Behind the scenes: Dr. A Show 135

In case you missed it, here are some behind the scenes video from the making of Doctor Anonymous Show 135. If you would like to see more behind the scenes footage from previous shows, become a Facebook Fan of the show!

Show 136 Wrap-up

Who would ever do a live internet radio show on the day after Christmas? Well, I did. Can you believe that? On Doctor Anonymous Show 136, I talked about some news stories from this past week, about December 26th being Boxing Day, and about my holiday week. In addition, good friend of the show Kim called in to hang out for the end of the show. Thanks so much!

As always, you can listen to the show right here on the player above. In addition, you can download the show and listen anytime by clicking here. If you enjoyed this show, I encourage you to subscribe to the iTunes feed to the show just by clicking here. Hope you're having a great weekend!

Show 135 Wrap-up

For Doctor Anonymous Show 135, I welcomed back our good friend Kat to the show. Kat is the host of the BlogTalkRadio show called "Faith Ignited." During show 135, we talked a lot about the Christmas holiday, some news stories, and what some things that she's been doing lately.

As always, you can listen to the show in the player above. Or, if you like, you can download the show and listen to it anytime by clicking here. Finally, if you didn't already know, you can become a facebook fan of the page. Click here or check out the sidebar of the webpage. Thanks for your continued support of the show!

Show 134 Wrap-up

Show 134 was a "Saturday Night with Dr. A" show. I talked about just a few medical/health related news stories. Then, I went into some "not so serious" news stories which also had some audio clips associated with them. I again issued my "BlogTalkRadio Santa Hat Host Challenge" which you will see below. It was silly, but I thought it was funny.

As always, you can listen to Show 134 on the player above. Or, if you like, you can download the show and listen anytime by clicking here. Just to let everyone know, there will be no Thursday Night show this week as I will be at a Christmas/Holiday party having a good time. However, my next show will be Saturday night! Who knows what will happen then. Thanks for your support of the show and I hope your Holiday season is going well!

Show 133 Wrap-up

Thanks so much to Trauma Junkie, Scott, and Natalie for calling into Dr. A Show 133 and talking about their new podcast project called "GenMed." The idea started from a skype call and has evolved - to this point - to a newly launched GenMed Show Website. The first podcast is coming soon. To read more about what this podcast is about, I encourage you to read the post called "Announcing GenMed" on the blog "Surviving RT School."

The show was really weird in that my skype connection broke off a couple of times during the interview. And, I thought that I extended the show, but things cut off live right at 90 minutes. The conversation only carried on for another few minutes after I realized that we were not broadcasting live. As always, you can listen to the show on the player above. Or, if you like, you can download the show and listen anytime by clicking here.

Dr. A Show Tonight: Trauma Junkie

Thursday, December 10th, 2009 at 9pm ET

My guest for this week's show is a returning guest. Our good friend Trauma Junkie returns to the show. You may remember him from Dr. A Show 84 from back in March. (You can listen to that show in the player below or you can download that show by clicking here).

TJ is returning to Dr. A Show 133 to talk about an exciting new project that he is involved with entitled "GenMed:"

GenMed is podcast geared toward young health care professionals and students. We call it Generation Medicine because we are the "young blood" in the field and we're hoping to improve and revamp the entire system, while helping people in our age group at the same time. Basically, we'll be tackling hot issues and conflicts with our own viewpoints, and using the current research.

If you are new to the Dr. A Show, I encourage you to catch us live. There is a great chat room that also goes on. You can even see my shining face on the webcam. In addition, you can call into the show to say hello. Can't catch us live? That's ok. You can listen anytime after the show as it is saved as a podcast so you can listen anytime!

For first time Blog Talk Radio listeners:
*Although it is not required to listen to the show, I encourage you to register on the BlogTalkRadio site prior to the show. I think it will make the process easier.

*To get to my show site, click here. As show time gets closer, keep hitting "refresh" on your browser until you see the "Play/Chat" button. Then, of course, press the "Play/Chat" button.

Show 132 Wrap-up

Sorry this is so late being posted. Doctor Anonymous Show 132 went pretty well - except that I wasn't able to get all the Christmas songs uploaded to the site. I just had the barking dogs with jingle bells - yeesh! For the first part of the show, I talked about some of the current event health/medicine stories of the week.

Then, for the 2nd half of the show, I talked about some not-so-serious news stories from the week. Our good friend "airplane" from the chat room called into the show to talk (thanks so much for calling in). As always, you can always listen to the show right here on the site by clicking the player above. Or, if you like, you can download the show and listen to it anytime by clicking here. Hope you're having a great week!

Show 131 Wrap-up

Thanks to much to Dr. Lisa for being my guest on Doctor Anonymous Show 131. We had a great conversation covering thinks like how she came to choose neonatology as a career, advances that have been made in the field of neonatology, and a recent trip to Mongolia. She has the blog "Call Me Dr. Lisa: Taking Life And Running With It."

We also discussed her life as a patient with liposarcoma in the ankle. She describes this vividly in her blog called "The Tale Of My Left Foot: My Journey Dealing With Liposarcoma In The Ankle." As I have heard from so many other people, the internet has made it possible for people with similar or the same disease conditions to create support networks - to show that there are other people out there with your disease - in this case - cancer.

Following the interview with Dr. Lisa, I talked a little about the blog post written by our good friend Dr. Rob entitled, "Real Life" in which he stated that he is taking a little break from blogging and social media for a while. I can definitely relate to that. You can listen to Show 131 in the player above. Or, if you like, you can download the show and listen anytime by clicking here. Also check out the video post above. Thanks for your continued support for the show!

