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What Will It Mean To You When You Finally Break Into Medical Writing?

ByNicola

If you’ve made it this far to find this article, chances are you’re a clinician or scientist who’s trying to break into a career in medical writing, whether on a full-time basis or as a side hustle. Firstly, congratulations on your continued pursuit—medical writing is a diverse and interesting field that offers an endless supply…

Mushroom Compound Improves Survival in Canine Hemangiosarcoma

ByNicola

In dogs with hemangiosarcoma, treatment with a compound originating from the Coriolus versicolor mushroom was shown to result in survival times longer than any recorded so far in dogs with this condition. ‘ Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive form of cancer with a high metastatic rate that originates in endothelial cells that line blood vessels. This tumor…

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The Link Between Animal Cruelty and Interpersonal Abuse

ByNicola

Did you know that April was “Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month”? j Each year, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) “urges supporters across the country to support our efforts and Go Orange for Animals in honor of the signing of the ASPCA’s charter in 1866.” No other relationship has…

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Why Kids With Pets May Be Less Likely To Develop Asthma

ByNicola

Researchers find that pets may actually help to reduce allergies.   July 13th – children who grow up with a dog in the house may be less likely to develop allergies and respiratory infections later on in life, new research suggests. Kei Fujimura, PhD, and colleagues, presented their findings on June 19th at the 112th General Meeting…

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Physicians Should Be Aware of Self-Medication Errors in Patients

ByNicola

Physicians should be reminded of the potential for medication errors by pet-owning patients and veterinarians as a result of self-medication. This was the message from a case reported in a clinical communication to the editor by Harmeet Singh Narula, MD, from the Department of Medicine, SUNY Stony Brook, NY, in this month’s American Journal of…

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Zoonoses in the Bedroom

ByNicola

Many pet owners were not too happy with the release of a manuscript by veterinarians Bruno B. Chomel and Ben Sun in the February 2011 issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases from the Centers for Disease Control. Their article “Zoonoses in the Bedroom” discussed the fact that sleeping with pets has the potential for serious health risks. …

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New Bill Aims To Unite Disabled Veterans With Shelter Dogs

ByNicola

The House of Representatives last week passed a bill introduced by NY Congressman Michael Grimm, himself a Marine veteran, that will help both dogs and servicemembers. The legislation establishes a pilot program in VA medical centers whereby veterans with PTSD will receive instruction in the handling and training of shelter dogs.  Abandoned dogs in animal…

Paying It Forward

ByNicola

Last week I spent 5 days in Ames, Iowa for the annual board certification exam of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP). Thankfully I wasn’t a candidate, but rather a member of the ACVP Examination Committee that actually constructs and administers the exam each year. I’ve been on the committee since 2007, and this…