Volume 3 Issue 3 – January 2007
Current Concepts: The Asthma Epidemic – An NEJM Review Article
W. Eder et al., NEJM, November 23 2006, Vol 355 (21)
Asthma prevalence and incidence is rising in both the Western world and the developing countries. The complexity of the illness has continued to call for further understanding in the diverse determinants of its onset. And while no single test can be used to identify asthma with full certainty, Dr. Waltaud Eder and colleagues summarized two standards for diagnosis, and describes several factors that could impact the condition in patients.
The Ethics and Politics of Compulsory HPV Vaccination – An NEJM Perspectives Article
J. Colgrove, NEJM, December 7 2006, Vol 355 (23)
With the approval of the Food and Drug Administration’s licensing of a vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV), lawmakers are starting to consider legislation that would make the vaccination a requirement for girls entering sixth grade. While certain advocacy groups have vehemently opposed this new possibility, seeing the vaccine as yet another issue to polarize the debate of “science vs. religion,” others see other perspectives in framing the debate.
Prevention of Antigenically Drifted Influenza by Inactivated and Live-Attenuated Vaccines – An NEJM Original Article
Ohmit et al., NEJM, December 14 2006, Vol 355 (24)
Using randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, Dr. Suzanne Ohmit and her colleagues evaluated the efficacies of influenza vaccines that were developed by both inactivated and live attenuated forms of the virus. This analysis is especially important during years when the virus affecting the general population is deemed to have drifted from the strains included in the common vaccine.
Pathways Through Medicine: Alternative Careers in Medicine
As an example of someone who has taken an alternative career to clinical practice, Dr. John Wesley from the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Rhoads Research Foundation shares his experiences the healthcare industry. Not only has Dr. Wesley been a part of the foundation, he has also extensively worked in pharmaceuticals and biomedical technologies development. His path in medicine shines light on a road that is perhaps less considered by most pre-medical students.
NextGen Staff Editorial: Brave New World – A Realistic Look at Issues Affecting Doctors Today
Editor-in-Chief Serene Chen on the premedical decision and new series for NextGen
