Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Forrest Sturgill, M.D.  Parkinson’s Disease is a relatively common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as bradykinesia, rigidity and resting tremor, as well as non-motor symptoms such as autonomic dysfunction, mood disorders and cognitive changes. The diagnosis is established with a medical history and physical exam. Parkinson’s is truly a disorder where the neurologist needs to…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Rodolfo Savica, M.D., Ph.D.  We commonly see Parkinson’s Disease in our older patients, but have you ever seen it present in a child or young adult? It can happen. Whereas Parkinson’s Disease in an older patient is likely to be idiopathic, we need to consider genetic conditions as well…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Vinaya Simha, M.B.B.S., M.D.  For years, we saw very little change in the management of type 2 diabetes. However, over the past decade, numerous new pharmacologic treatment options, innovations in glucose monitoring, and new insulin delivery systems have become available. We’ve also seen a new philosophy regarding the goals of diabetes management. What are the latest medications for diabetes…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Robert Pignolo, M.D., Ph.D.  Our population is aging as our life expectancy increases with time. In general, we’re living longer than those before us. Aging is an interesting concept; we all want to achieve old age, but it’s not something we look forward to. What we really want is to maintain our physical, mental and social well-being in order to achieve a high…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Bhanu Kolla, M.D.  We commonly take sleep for granted. That is, until our sleep quantity or quality is compromised. This can result in both mental and physical health problems, including daytime fatigue and sleepiness. Sleep disorders are quite common and often undiagnosed, yet they can contribute to diabetes, cognitive impairment, and cardiovascular disease, potentially…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Brittni A. Scruggs, M.D., Ph.D.  There are a variety of eye disorders which involve the retina, and they all have the potential to cause significant vision loss or blindness if not detected early. Two of the most common retinal disorders we see in primary care include diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Since most…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Stephen Kopecky, M.D.  Cardiovascular disease is highly prevalent in our society. Fortunately, we have a variety of treatment options to lower the risk of developing its complications. Over the past decade, there’ve been many changes in managing hyperlipidemia, one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This includes a change in assessing our patients’…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Kathryn del Valle, M.D.  Chronic liver disease can result in a variety of complications which can involve multiple organs. One of these complications can occur in the pulmonary vascular system. Two of the most clinically significant include hepatopulmonary syndrome and Portopulmonary hypertension. Patients with these syndromes may present to their primary care provider and if the medical condition…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Stephen Ansell, M.D., Ph.D.  Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is a group of hematologic malignancies originating in the lymphatic system. There are over 60 subtypes of lymphoma with varying degrees of aggressiveness. It can present with a variety of rather subtle symptoms, often making the diagnosis challenging. Although Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is typically managed by a hematologist or…

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.  Guest: Stephen Ansell, M.D., Ph.D.  Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is an uncommon but very curable malignancy involving the lymphatic system. It most commonly presents in young adults as well as middle-aged and older individuals. Although Hodgkin’s is generally managed by hematologists or oncologists, the primary care provider plays a major role in its recognition, hopefully leading to a timely diagnosis…