Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Dawn Davis, M.D.  Psoriasis is a health condition commonly seen in primary care but one which has evolved significantly in both how we understand the disease as well as how it’s managed. At one time, psoriasis was considered primarily a skin disorder; however, we now know it’s part of a systemic inflammatory disease with potential involvement of multiple organ…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Dawn Davis, M.D.  Acne and rosacea are two very common skin conditions seen in primary care, yet at times both the diagnosis and management can be challenging. While acne most commonly develops in adolescence, it can present in adulthood. Rosacea is often misdiagnosed or at times completely unrecognized. What…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guests: Jake Eide, M.D. & Rijul Kshirsagar, M.D.  Skull base tumors are not commonly seen in a primary care practice, yet it’s important for us to recognize them when they do present. These tumors can be either benign or malignant, however because of their proximity to important structures in the brain, even benign tumors can…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Regis Fernandes, M.D.  We’ve known for some time that patients who have hypertension and diabetes are at increased risk for developing subsequent cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. It’s now being thought that these health problems are related and interconnected, representing Kidney-Cardiovascular Metabolic Syndrome. They form a pathophysiologic triad driven by shared mechanisms where disease in one…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Joshua M. Romero, M.D.  Pickleball has become one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S., especially among older adults. This rapid rise in popularity has also resulted in a significant number and variety of sports-related injuries. It’s important for primary care clinicians to recognize the most common injuries and their risk factors. We should also discuss preventive…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Stacey Rizza, M.D.  Although vector-borne illnesses can be acquired by travel to distant parts of the world, some can be acquired here in the U.S. As a result, these infections become pertinent to primary care clinicians as they can produce serious complications. When should we suspect a vector-borne illness in a patient? How do we distinguish it from other viral syndromes?…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Stacey Rizza, M.D.  Lyme Disease is a tick-borne illness commonly seen in various parts of the country. Despite its common occurrence in the primary care practice, it’s associated with confusion and controversy. From the presenting symptoms, occasional ambiguous serologic results, to managing patients with persistent symptoms following treatment, primary…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Stacey Rizza, M.D.  We’ve now had our second outbreak of a potentially deadly infectious disease. Hantavirus has been diagnosed in several individuals and most recently just under 100 cases of Ebola Virus have been confirmed along with several hundred suspected cases. Ebola virus is caused by several species of the Ebola…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Benjamin Lai, M.D.  Substance use disorders are chronic and often relapsing conditions associated with compulsive substance use. They result from a complex interaction of chemistry within the brain, often combined with genetic and environmental issues. Common substances involve alcohol, stimulants, sedatives and opioids; opioids commonly prescribed by health care clinicians. Early identification of…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Michael Mueller, M.D.  Fibromyalgia is a chronic health problem commonly seen in a primary care setting. It can be challenging to diagnose and even more so to manage. It can have a devastating effect on a patient’s lifestyle, and patients will commonly go from provider to provider seeking relief for their…