Dr. A Show Tonight

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 at 9pm ET

For Doctor Anonymous Show 131, I'm happy to welcome the blogger "Dr. Lisa" to the show. She is a pediatrician - specifically a neonatologist - and she has two noted blogs that I encourage you to check out. The first is called "Call Me Dr. Lisa," and that one has some great pics of recent travels. The second blog talks about her life as a patient. That blog is called, "My Left Foot: My Journey Dealing With Liposarcoma In The Ankle." (Also check out my video promo above for this week's show)

If you are new to the show, I encourage you to catch us live. There is a great chat room that also goes on. You can even see my shining face on the webcam. In addition, you can call into the show to say hello. Can't catch us live? That's ok. You can listen anytime after the show as it is saved as a podcast so you can listen anytime!

For first time Blog Talk Radio listeners:
*Although it is not required to listen to the show, I encourage you to register on the BlogTalkRadio site prior to the show. I think it will make the process easier.

*To get to my show site, click here. As show time gets closer, keep hitting "refresh" on your browser until you see the "Play/Chat" button. Then, of course, press the "Play/Chat" button.

Dr. A Show 131 Preview: Dr. Lisa

I hope you can join us this week for Doctor Anonymous Show 131 when our guest will be the blogger who calls herself "Dr. Lisa." She has two great blogs I encourage you to check out. The first is called "Call Me Dr. Lisa: Taking life and running with it." She was recently on a trip to mongolia and the excerpt below is from a post called "Mongolian Ingenuity."

The other day Monica and I were doing some teaching with the Mongolian doctors and nurses about hand hygeine and central line care. We were trying to make the point that careful attention to infection control could make a huge difference for them. An interesting conversation to have in a hospital that doesn't have toilet paper and in which it takes an act of congress to wash your hands. They did at least have alcohol gel readily available throughout. But I digress,

A baby returned from the operating room after getting a colostomy for imperferate anus. We were busily documenting the way they transported the baby with a pillow filled with oxgen that they squeezed to fill the mask they were using to bag the baby. Crazy...

Amira, my translator, hooking the oxygen pillow up for transport. Then they got the baby in his isolette and began to set up his ostomy. They were attaching a latex looking thing with a dam of sort that they tied to the skin. I looked at Monica and said "is that a.." She replied "female condom, yep!" There you go they had attached ties to a female condom and were using it as a colostomy bag. Brilliant really...

The second blog I encourage you to check out is called "Tale Of My Left Foot: My Journey Dealing With Liposarcoma In The Ankle." Below is the part of the very first posting of this blog, simply entitled, "Hello Blog:" (from 12/13/2006)

My friend Kim of the House of Prince convinced me to start a blog to chronicle the story of my left foot. Otherwise, known as the trials of tribulations of fighting cancer in the ankle. I am not sure that I'll be any good at blogging, but at least I'll be able to keep people updated about what is going on. So, here goes we'll see if this works for me.

Every so often someone newly diagnosed with a sarcoma finds my blog and I sometimes get emails commenting on how my story ends before the beginning. For those few of you who might find this and want to read it. One year after learning my diagnosis I wrote about it here.

So, I hope you can join us on Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 at 9pm Eastern Time for Doctor Anonymous Show 131. In case you didn't know, in addition to the live podcast, there is a chat room, a webcam of me, and your ability to call into the show to say hello. Hope you can join us this week for the show!

Thanksgiving Show Videos

What you'll see below is a video from the beginning of the Thanksgiving show and a video from the end of the show. Just thought you would find it interesting to "see the magic happen" from a different point of view. Enjoy!

Cancer Screening Guidelines

In the video above, you'll see me doing a 3-4 minute interview on local TV talking about the recently announced updated guidelines when it comes to screening for breast cancer and cervical cancer. Something I really found out during the prep for this interview was that I probably tried to tackle too much material in a short interview.

Plus, as you'll see above, I do get a little flustered when asked a couple of questions by the anchor. The point of the interview you'll see in the last 30 seconds or so - which is to talk to your doctor about these guidelines to see what will be the best in your case. Hope this short interview is helpful to you. If so, I invite you to check out some other interviews I've done by clicking over to MikeSevilla.TV.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have to tell you that I had a great time with Doctor Anonymous Show 130. It was a very different show for me in that I did not open a chat room and I did not use the web cam. It was weird in that I'm used to getting that instant gratification during a show by the comments in the chat room.

The content of the show had to do - of course - with Thanksgiving. There was very little medicine talked about for Show 130. I talked a little about the background of Thanksgiving, travel, the meal, shopping, and other stuff. I closed the show reading an article by Charisma Madarang entitled "Why I Love Thanksgiving."

If you haven't already, I invite you to check out the video post above talking about my thoughts right after the show. As always, you can listen to the show in the player above. Or, if you like, you can download the show and listen to it anytime by clicking here. I have a lot to be thankful for this year - including your continued support of my blog and my show. I very much appreciate it!

Dr. A Thanksgiving Show Tonight!

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 at 9pm ET

Let me ask you a question. Do you already need a break from your family and in-laws on this Thanksgiving eve? Are you going to be traveling tonight and looking for something entertaining to listen to on your mobile device? Well, have I got a deal for you!

In an unusual Wednesday night show, I'll be having my pre-Thanksgiving party and you are invited! There will be very little medicine talked about on the show tonight. (Of course, you can also check out the video above from the previous show number 129) It's all going to be about Thanksgiving. I'll share some news stories from this week along with some of my memories of Thanksgivings past.

Did you know if you have an iPhone or Blackberry - that you can listen to the show live? Just direct your mobile browser here, and your phone will find it's way to my show. So, if you're stuck in an airport somewhere at show time, or if you're on the road going to grandmas house, or you're at home and need an hour break from that loving family of yours, I encourage you to check out tonight's show!

