Medical Therapeutic Notes

Given your upcoming oral exam in 2 days, here’s a strategy incorporating the provided notes:

1. Day 1: Focused Review

   • Prioritize: Focus thoroughly on major topics such as Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), Myeloproliferative Disorder (MPN), Diarrhea, Constipation, Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD), Liver Cirrhosis, Hepatic Encephalopathy, Portal Hypertension, GI Bleeding, Acute & Chronic Pancreatitis, and Hemorrhoid.

   • Understand Definitions and Etiologies: Ensure you can define each condition and explain its etiology. For example, clearly differentiate between the causes of acute versus chronic pancreatitis or the different types of GI bleeding.

   • Key Signs and Symptoms: Master the signs and symptoms for each condition. Pay special attention to distinguishing symptoms like those of upper vs. lower GI bleeding or the unique signs present in liver cirrhosis (e.g., spider angiomata).

   • Diagnostic Approaches: Review the essential lab tests (e.g., CBC, electrolyte levels) and imaging techniques (e.g., CT scans, ultrasounds) used to diagnose each condition.

   • Treatment Strategies: Understand the primary treatments for each condition, including medications (e.g., Azacytidine for MDS, antibiotics for bacterial diarrhea) and surgical options where applicable.

2. Day 2: Integration and Application

   • Differential Diagnoses: Solidify your understanding by comparing and contrasting similar conditions. For instance, differentiate between Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia, or between various causes of diarrhea.

   • Complications: Review potential complications for each disease, such as infection and bleeding in AML or cirrhosis complications like ascites and encephalopathy.

   • Practice Questions: Create or find practice questions that mimic the oral exam format. Focus on questions