, but old fashoined manual exams are on the decline tahnks to an ever-growing reliance on diagnostic technology." Maclean's 24 Jan. 2011: 44+. Gale Power Search. Web. 29 Mar. 2012.
Medicine is relying more and more on the power of diagnostic technology and less on the tactile perception of doctors, the healing power of touch as it's called. With the increase on technology in every area of human life, it only makes sense that medicine should follow suit, but is this helping or harming patients?
Sherman, Carl. "3-D ultrasound visualizes even minor defects." Family Practice News 1 June 2005: 43. Gale Power Search. Web. 29 Mar. 2012.
Sonography is a very common diagnostic tool and it's been in use for a relatively long time. There are many advancements being made in the field currently as computers have allowed for more powerful rendering of the information provided by the ultrasonic waves. One such recent change is the introduction of 3D ultrasound images. These machines are now in widespread use.
Research into ultrasound technology is usually aimed at the technology itself or the people who run the machines. This article gives an intersting perspective into what's it's like on the other end of the machine, most often pregnant women. Whether they feel that these scans are necessary, whether or not they want these scans, and how many they want are all questions discussed in this article.
Medicine is relying more and more on the power of diagnostic technology and less on the tactile perception of doctors, the healing power of touch as it's called. With the increase on technology in every area of human life, it only makes sense that medicine should follow suit, but is this helping or harming patients?
Sherman, Carl. "3-D ultrasound visualizes even minor defects." Family Practice News 1 June 2005: 43. Gale Power Search. Web. 29 Mar. 2012.
Sonography is a very common diagnostic tool and it's been in use for a relatively long time. There are many advancements being made in the field currently as computers have allowed for more powerful rendering of the information provided by the ultrasonic waves. One such recent change is the introduction of 3D ultrasound images. These machines are now in widespread use.
Stevens, MD, Mark B., Ruby Montefalcon, RN, and David A. Lane, MD. "The Maternal Perspective on Prenatal Ultrasound." Family Practice 49.7 (2000): 601-04. EBSCO. Web. 29 Mar. 2012.
Research into ultrasound technology is usually aimed at the technology itself or the people who run the machines. This article gives an intersting perspective into what's it's like on the other end of the machine, most often pregnant women. Whether they feel that these scans are necessary, whether or not they want these scans, and how many they want are all questions discussed in this article.
Friday, March 2, 2012
REVISED - Rubber Duck Review
Reviews are across the board for this book on the internet. Amazon finds most of the 39 reviewers at five stars, all with praise for this "eye-opening" book. Many reviewers in their post were left wanting more in depth information. One reviewer in particular wished that the authors had tested their children for chemical in their bloodstreams since the entire chapter was about chemical exposure in children. Overall, the book was well recieved on Amazon.
On GoodReads.com, review are a bit more sparing, with mostly three and four stars for the book. Many reviewers praised it as an excellent introduction into the world of everyday chemicals that affect out bodies. A few reviewers focused on the quality of the writing as well as the content. It seems that they did not feel it was a captivating book , but an entertaining read.
Personally speaking, this book was fine, but not extraordinarily good in any way. The authors aren't scientists, and they shouldn't pretend to be. What they did was more for shock value than anything. Too bad that approach works on some people. What they presented was interesting, but much of the infromation could have been found with a few minutes of independent research.
Amber Spaeth
On GoodReads.com, review are a bit more sparing, with mostly three and four stars for the book. Many reviewers praised it as an excellent introduction into the world of everyday chemicals that affect out bodies. A few reviewers focused on the quality of the writing as well as the content. It seems that they did not feel it was a captivating book , but an entertaining read.
Personally speaking, this book was fine, but not extraordinarily good in any way. The authors aren't scientists, and they shouldn't pretend to be. What they did was more for shock value than anything. Too bad that approach works on some people. What they presented was interesting, but much of the infromation could have been found with a few minutes of independent research.
Amber Spaeth
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Example Capstone - Rubber Duck Post #2
Human activities are the major reason for exposure to mercury. It's one of the most toxic elements we can be exposed to. Triclosan is used in antibacterial products. It's use is generally blamed on industries, not individual consumer.
Talking about Triclosan, for a "culture [that] is germ obsessed" (p. 267). Compared to what sanitary condition are in parts of the world, this is pretty true about the US. I myself have a bottle of hand sanitizer in my backpack. I take supplements to boost my immune system because I'm in contact with so many people everyday and I still get sick every 3 or 4 months. I routinely call the world a "petri dish" so I do foster this attitude more than I thought I did. That's why this passage struck me.This book gets a shrug from me. It's certainly not the best book I've ever read, but not the worst either. I generally have a harder time reading nonfiction on my own because it's usually faster for me to look up information in online databases. That way I can find exactly what I'm looking for without wasting 5 hours reading an entire book. So take my reaction with a grain of salt. This book didn't really hold my attention or interest. A lot of the information I already knew because everyone in my family, including myself, is a health nut. So Mercury, BPA, Teflon, Flouride, Pesticides, yada yada yada, is old news. I suspect the authors of this book we're going for the shock factor with their information, but, since I knew a lot of this info, I wasn't lured in. I'm less than lukewarm for this book, but not freezing cold. In one word: Meh.