If you are new to the show, I encourage you to catch us live. There is a great chat room that also goes on. You can even see my shining face on the webcam. In addition, you can call into the show to say hello. Can't catch us live? That's ok. You can listen anytime after the show as it is saved as a podcast so you can listen anytime!

For first time Blog Talk Radio listeners:
*Although it is not required to listen to the show, I encourage you to register on the BlogTalkRadio site prior to the show. I think it will make the process easier.

*To get to my show site, click here. As show time gets closer, keep hitting "refresh" on your browser until you see the "Play/Chat" button. Then, of course, press the "Play/Chat" button.

Dr. A Show 129 Wrap-up

I know I had a great time with Show 129. I briefly covered some news stories including ones about the newly announced mammogram guidelines, the newly announced cervical cancer screening guidelines, and a brief N1N1 update. The 2nd half of the show was a visit from our good friend Kim who is going to be moving from the Pacific Northwest to the Midwestern United States just in the next few days.

As always, you can listen to the show in the player above. Or, if you like, you can download the show and listen to the show anytime by clicking here. Thanks for your support for the show and I hope you enjoy this offering.

Dr. A Show 129 Tonight

Saturday, November 21st, 2009 at 9pm ET

Hope that you can join me tonight for show number 129. It definitely will not be as serious as Show 128 when I was talking about the new mammogram guidelines. However, I will be covering just a couple of medical/health related news stories during the show tonight including the new guidelines announced for cervical cancer screening. I'll also have an H1N1 update for your and some other not-so-serious news stories from the week.

If you are new to the show, I encourage you to catch us live. There is a great chat room that also goes on. You can even see my shining face on the webcam. In addition, you can call into the show to say hello. Can't catch us live? That's ok. You can listen anytime after the show as it is saved as a podcast so you can listen anytime!

For first time Blog Talk Radio listeners:
*Although it is not required to listen to the show, I encourage you to register on the BlogTalkRadio site prior to the show. I think it will make the process easier.

*To get to my show site, click here. As show time gets closer, keep hitting "refresh" on your browser until you see the "Play/Chat" button. Then, of course, press the "Play/Chat" button.

Dr. A Show 128: Mammogram Guidelines

For a while now, I've been toying with the idea of "opinion" related shows instead of just reporting what's in the news and/or interview-related shows. This week the US Preventative Services Task Force announced new guidelines when it comes to breast cancer screening.

In watching the news following this announcement, I only saw people who were against these recommendations. Of course, opinions like this make people watch cable news, make people read websites, and makes people buy newspapers (if anyone reads news papers anymore). I did not see the other side of this story being told anywhere.

Well, I can tell you that this week the other side of this story was being discussed at my office. A lot of women who saw me at the office this week told me that they supported these new USPSTF recommendations, but they dare not any anything to their co-workers, or friends, or family. Don't get me wrong. I understand the point of the view of the cancer survivors, oncologists, radiologists, gynecologists, and others that cable news have chosen to interview on TV.

However, those on the other side are not only being ignored, but they are shunned by those against the recommendations. I share a story in Show 128 which I hope sheds some light onto the other side of the debate. You can see and listen to this story in the video above. I also encourage you to check out the entire show, which you can listen to in the player above. Or, if you like, you can download the show and listen to the show anytime by clicking here.

Dr. A Show 127: Faith Ignited

Thanks again to Kat for being my (unscheduled) guest for Show 127. Begin listening at 26 minutes into the show for our good friend Kat. For those long time listeners to the show, you may remember Kat when the Saturday night Dr. A Show was called "The Night Shift" and we had a great time!

Kat is now at a new place in her life and she has a new BlogTalkRadio show called "Faith Ignited." As you can figure out from the title, the show has a spiritual theme to it and to this point, Kat has had three shows thus far and a new episode coming soon. In this interview we discuss how she has come to this point in her life and what she hopes the show will bring to the people who listen to it.

As always, you can listen to Show 127 on the player above. Or, if you like, you can download the show and listen anytime by clicking here. Thanks so much for your continued support of me, the blog, and the podcast. I appreciate it!

Dr. A Show 126 Wrap-up: Crzegrl

Thanks so much to Emily from Crzegrl.net for being my special guest on Show 126. To be honest, with her very busy schedule these days, I wasn't sure if she would be available to be on the show. That's why I didn't mention it beforehand. The show was orignially titled "Guy Fawkes" and that's what you hear at the beginning of the show (don't be alarmed). Anyway, Emily called in from her car, and we had a great interview.

In case you hadn't heard yet, Crzegrl will be hosting next week - not only Grand Rounds, but also Change of Shift - sheesh! With next week being Veteran's Day, she's thinking of that type of theme for GR and CoS next week. We also talked about other things as well: Her mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, Emily was promoted to Army Reserves Commander of her Medical Group in Michigan, and what's been going on with her blog.

With the tragic events of the shootings at Fort Hood today, we talked about her reaction to those events - especially with her experience and connections to the Army family. (In case you didn't know, our good friend Mother Jones, RN knew the shooter. And, KevinMD posed the question. "Did the shooter suffer from compassion fatigue or vicarious traumatization?") With Veteran's Day coming up next week, that makes this tragedy even more shocking and sad.

Following the interview, I shared some news stories. I originally planned for a short 30 minute show. But, as I often do, the show went twice as long - and I'm glad that it did. That's what great about live internet radio. I have the ability to extend the time of the show out a little bit, and it worked about beautifully.

