COVID-19: On The Frontlines

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how we practice medicine in a variety of ways, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, a recently developed AI model can help us predict the disease course of patients infected with COVID-19, and here to share how that model was developed based on pandemics of the past and how it can be used in the current—and even future—pandemics is Dr. Pradipta Ghosh, Professor of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at UC San Diego.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many patients turned to alcohol as a way to cope with this sudden and unprecedented global health crisis, and the rates of alcohol dependency are only continuing to rise according to recent studies. That’s why Dr. Charles Turck speaks with board-certified clinical toxicologist Dr. Alberto Augsten to help us better understand the challenges in screening patients for alcohol dependency amid the COVID-19 pandemic and how we can overcome those barriers to get our patients the best—and necessary—treatment.

Published August 20, 2021

With all of the chaos and changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be easy to focus on the negative impacts of this global health crisis. But for one physician, the same chaos and changes are exactly what forged his unique perspective: one that recognizes the benefits that has come out of the pandemic.

Joining Dr. Charles Turck to share why he believes the COVID-19 pandemic has changed healthcare for the better is primary care physician Dr. Shantanu Nundy, author of a recent article published in The Washington Post titled, “A Surprising Pandemic Side Effect: It Has Improved Healthcare.”

Published June X, 2021

The quarantine blues may have come to an end, but as the country continues to reopen, a whole new set of mental health challenges are just beginning. So how can we help our patients who found comfort in social distancing and mask-wearing mandates navigate this change and return to public places? To find out, Dr. Charles Turck speaks with psychiatrist Dr. Gail Saltz, who discusses the lasting effects of the quarantine blues, how we can help patients who are suffering from anxiety, and more.

As the number of new COVID-19 infections continues to decrease and the United States begins to open back up, it’s important to note that there are patients who have survived COVID-19 but are still suffering. The newly coined term “COVID long-haulers” refers to those patients who continue to have symptoms even after the acute infection is resolved. Joining Dr. Andrew Wilner to share what we know so far about COVID long-haulers and how we can help them is vascular biologist Dr. William Li.

Can new mask technology made with innovative materials better protect us from the coronavirus? Dr. Charles Turck speaks with Chris Cooper, Chief Science Officer and CEO of Airlock389, on improving mask technology after the supply shortage of masks during COVID-19.

Without an available vaccine, our pediatric patients can transmit COVID-19. With that in mind, how should pediatric practices adapt? Joining Dr. Jennifer Shu to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on pediatric care is Dr. Ramiz Kseri, a dually board-certified Internist and Pediatrician and an Assistant Professor of Clinical Sciences at Florida State University College of Medicine

What are some factors leading to disparities in care for our LGBTQ patients, and how do we keep them safe amid the pandemic? Dr. Jennifer Shu is joined by Dr. Ramiz Kseri, an Internist and Pediatrician and an Assistant Professor of Clinical Sciences at Florida State University College of Medicine, to discuss how the LGBTQ community is affected by COVID-19 and other health risks.

The pandemic continues to wreak havoc across the world, but a new deep learning computer model may have discovered ten potential treatment options to combat COVID-19. Dr. Charles Turck sits down with Dr. Ping Zhang, who leads the Artificial Intelligence in Medicine Lab and a faculty member at the Translational Data Analytics Institute at The Ohio State University, to discuss his team's findings.

Published March 29, 2021

As clinicians on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re among the first to hear about our patients’ fears of the vaccines’ validity and safety. So how can we help address their concerns? ReachMD hosts Dr. Jennifer Caudle and Dr. John Russell sit down together to talk about how we can counsel patients who may be hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Published March 16, 2021

Since the COVID-19 vaccines received an emergency use authorization, tracking possible adverse reactions in real time becomes even more important. But what are some of the limitations we’re facing in doing so, and how can we overcome them? To find out, Dr. Jennifer Caudle speaks with Dr. Paul Jarris, Chief Medical Advisor for MITRE Corporation.

In celebration of our “Heroes in Healthcare,” Dr. Matt Birnholz continues to commend our nominees for their valuable contributions to the field of medicine, taking strides to save lives and make a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Matt Birnholz reviews more nominees for our Heroes in Healthcare program and what their peers have to say about their efforts.

In pediatric patients, can the influenza and pneumococcal vaccines impact the COVID-19 disease course? Dr. Jennifer Caudle joins Dr. Anjali Patwardhan, a pediatric rheumatologist at the University of Missouri Healthcare, to discuss COVID-19 in pediatric patients who’ve been vaccinated for influenza and pneumococcal.

Published March 16, 2021

In honor of our “Heroes in Healthcare” initiative, Dr. Matt Birnholz recounts some of the many healthcare professionals nominated by their peers who’ve bravely helped their patients combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

With so many COVID-19 vaccines in development, new medical ethical questions have been brought to the forefront of the healthcare field. With that in mind, Dr. John Russell takes us through the history of ethics and vaccinations throughout the world.

Published January 4, 2021

The risk of COVID-19 has become a significant factor to consider when selecting between SBRT and surgery for patients with early-stage lung cancer. Dr. Abigail Berman, a radiation oncologist at the University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center in Philadelphia, discusses how she works with patients to decide on the best treatment for them.

During this unprecedented time, finding the best approach to providing treatment for patients with thyroid cancer can be a challenge. Endocrinologist Dr. Lauren Brooks of Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health shares some of her approaches to this dilemma and stresses the importance of keeping up on routine practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published September 28, 2020

Access to breast cancer screening and treatment can be difficult for women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, healthcare professionals are finding ways to overcome these barriers. Dr. Ann Steiner, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Penn Medicine, compares her practice to before COVID-19 and explains how testing for breast cancer patients has changed.

Published September 23, 2020

When it’s not safe for a patient to come into the office, what can we do to help patients manage their breast pain at home? Dr. Ann Steiner, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Penn Medicine, explains how COVID-19 has influenced lifestyle and dietary habits and how simple changes can go a long way in managing breast pain.

Published September 23, 2020