Example Capstone - Position Paper
The environment is an indelible part of human life, so it's important to worry about it. Whether it is everyday chemicals, large scale pollution, or endangered species, every single person on this planet has a stake. To be hands off is just unreasonable. Not everyone should be a picketing activist though, that's crazy talk.
Everyday items contain many chemicals that the average Joe can barely pronounce. A hundred years ago, if someone bought beef, it was just that: Beef. No hormones, no antibiotics, free range, and grass fed. The same cannot be said today. It's a lot of work to find food that contains only what is expected with no unpronounceable surprises. The same goes for everyday, around-the-house items like soaps, cleaners, shampoos, Tupperware, etc. Sure, there is a point where it becomes a waste to try and avoid certain chemicals and whatnot, but why not put forth the utmost effort? We're given one body to take care of, so we should treat it like our most prized possession.
There are many relatively new chemicals and compounds permeating our everyday lives of which the long term effects are unknown. People used to play with Mercury with their bare hands until it was found out that Mercury is uber bad. People also used to think tanning beds would give you skin cancer from one use, but it has been decided that they're no more of a carcinogen than the Sun. My point is, things change. If all the chemicals floating around are definitively proved harmless, good for us. The worst case scenario is I'm out a few bucks from buying believed "safer" items. Big deal. So I have to wait a couple years to buy a new car. At least I'll be here to drive it. Any price is a small price to pay for a healthy body. If the opposite proves true and these chemicals are deadlier than a drunk grandma texting and driving, well then, I'm ahead of the curve. The choice is easy: the environment is part of us all, so taking care of it and watching what new compounds we, as humans, introduce into the world is a necessity.
Amber Spaeth
Everyday items contain many chemicals that the average Joe can barely pronounce. A hundred years ago, if someone bought beef, it was just that: Beef. No hormones, no antibiotics, free range, and grass fed. The same cannot be said today. It's a lot of work to find food that contains only what is expected with no unpronounceable surprises. The same goes for everyday, around-the-house items like soaps, cleaners, shampoos, Tupperware, etc. Sure, there is a point where it becomes a waste to try and avoid certain chemicals and whatnot, but why not put forth the utmost effort? We're given one body to take care of, so we should treat it like our most prized possession.
There are many relatively new chemicals and compounds permeating our everyday lives of which the long term effects are unknown. People used to play with Mercury with their bare hands until it was found out that Mercury is uber bad. People also used to think tanning beds would give you skin cancer from one use, but it has been decided that they're no more of a carcinogen than the Sun. My point is, things change. If all the chemicals floating around are definitively proved harmless, good for us. The worst case scenario is I'm out a few bucks from buying believed "safer" items. Big deal. So I have to wait a couple years to buy a new car. At least I'll be here to drive it. Any price is a small price to pay for a healthy body. If the opposite proves true and these chemicals are deadlier than a drunk grandma texting and driving, well then, I'm ahead of the curve. The choice is easy: the environment is part of us all, so taking care of it and watching what new compounds we, as humans, introduce into the world is a necessity.
Amber Spaeth
Example Capstone - Slow Death By Rubber Duck review
Reviews are across the board for this book on the internet. Amazon finds most of the 39 reviewers at five stars, all with praise for this "eye-opening" book. Many reviewers in their post were left wanting more in depth information. One reviewer in particular wished that the authors had tested their children for chemical in their bloodstreams since the entire chapter was about chemical exposure in children. Overall, the book was well recieved on Amazon.
On GoodReads.com, review are a bit more sparing, with mostly three and four stars for the book. Many reviewers praised it as an excellent introduction into the world of everyday chemicals that affect out bodies. A few reviewers focused on the quality of the writing as well as the content. It seems that they did not feel it was a captivating book , but an entertaining read.
I tend to fall more toward the GoodReads.com camp. This book was fine, but not extraordinarily good in any way. The authors aren't scientists, and they shouldn't pretend to be. I think what they did was more for shock value than anything. Too bad that approach works on some people. What they presented was interesting, but it was all stuff I could've found out reading for five minutes online.
Amber Spaeth
On GoodReads.com, review are a bit more sparing, with mostly three and four stars for the book. Many reviewers praised it as an excellent introduction into the world of everyday chemicals that affect out bodies. A few reviewers focused on the quality of the writing as well as the content. It seems that they did not feel it was a captivating book , but an entertaining read.
I tend to fall more toward the GoodReads.com camp. This book was fine, but not extraordinarily good in any way. The authors aren't scientists, and they shouldn't pretend to be. I think what they did was more for shock value than anything. Too bad that approach works on some people. What they presented was interesting, but it was all stuff I could've found out reading for five minutes online.
Amber Spaeth
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