Of course, you can listen to the show in the player above. (Also enjoy the video post above as well). Or, you can download the archived podcast and listen to it anytime, but clicking here. I even had a show "after show," where we had a great group of people there as well. Thanks so much to those who joined me for the show and/or post-show - and also those who will listen to the archived podcast. I appreciate it very much!

Dr. A Show 126 Tonight

Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 9pm ET

I hope that you can join us tonight for the show. There is no scheduled guest, but there may be an "unscheduled" guest. You'll just have to tune in to find out. There's a lot going on in the news and current events to talk about as well on the show this week. I was happy to participate to day in what is called "BlogBlast For Peace" in which a group of bloggers place what is called a "peace globe" on their blog. You can read my post here, and you'll notice I don't have much of a peace globe, but I wanted to write something for today.

I also wanted to point out that our good friend Crzegrl has chosen - has volunteered - host not one but two blog carnivals - Grand Rounds and Change of Shift - in the same week. Why? Who knows? I thought that I was crazy for hosting both in the same month. But, in the same week? Well, that's Crze - Good luck with that. In addition to all of this, I'll also be talking about some other news and current events this week, including the video above.

If you are new to the show, I encourage you to catch us live. There is a great chat room that also goes on. You can even see my shining face on the webcam. In addition, you can call into the show to say hello. Can't catch us live? That's ok. You can listen anytime after the show as it is saved as a podcast so you can listen anytime!

For first time Blog Talk Radio listeners:
*Although it is not required to listen to the show, I encourage you to register on the BlogTalkRadio site prior to the show. I think it will make the process easier.

*To get to my show site, click here. As show time gets closer, keep hitting "refresh" on your browser until you see the "Play/Chat" button. Then, of course, press the "Play/Chat" button.

Blogblast For Peace 2009

I know this post is early, but it's already November 5th in some parts of the world. I wanted to thank Mimi for all of your hard work in putting this together. The Peace Globe Movement has been very inspiring to watch over the past couple of years. The video above pretty much sums it up. I invite you to read my posts from 2007 and 2008 for Blogblast For Peace.

But, if you would like to learn more from the founder herself - Mimi Lenox. I invite you to check out two interviews I had with her. The first interview was Doctor Anonymous Show number 11 on October 25, 2007. And, the second interview was during Doctor Anonymous Show number 56 on November 6, 2008. I'm sorry that I was unable to bring Mimi back on the show in time for BlogBlast 2009, but I hope to have Mimi back on the show soon. Enjoy the globes today!

Show 126 Preview

I'd like to invite you to Doctor Anonymous Show 126 this week which will be Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 9pm Eastern Time. There is no scheduled guest but there may be an "unscheduled" guest - we'll see. But, there are lots that are going on this week to talk about.

On November 5th will be the latest observance of what is called the "BlogBlast For Peace." I first heard about this when I first started blogging about 3 years ago. The founder of this movement calls herself Mimi Lenox, and she's been on the show before. It's basically the idea to get as many bloggers to talk about the same thing on the same day. You'll see my post when I put it up - probably late tomorrow or on Thursday.

Election Day in the United States also took place this week. I might mention that on the show. Plus, who knows what else will come up in the course of the discussion on the show.

For the uninitiated, there is a live chat room that takes place during the show, as well as a webcam so that you can see me do the show right before your very eyes. There is also and ability for you, the Doctor Anonymous listener/reader/viewer, to call into the show to say hello and/or make fun of me - How can you pass that up? HA! Hope to see you for the show this week!

Election Day 2009

I think the image above this pretty much sums it up. I know that this is not a presidential election year. But, there are a lot of important issues out there especially on a local and state level. So, do yourself and your fellow citizens a favor and make the time to head on out to the voting place today and make your voice be heard - no matter how you feel about a particular candidate or issue. Happy Election Day!

Show 125 Wrap-up

Thanks again to Gina from CodeBlog for being on Doctor Anonymous Show 125 last week. (I know that this is late getting posted - sorry about that.) I don't know about her, but I had a great time during the interview. And, I know that the people in the chat room had a great time as well. The medbloggers are very fond of CodeBlog, and I can see why.

We talked about her origins in nursing and the origins of her in the blog world. Did you know that Code Blog was one of the first medblogs out there? Not only one of the first nursing blogs, but, arguably, one of the first medblogs that was created. We had a great conversation about that and about Grand Rounds and her experience at BlogWorld Expo 2009.

As always, you can listen to the show on the player above. Or, if you like, you can download the show by clicking here and listening to the show anytime. Thanks again Gina and hope to have you back on the show soon!

Dr. A Show 125: Code Blog

Thursday, October 29th, 2009 at 9pm ET

I am so happy to welcome Gina from Code Blog to this week's edition of The Doctor Anonymous Show. Code Blog was the host of Grand Rounds this week and it had a Halloween theme. For the first time, I think this year, I made a contribution to Grand Rounds. I know that's pretty pathetic - especially since I have been a past host to the premiere medblog carnival around.

Anyway, we'll be talking Grand Rounds this week along with talking about Code Blog which has been around since 2002. Code Blog is one of the leading nursing blogs out there. In addition to all of this, we'll be talking (again) about BlogWorld. I first met Gina in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago, and we'll get her perspective of the MedBlog Track. So, I hope that you can join us!

If you are new to the show, I encourage you to catch us live. There is a great chat room that also goes on. You can even see my shining face on the webcam. In addition, you can call into the show to say hello. Can't catch us live? That's ok. You can listen anytime after the show as it is saved as a podcast so you can listen anytime!

For first time Blog Talk Radio listeners:
*Although it is not required to listen to the show, I encourage you to register on the BlogTalkRadio site prior to the show. I think it will make the process easier.

