The use of live animals in surgical residency programs has been a controversial issue that has gained attention in recent years. Despite advancements in technology, some programs still rely on live animal models for training aspiring surgeons. A case in point is the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), which continues to use live pigs
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Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, recently welcomed its first class of medical students at the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine – the latest addition to the city’s thriving medical education landscape. The partnership with U.S. healthcare giant HCA Healthcare has brought about an exciting opportunity for aspiring physicians to receive top-notch training and
Recent studies have shown promising results when it comes to the effects of intermittent calorie restriction on brain health in older adults. An exploratory pilot study conducted on 40 overweight, cognitively intact older adults with insulin resistance revealed some interesting findings that suggest intermittent fasting could improve executive function and memory measures. The study compared
The recent vote by the Genetic Metabolic Diseases Advisory Committee regarding the investigational treatment for Niemann-Pick disease type C has sparked a variety of opinions among members. While the majority of the committee agreed on the treatment’s efficacy, there were still lingering concerns expressed by some of the advisors. In a close 11-5 vote, the
The FDA recently granted accelerated approval to afamitresgene autoleucel (afami-cel, Tecelra) for the treatment of advanced synovial sarcoma. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first engineered cell therapy indicated for a solid tumor. Afami-cel is an autologous T-cell immunotherapy that is specifically indicated for adults with unresectable or metastatic synovial sarcoma who
Recent epidemiological research based on the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) has shed light on the relationship between urinary metal levels and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality. Findings from this study indicate that certain non-essential and essential metals found in urine are associated with an increased risk of CVD and mortality over a period
The recently released proposed Medicare fee schedule for physicians and healthcare professionals in 2025 has caused quite a stir in the medical community. It is evident that the Medicare “conversion factor” (CF) is set to be lower than it has been in decades. This reduction in the CF means that many healthcare professionals who serve
The recent approval by the FDA of the Shield blood test for colorectal cancer screening in adults ages 45 and older has presented a significant advancement in the field of cancer detection. Guardant Health, the company behind the test, announced that Shield is the first blood test to receive FDA approval as a primary screening
Dengue, the world’s most common mosquito-borne virus, has become a poster child for the 21st century’s explosion of epidemic, vector-borne blights. The recent Health Advisory from the CDC reveals alarming statistics about the rapid spread of dengue. In 2023, there were 4.6 million reported cases of dengue in the Americas, but by June 24 of
The potential approval of MDMA-assisted therapy for treating PTSD has been a beacon of hope for many veterans and advocates in the psychedelic community. The research conducted by MAPS and other organizations has shown promising results in alleviating symptoms of PTSD in individuals who have not found relief from traditional treatments like antidepressants. The possibility