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Why Bother With Research

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An intriguing article recently appeared in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery titled “Research – why bother?” (vol. 40, issue 12, page 1346, December 2011) written by G. Dimitroulis. The article discusses of oral and maxillofacial surgery needs research to make itself known as a professional body and not as just a technical trade. A brief mention is made that dual degree programs place time pressures on trainees at the expense of research. The author mentions how head and neck surgical oncology is shared by a number of surgical specialties with mutual interest. The author states “We cannot rely rely on the research experience of other surgical specialties if we are to secure the respect and trust of our medical and surgical colleagues from other disciplines who also have a mutual interest in head and neck oncology.” The … Read more

Getting published in peer-reviewed journals

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An interesting article appears in the December 2011 issue of the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (vol. 40, issue 12, pages 1342-1345) titled “Getting published in peer-reviewed journals,” by G. Dimitroulis. The author opens by saying “Writing a paper for publication in a peer-reviewed journal is a rewarding experience. Even though there are no direct financial incentives for publishing in peer-reviewed journals, thousands of manuscripts are produced each year which compete for the limited journal space available worldwide. In other words, there is a sense of pride and achievement behind every published journal article that has its own rewards for which money plays no role.” Journal articles can be published to help comment or criticize the work of others, to synthesize and build a consensus about what is presently known, to announce new work, to serve as training … Read more

Perioperative Information for Third Molar (Wisdom Teeth) Removal

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A recent study titled “An Evaluation of Patients’ Knowledge About Perioperative Information for Third Molar Removal,” appears in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (vol. 70, pages 12 – 18, 2012). The study attempts to look at what patients know about third molar (wisdom teeth) removal before having surgery performed. The study was conducted by authors in Brazil and Kentucky (United States). The study explains on being nervous and anxious before having wisdom teeth removed can actually cause a longer surgery, more potential swelling, and even more pain. Hence there is incentive for the surgeon and the surgical team to help produce a calming environment for patients to help reduce anxiety which can lead to potentially better outcomes. The study had 67 patients which included 43 female and 24 males who had 1 or more wisdom tooth removed. The … Read more

Headache and Pain Infographic: All About Headaches

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Here is an interesting infographic on headaches from the Mount Sinai Medical Center. The infographic offers statistics on those who suffer from headaches and also offers some remedies to help cure your headache and ease the pain.

Medical School Student Costs in the U.S. are Affecting Mental Health

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A research letter titled “U.S. Medical Students’ Health Insurance Coverage for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment” published in the Journal of the American Medical Association  vol. 306, no.9, pages 931-933, in September 7, 2011, and written by Rachel Nardin and et al. discusses how medical students are often sleep-deprived, depressed, and have thoughts of suicide. This can lead to lack of empathy for their patients and contribute to additional medical errors once they graduate. It can also lead to substance abuse. Even so these medical students are not being adequately treated for their psychiatric disorder or substance abuse due to wanting to avoid adding additional costs to their already substantial debt from school. It is a fact that about 50% of those with a serious mental disorder also suffer from a substance abuse disorder. The study looked at health insurance offered … Read more