*To get to my show site, click here. As show time gets closer, keep hitting "refresh" on your browser until you see the "Play/Chat" button. Then, of course, press the "Play/Chat" button.

Show 125 Preview

The Doctor Anonymous Show proudly welcomes six-time Grand Rounds host Gina from Code Blog to the show. For her post this week, she had a Halloween theme which was very well done. I encourage you to check it out if you haven't had a chance yet.

Something I really enjoyed this week was that on her twitter account, he took us behind the scenes about what it was like being a GR host. We'll talk about that as well. Even the Grand Rounds founder, got a little nostalgic about that.....

We'll also talk about her blog, which according to her archives, goes all the way back to 2002. I could be wrong, but this has to be one of the first medical blogs out there. She and I only met in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago at the Medblog Track at BlogWorld Expo. And, I admit that I wanted to get to talk with her a little more - here is my chance....

So, come and say hello on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 9pm ET/6pm PT. As always we're gonna be live on BlogTalkRadio.com with a chat room, you're ability to call into the show to say hello, and even you're ability to see me do the show live on my webcam. Isn't that exciting? See you for the show!

My Take on H1N1

A lot of people have been asking me what I think of the H1N1 virus and the vaccine that will eventually be made available to the public. Here are some facts to start out with - these come right from the CDC website. More than 9000 hospitalizations and nearly 600 deaths have been reported to CDC associated with H1N1 - of these deaths, approximately 95 have been in children (as of this post 10/26/09).

Now granted, annually, approximately 36,000 deaths occur with regular seasonal flu. This fact alone should at least make you think about getting your seasonal flu shot, if you haven't already done so.

I also agree that the press has been hyping the situation up for the past six months with the H1N1 story - prior to that months and months of stories about the bird flu (remember bird flu?). Plus, with the president declaring an "national emergency" with regard to H1N1 this past weekend, this will add further fuel to the fear fire.

What about the virus? Is it around? I can only speak from where I live and work. And, it wasn't until 7 days ago when I really started seeing cases with my very own eyes. I've heard rumors in the community from docs and patients that "it's out there." This past week in the office was one of the busiest times, at least for me personally, I've had in a while. So, the virus is around here and it's real.

What about the vaccine? Good and bad information about this has been circulating for months. What I can tell you is that the process of making the vaccine is exactly the same as it is for the seasonal flu vaccine. It takes about six months to get a vaccine to market for consumption. The H1N1 was isolated in Mexico in April - and six months from then - is exactly right now. The same manufacturers and the same production plants are used.

How the seasonal flu vaccine is made is that a combination of (killed) viruses are put together to make a vaccine. These are the viruses that are thought to be the most common in the upcoming flu season. The H1N1 vaccine is only made for one virus, because it was too late in the production process to put the virus in the pipeline with the regular seasonal flu vaccine.

It's true that for a majority of the population, an H1N1 infection will be relatively mild. People will feel sick - maybe miss some work or school - but for the most part, no serious complications. However, I'm concerned with those populations who have an increased chance of bad complcations, like pregnant women, young children, and those with chronic medical conditions like asthma. Infection in these high risk populations would set you up for bad stuff like pneumonia, possible hospitalization, and even possible, death.

Adults who would not have a serious feeling infection would have the potential to pass H1N1 to one of these high risk groups who may have serious complications. That is why some in the medical community is pushing so hard for immunization - to protect the high risk groups, and to immunize people who may be in contact with the high risk groups.

When it comes to immunization, it's definitely a personal decision. The only thing I ask is to just ask yourself this question - What is the risk to yourself (and your kids) if you DO get the H1N1 vaccine (mild side effects, in my opinion) verses the risk if you DO NOT get the H1N1 immunization?

Sorry for the extra long answer. But, there is no simple way to explain the situation. I hope this clarifies some issues for you and doesn't muddy the water more. Don't forget to watch the video above and the video below that were recorded on TV news with regard to H1N1. Feel free to leave comments below. If you want to see me talk about other medical topics on a local newscast, I invite you to check out mikesevilla.tv

BWE 09: The Nick Genes Exclusive

Now, you're not gonna here or read this from any other medblog "post BlogWorld" post. So, this is definitely an exclusive. I talked with our good friend and Grand Rounds founder Nick Genes. And, he told me of an adventure he had with the iPod of noted medical blogger Dr. Rob.

Apparently, Dr. Rob is prone to leave technology around, like his iPod. In fact, during the BlogWorld conference, Dr. Rob forgot his laptop cord in the lecture room and it had to be brought to him later (at the bar). Anyway, in the video above, Nick gives us an exclusive look inside the mind of Dr. Rob and the electonic contents of his iPod.


If you enjoyed this silliness, then I Invite you to check out an extended interview I had with Nick Genes back with Doctor Anonymous Show number 13 (beware of the technical glitch about 5 minutes into the show). We talked about his blog, Grand Rounds, and other stuff. As always, you can listen to the show in the player above. Or, if you like, you can download the show and listen to it anytime by clicking here. Enjoy!

BWE 09: The Mother Jones, RN Interview

Yes, that's right. My mother, of sorts, also attended the first ever MedBlog Track at last week's BlogWorld and New Media Expo in Las Vegas. Mother Jones, RN (MJRN) who runs the Nurse Ratched's Place blog, has always been a strong supporter of me, my blog, and my internet radio show. And for all of that, I am very much grateful.

We had a some great conversations about the past, present, and future of medical/healthcare blogging. However, in the video above, we got a little silly, as we usually do. And, it was actually a fun interview to do. If you like that, then, you'll enjoy a more in-depth conversation all the way back on Doctor Anonymous Show number 6. MJRN even called into show number one when I really didn't know what I was doing.

