Antibiotics: Beta-lactams
Learning goals Compare and contrast the mechanism of action, spectrum of activity, main clinical uses, and toxicities of the four main subclasses of beta-lactams Describe the mechanisms of resistance used by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria against the various beta-lactam antibiotics Name the beta-lactamase inhibitors and describe their role and limitations as an antimicrobial Name beta-lactams […]
Endocarditis
Learning goals Describe the classification, predisposing factors, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) Compare and contrast the common microbiologic causes for acute, subacute, native, and prosthetic valve endocarditis Describe the pharmacologic treatment of infective endocarditis and conditions where surgery is considered Required study materials These are required materials that will help maximize […]
Gram-positive cocci
Learning goals Classify staphylococci and streptococci species according to their microbiologic properties (morphologic features, chemical and/or antigenic identification, and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms) Compare and contrast the pathogenesis, virulence factors, and clinical presentation of infections due to Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase negative staphylococcus Compare and contrast the environmental niches and most common clinical diseases associated with […]
Assessing reliability and validity in diagnostic and screening tests
Learning Goals Define validity and reliability Compare measures of validity, including sensitivity and specificity Define positive and negative predictive value Calculate and interpret sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value Describe and interpret a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve Define validity and reliability Validity of screening tests The validity of a test is […]
Critical appraisal of a retrospective cohort study
In this session, we will assess a paper that is a retrospective cohort study about the Prevention of Neisseria gonorrhoeae with Meningococcal B Vaccine. Learning goals Learning activities Required reading Demonstrate respectful, constructive, adaptive interactions with peers and/or facilitators, including punctual attendance, advanced preparation, professionalism, and giving and receiving feedback. Describe how to appraise a […]
Critical appraisal of a retrospective cohort study (Facilitator)
In this session, we will assess a paper that is a retrospective cohort study about the Prevention of Neisseria gonorrhoeae with Meningococcal B Vaccine. Learning goals Learning activities Required reading Demonstrate respectful, constructive, adaptive interactions with peers and/or facilitators, including punctual attendance, advanced preparation, professionalism, and giving and receiving feedback. Describe how to appraise a […]
Pterygopalatine fossa
Optional reading Moore, Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 9th ed., Pterygopalatine fossa section through The bottom line: Pterygopalatine fossa. The pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) is a small, bilateral bony space immediately behind the maxilla. Shaped like an inverted teardrop, it is about the size of a thumbnail. Bony borders Anterior: Posterior surface of maxilla. Posterior: Anterior surface of […]
Root of the neck
Optional reading Moore, Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 9th ed., Deep structures of neck section through Nerves in root of neck. The root of the neck (base of the neck, cervicothoracic region) is important because it is the region of continuity between the neck and thorax, and the neck and upper limbs. It can be somewhat confusing […]
Additional resources and references
Additional resources Tulane. https://tmedweb.tulane.edu/pharmwiki/doku.php/intro_to_antiarrhythmics Kim, C.J. et al. Antiarrhythmic drugs and anaesthesia: part 1. mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias. BJA Education, Volume 23, Issue 1, 8–16. https://www.bjaed.org/article/S2058-5349(22)00141-X/fulltext Kim, C.J. et al. Antiarrhythmic drugs and anaesthesia. Part 2: pharmacotherapy. BJA Education, Volume 23, Issue 2, 52–60. https://www.bjaed.org/article/S2058-5349(22)00147-0/fulltext TikTok with helpful memory aids: https://www.tiktok.com/@medschoolbro/video/7235035002306579718?lang=en References Antiarrhythmic Drugs. In: Stringer JL. eds. Basic […]
Self-assessment questions
Source The following self-assessment questions were adapted from: Antiarrhythmic Drugs. In: Kruidering-Hall M, Katzung BG, Tuan R, Vanderah TW. eds. Katzung’s Pharmacology Examination & Board Review, 14th Edition. McGraw Hill; 2024. Accessed January 10, 2026.  Question 1 of 5 A 54-year-old airline pilot is admitted to the emergency department with chest pain and a rapid heart rhythm. The ECG […]