Month: March 2017
CRC Awareness
By Nickey Jafari Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world, resulting in 8.8 million deaths in 2015 alone1. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer globally2 and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States3. While your risk of colon cancer generally increases with age, a recent study from the American Cancer Society shows rates of colon and rectal cancer are increasing in younger populations, with those born in 1990 having double the risk of colon cancer and quadruple the risk of rectal cancer as those born in 1950. Other important risk factors are having inflammatory bowel disease, a family history of colorectal cancer, and certain genetic syndromes e.g. Lynch syndrome4. Lifestyle risk factors that are important to note since they are amenable to modification include lack of regular physical activity, low-fiber diets, lack of adequate fruit and vegetable consumption, and...
It’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!
By Anya Dyurgerova In February 2000, President Clinton officially dedicated March as National Colon Cancer Awareness Month and March 3rd is national dress in blue day to raise awareness for Colorectal Cancer. But why is colorectal cancer so important? Worldwide, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in males (746,000 cases, 10.0% of total cancers) and the second in females (614,000 cases, 9.2% of total cancers) . It is the third most common cause of cancer death in the United States with 134,490 new cases and 49,190 deaths each year. However with early screening cancer can be found before it is advanced, greatly improving long term prognosis. Age is the biggest risk factor for sporadic (non-hereditary) CRC, and the risk increases in those greater than 50 years old. Other risk factors for sporadic CRC include inflammatory bowel disease, history of abdominal radiation, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, excess alcohol...
The History of the Match and the Perspective From One Medical Student’s Journey
By Hilary McCrary, MPH Throughout all of medical school, I always looked up to the current fourth year students. They seemed so seasoned and prepared to make the transition from student to doctor. The fourth year of medical school is also highly anticipated, as it is what medical students perceive as the first time they are solely focusing on their chosen career and traveling across the country for either away rotations or interviews. Now that I am towards the end of this process, I have had time to reflect on all of the components that go into the Match and what is takes to get there. The Match process was created in 1952 as a way to address concerns related to institutions offering a spot for residency training earlier than other competing institutions.1 This previous design put pressure on applicants to accept multiple appointments, as positions were typically offered over...
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!
By: Heather Yeo, MD, MHS March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month an important time to talk about Colorectal Cancer, because it is a time of national focus and provides an opportunity for education and prevention for a common, but often “hidden” form of cancer. One of the reasons that I decided to spend my life treating colorectal cancer is because of the exciting progress that has been made in its detection, understanding, and treatment over the last decade and the potential for even greater progress on the horizon. While I deal with colorectal cancer every day, as I am caring for my patients, I am always researching ways to improve their care and quality of life. A few key points I would like patients to think about: Prevention is Key. There are certain risk factors that we know put individuals at higher risk, for example, consumption of red meat, smoking,...
Negotiating Your Worth
By Melany Hughes Hiring Entity “No. That won’t work for us.” Job-Seeking Physician “Ok, that’s fine then.” I’m not going to cry. I’m not going to cry. Ugh, are those tears? Am I crying? Did they notice? Hiring Entity “Do you need a minute?” Job-Seeking Physician Noooooooooooooooooo In our worst nightmares, this is the scenario we think could unfold if we dare make demands during contract and business negotiations. Of course, in reality, it will never happen but the fear of lacking control and losing dignity can be so strong that it compels contract seekers to make no demands and to agree to everything that is proposed; just because it is easier. Women have a tendency to internalize all the cultural, societal, religious and historical characterizations that define us as the “fairer” sex. But let me make it clear that although there is a time and a place for taking...
The Greenberg Spike: How speaking out on implicit bias and gender equity in surgery continues to trend
By Marissa A. Boeck When #ILookLikeASurgeon went viral in August 2015, many expected a short lived hashtag. Yet Dr. Caprice Greenberg, the president of the Association for Academic Surgery (AAS), has shown the conversation on diversity, inclusion, and equity in surgery is far from over. During the recent AAS and Society of University Surgeons (SUS) 12th annual conference in Las Vegas, Nevada around 2,000 medical students, residents, fellows, and attendings gathered to network, mentor, collaborate, and discuss academic surgery. Despite the abundance of stiff competition, the AAS Presidential Address “Sticky Floors and Glass Ceilings” by Dr. Greenberg stole the show. All those packed into the large event hall immediately knew the focus: women in surgery. This subject continues to be pertinent and necessary to discuss despite many notable advances, such as both the current and incoming presidents of the AAS and SUS being female. Yet Dr. Greenberg steered the conversation...