As always, you can listen to show number six in the player above. Or, you can even download the show by clicking here and listening to the show anytime. And, in case you were really curious (or bored), you can download show number one by clicking here. Enjoy!

BWE 09: Why Bongi Blogs

Probably one of the most mysterious medbloggers who everyone wanted to meet (other than me - HA!) was the medblogger we know as "Bongi." We all learned that he actually does have a real name and is actually a real person - duh. Bongi was on one of the panels at the first ever MedBlog Track at BlogWorld Expo last week in Las Vegas. Thanks to MedPage Today and Johnson & Johnson for sponsoring the event.


In the video above, Bongi tells us why he blogs. Simply put, he is a storyteller. That sounds like a great reason to me. If you enjoyed this little clip, I encourage you to check out my extended conversation with Bongi on The Doctor Anonymous Show number 30.

As I was listening to this again, our good friend Kerri from SixUntilMe is also on this show - at the show beginning. And, I totally forgot that the legendary Sid Schwab from SurgeonsBlog was my special co-host during this show. As always, you can listen to the player above. Or, you can download the show by clicking here and listening anytime. Finally, if you want to see me an Bongi on a funny interview segment, I encourage you to check out the video below. Enjoy!

BWE09: Podmedic Interviews Dr. A

One of the people I was looking forward to meeting in person was Jaime Davis who is the founder of the ProMedNetwork of podcasts, of which I am a proud member. If you're looking for new medicine and science related podcasts to check out, I encourage you to check out ProMedNetwork.com


If you enjoyed this little banter in the video above, I encourage you to check out where I turn the tables and interview Jaime on The Doctor Anonymous show number 67. We talked about ProMedNetwork and other topics as well. As always, you can listen on the player above. Or, even download the show by clicking here and listen anytime. Enjoy!

Dr. A Show 124 Tonight!

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 at 9pm ET

I hope you can join me tonight as I do a wrap-up show on the first ever MedBlog Track at BlogWorld and New Media Expo in Las Vegas last week. Thanks to MedPage Today and Johnson & Johnson for sponsoring the event. You may have been reading a lot about this from my fellow medbloggers.

You may have also been watching some vids from the event. But, tonight, I will also be sharing some "behind the scenes" stories where you not here anywhere else! (Image Credit: Nurse Ratched's Place)

If you are new to the show, I encourage you to catch us live. There is a great chat room that also goes on. You can even see my shining face on the webcam. In addition, you can call into the show to say hello. Can't catch us live? That's ok. You can listen anytime after the show as it is saved as a podcast so you can listen anytime!

For first time Blog Talk Radio listeners:
*Although it is not required to listen to the show, I encourage you to register on the BlogTalkRadio site prior to the show. I think it will make the process easier.

*To get to my show site, click here. As show time gets closer, keep hitting "refresh" on your browser until you see the "Play/Chat" button. Then, of course, press the "Play/Chat" button.

Paul Levy Phones It In - Literally!

I know you have already saw pictures over on the Running A Hospital Blog by Mr. Levy. But here, kids, is the companion video to go along with those pics. I recorded this video at the MedBlog Track at BlogWorld Expo 2009. Thanks to MedPage Today and Johnson & Johnson for sponsoring the track.

In the four minute video above, Paul was asked about his blog - especially why he blogs. He responds by saying, "Why wouldn't you do it" (meaning blog). Another interesting quote was this, "Folks have gotten used to the idea that when they send me an e-mail on a particular topic, it may show up on the blog."


If you enjoyed this little short video, I invite you to check out my extended conversation with Paul on Doctor Anonymous Show number 29. You can listen on the player above. Or, if you like, you can click here and listen to the show anytime. Enjoy!

Dr. A Show 124 Preview

I'd like to invite you to the show this week as we wrap-up the first ever MedBlog Track at BlogWorld Expo 2009 - or, as I am affectionally calling it - MedBlogWorld 2009. You'll see in the video above some of the stuff that I'm scheduled to talk about including some behind the scenes stories which you're not gonna find on any other post-BWE blog post!

So, check us out on Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 at 9pm Eastern Time. As always we're gonna be live on BlogTalkRadio.com with a chat room, you're ability to call into the show to say hello, and even you're ability to see me do the show live on my webcam. Isn't that exciting? See you for the show!

Shows 122 & 123 Wrap-up

With my busy schedule before BlogWorld Expo, I haven't had a chance to post up these archived shows. I have to admit that show 122 was not my best effort. I was on call that night, and just walked into the door following doing an admission at the hospital. In addition, before doing the hospital admission, I was at a soccer game where it was cold, windy, and rainy. So, I was exhausted and tired and frustrated.

In addition, I was having some technical difficulties during the show. If I wasn't so tired, I would have been very angry. But, it was only a 30 minute show, so the pain of me doing a show was relatively short. (As always you can listen to the show in the player above. Or, you can click here and listen to the show anytime)


Show Number 123, however, has an interesting story behind it. Before the BWE meeting, BlogTalkRadio sent out an e-mail to all of its hosts inviting them to do a live show in Las Vegas during the BWE conference. This was something definitely I could not pass up. So, I had the date and time all set up before hand. (You can listen to the show in the link above. Or, you can download here and listen to the show anytime)

I get to the exhibit hall early and scope out the booth. I talked with the great BTR staff, and in my mind, I was already planning out the show. According to the BTR e-mail, all shows would be 20 minutes. So, I knew that I would not have a lot of time to get things set.

About 15 minutes before the show, I get to the BTR booth and see that there is a scheduled interview with a tech superstar scheduled the same time as my show. Naturally, I thought that my show was being bumped, which made me feel sad and angry at the same time. I knew that the medbloggers were going to be there to listen to me do my show live.

I asked the staff and they said that my show would be the priority since I scheduled first. I felt pretty good that I was "bumping" a tech superstar for just my show. I won't mention who it is here, but will probably mention the name on my show - hehe. Anyway, as I get set up for my show, I start to see the medbloggers start to arrive at the BTR booth. (Photo Credit: SixUntilMe)

I admit that felt pretty full of myself as I saw this small crowd of people start to overwhelm this small exhibit booth - just to see me do my show. One of the things that really frustrated me was that there were speakers hooked up to the laptop I was using. However, the speakers were not working. So, that the people who showed up - they couldn't actually hear me during the broadcast. That frustrated me.

The show itself went ok. I was so nervous and I felt like I was talking a mile a minute. You can be the judge of that. But, it was a lot of fun. And, some of my medblog friends took a picture of the group behind me - and that was a cool feeling. So, overall I feel pretty good about show 123. (BTW, thanks to BlogTalkRadio for featuring the show at the top of their webpage. It has definitely increased the number of downloads for this show. I appreciate it)

Finally, I was going to do a show on the night that I got back from Vegas. But, I was so tired, that I slept most of the day and night when I returned from BlogWorld. So, I subsequently cancelled my show for that night.....

MedBlogWorld In A Nutshell

As my good friend Kim has written in the past, "Doctor Anonymous will be going full-out techie on us and bringing his video camera, so what happens in Vegas may or may not stay in Vegas! You have been warned!" Well, my friends, the day has come - hehe.

In the video above, is a compilation of the video that I recorded at the first ever MedBlog Track at BlogWorld Expo 2009. Thanks again to MedPage Today and Johnson & Johnson for sponsoring this MedBlog Track. What I'm gonna do (when I get some more time from my "real" job - HA) is place on this blog, more of the parts of the video that you see above.

I hope you enjoy this video. And, feel free to leave comments. Especially for those who did not attend last week's meeting, this may be the first time you're actually seeing your favorite medbloggers in "person" (at least on video). Maybe you can figure out who is who before I put up more of the complete videos (for example, you probably didn't know Paul Levy looked like THAT before LOL). Enjoy the vid! (Music credit: Pick Up The Pieces by Average White Band)

Medbloggers at BlogWorld

What happens in Vegas ends up on YouTube - LOL! In the video above, you'll see what happens when you mix medbloggers, food, drink, Las Vegas, and BlogWorld Expo. I think you'll be able to match up last night's medblogger twitter feed to what is happening above. Kim has already warned you that medblogger karyoke will be posted some time - and this is the time - hehe. Enjoy!

Update: I tried uploading the video to Facebook. I'm not sure if the video quality is any better (probably not, I'll let you be the judge of that). But, it's here for your viewing pleasure LOL

Dr. A Show 123 at 2pm PT Today!

Friday, October 16th, 2009 at 2pmPT/5pmET ET

My first BlogWorld Expo experience has been so much fun! I got to meet a bunch of medbloggers that I have only known online before. This was the first ever MedBlogger Track of programming at this meeting (and hopefully not the last). This experience will be capped off with a live podcast from the floor of the exhibit hall later today.

For those of you on site, I will be at the BlogTalkRadio booth (Booth Number 329) at 2pm this afternoon doing a quick 30 minute show talking about my experience yesterday here at BWE09. I picked this time because it is during a break between sessions. If you're not here, that's ok. Just click here and you will be able to listen live as you usually do during other shows.

If you are new to the show, I encourage you to catch us live. There is a great chat room that also goes on. You can even see my shining face on the webcam. In addition, you can call into the show to say hello. Can't catch us live? That's ok. You can listen anytime after the show as it is saved as a podcast so you can listen later (like on your flight home from Vegas!)

For first time Blog Talk Radio listeners:
*Although it is not required to listen to the show, I encourage you to register on the BlogTalkRadio site prior to the show. I think it will make the process easier.

*To get to my show site, click here. As show time gets closer, keep hitting "refresh" on your browser until you see the "Play/Chat" button. Then, of course, press the "Play/Chat" button.

BlogWorld 09: HIPAA & Blogging

Yesterday, was the first ever Medblog Track at BlogWorld Expo. I have to admit that it was a surreal experience to actually meet in person the medbloggers that I have only known online in the past. One of the funny first experiences was that when we were first meeting up yesterday morning, we were actually identifying each other by our twitter IDs.

Each of the four panel discussions brought a unique perspective to the area of medicine and social media. The video above is only the first 7-8 minutes of the panel I was a part of called, "Staying on the Good Side of HIPAA: Safe & Ethical Blogging Practices." The entire session went over an hour.

So, I probably won't put the entire session up, but I wanted to share with you at least the beginning of this session. When I get home, I'll look through the rest of the footage and upload some other parts of the session. (YouTube only allows uploading 10 minutes at a time) I was also able to record little parts of other sessions and I'll upload them in the near future. But, for now, enjoy!

Dr. A Show 122: Pre-BlogWorld Expo

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 at 10pm ET

I know what you're saying - What the heck are you doing with a Tuesday night show? Well, with me leaving on Wednesday for Las Vegas for BlogWorld and New Media Expo, I figured, why not? Why not have a show the day before I leave for this huge meeting. I am so nuts, I am on call on show night. And, I'll be coming back from a soccer game before the show starts.

What will we be talking about? Well, uh, how about the Medblog Track at Blog World and New Media Expo. Wanna have details on each of the four panel discussions which will take place? Well, click here and you'll get more information. I'm so looking forward to meeting in person people that I've only known electronically through the years. Let me tell you, it's really going to be a surreal experience. But, it's gonna be a lot of fun!

If you are new to the show, I encourage you to catch us live. There is a great chat room that also goes on. You can even see my shining face on the webcam. In addition, you can call into the show to say hello. Can't catch us live? That's ok. You can listen anytime after the show as it is saved as a podcast so you can listen later (like on your flight out to Vegas!)

For first time Blog Talk Radio listeners:
*Although it is not required to listen to the show, I encourage you to register on the BlogTalkRadio site prior to the show. I think it will make the process easier.

*To get to my show site, click here. As show time gets closer, keep hitting "refresh" on your browser until you see the "Play/Chat" button. Then, of course, press the "Play/Chat" button.

Show 121 Wrap-up

This show was recorded one week prior to the Medblog Track at the 2009 BlogWorld and New Media Expo in Las Vegas. This was a brief 30 minute show in which I reviewed the panel discussions which are going to take place at this year's Medblog Track (you can find out more information by clicking here).

I also reviewed my week which included some comments about my most recent television interview on local TV news. The topic of the interview was October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As always, you can listen to the show on the player above. Or, you can download the show by clicking here and listen to the show anytime!

BWE & not AAFP CoD

I have a lot of friends in Boston this week who are attending the annual meeting for the American Academy of Family Physicians (ie - Congress of Delegates or AAFP CoD). And, they may not be too happy with what they read in this post, but here goes.

As some of you know, I’m scheduled to present at BlogWorld Expo (BWE) later this week in Las Vegas. I’m going to be moderating a panel about how patient privacy and the HIPPA law can impact blogging, podcasting, and interacting with social networking.

When I was offered the moderating spot, I did think to myself, “You know, this is the same week that the AAFP national meeting will be taking place in Boston.” I haven’t seen many of my AAFP friends and colleagues for a while now. Through the summer, I’ve gotten a lot of messages through Facebook asking whether I was going to attend the Boston meeting this year.

After thinking about it for a while, I decided that I would rather go to BlogWorld Expo than AAFP. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, I believe that this is an important point for social networking (like twitter, facebook, etc) and medicine. This year will be the first year that there will be a “Medblogger Track” of programming at the BlogWorld conference. It was nice to be asked to be a part of the first type of gathering like this at a primarily tech-centered meeting.

Secondly, I’m probably not the first to say that I’m feeling a little frustrated with organized medicine right now – whether it be AAFP, or AMA, or AHA, or other national medical organizations. I’m a guy in small town NE Ohio who’s trying to make the best of it in these economic times and “sociomedicolegal” environment. My patients, my community, and my colleagues are just frustrated. And, all I’m seeing organized medicine do is just play the same “inside the Washington beltway politics” that I’ve seen for years when I attended the AAFP annual meetings.

So, to all my friends in Boston, I hope you have a good time this week and I hope AAFP reveals some plans on how to advocate better for the fundamentals and ideals of Family Medicine. I hope to return to the AAFP annual meeting soon in the future, when I feel my voice can again make a difference for organized medicine. But for now, I’m just not feeling it is…

Dr. A Show 121 Tonight!

Thursday, October 8th, 2009 at 10pm ET (note different time)

Can you believe that the MedBlog Track at BlogWorld and New Media Expo is in just one week? If you're attending and/or speaking at the event, I encourage you to place a badge on your site by clicking here.

I'll be moderating a session called "Staying on the Good Side of HIPPA: Safe and Ethical Blogging Practices." Especially if you are going to be attending the Medblog Track, I encourage you to call into the show and/or join our live chat room to talk about the meeting.

For more information on the MedBlog Track, I encourage you to check out Emergiblog for more details. BWE will not encompass the entire show tonight. I'll also be mentioning a few news stories from the week as well. And who knows, there may be a special guest calling in to talk about the MedBlogTrack.....

If you are new to the show, I encourage you to catch us live. There is a great chat room that also goes on. You can even see my shining face on the webcam. In addition, you can call into the show to say hello. Can't catch us live? That's ok. You can listen anytime after the show as it is saved as a podcast so you can listen later.

For first time Blog Talk Radio listeners:
*Although it is not required to listen to the show, I encourage you to register on the BlogTalkRadio site prior to the show. I think it will make the process easier.

*To get to my show site, click here. As show time gets closer, keep hitting "refresh" on your browser until you see the "Play/Chat" button. Then, of course, press the "Play/Chat" button.

Show 120 Wrap-up

Thanks so much to Kerri Sparling from SixUntilMe.com for calling into Show 120 just to say hello. I have to be honest in that when I asked her to call in, I had no idea of all the things that were going on in her life as far as her work life and moving and all of that. I feel bad asking her to call in the midst of everything that was going on. But, I'm glad that she was able to stop in even for a little bit for the show.

I also talked about the Medblog Track at the upcoming BlogWorld Expo next week. Finally, I talked about some news stories. As always, check out the video post above which also summarizes the show. You can listen to the show in the player above, or even download the show by clicking here and listening anytime. Sorry I put up this post so late!

Breast Cancer Awareness TV Spots

You may remember last week (Sept 28) that I had the opportunity to talk about October being Breast Cancer Awareness month on the afternoon newscast. Through the power of Facebook, I was contacted by the producer of the morning newscast on the same channel to talk about Breast Cancer Awareness on yesterday morning's news (Oct 5). I invite you to check out segment one and segment two from that morning newscast.

Isn't social networking cool? If you find the above videos informative, I invite you to check out some other news interviews that I have done over the past few weeks. Check out mikesevilla.tv for more information. Thanks so much!