Quick Medical Review

In this episode of Quick Medical Review, we break down Myeloma — a plasma cell malignancy. We cover the CRAB criteria, paraprotein detection, Bence Jones proteins, bone marrow biopsy, imaging, and modern treatment including bortezomib, lenalidomide, daratumumab, and CAR-T therapy. Essential for USMLE, MRCP, PLAB, and SMLE. Keywords: myeloma, multiple myeloma, CRAB, paraprotein, Bence Jones, bortez...

In this episode of Quick Medical Review, we break down Facial Nerve Palsy — the upper vs lower motor neurone distinction, Bell's palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, and management with prednisolone and eye protection. Essential for USMLE, MRCP, PLAB, and SMLE. Keywords: facial nerve palsy, Bell's palsy, Ramsay Hunt, cranial nerve seven, upper motor neurone, neurology, prednisolone Follow us on social med...

In this episode of Quick Medical Review, we break down Cystic Fibrosis — the most common life-limiting autosomal recessive condition in Caucasians. We cover CFTR gene mutations, sweat test diagnosis, respiratory management, pancreatic insufficiency, CFTR modulators including Trikafta, and the transformative impact of modern therapy. Essential for USMLE, MRCP, PLAB, and SMLE. Keywords: cystic fibro...

RCTs, cohorts, case-control — which study design answers which question. A rapid, high-yield review of research study design for medical students and exam candidates. In this episode: • RCT — gold standard for interventions • Cohort — exposed vs unexposed over time • Case-control — disease → look back at exposure • Cross-sectional — snapshot at one time • Meta-analysis — pools studies for power •...

Positive vs negative symptoms, the six-month rule, and antipsychotic emergencies. A rapid, high-yield review of schizophrenia for medical students and exam candidates. In this episode: • Positive sx: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech • Negative sx: flat affect, avolition, withdrawal, poverty of speech • 6 months duration required for dx • Auditory hallucinations — most common type • T...

The normal maternal changes that every obstetrics question is built on. A rapid, high-yield review of normal pregnancy physiology for medical students and exam candidates. In this episode: • Naegele's rule = LMP + 7d − 3mo + 1yr • Gestational age: from LMP, 2wk > embryonic • hCG: syncytiotrophoblast → maintains corpus luteum • Chronic respiratory alkalosis (progesterone) • Hypercoagulable state =...

Thelarche to menarche, Tanner staging, and precocious vs delayed puberty. A rapid, high-yield review of gynecologic development & puberty for medical students and exam candidates. In this episode: • Thelarche = first sign of puberty in girls • Menarche = age 12-13, ~2-3 yrs after thelarche • Precocious puberty = before age 8 in girls • GnRH agonist (leuprolide) → central precocious puberty • Tanne...

MCA vs ACA vs PCA — localizing a stroke straight from the symptoms. A rapid, high-yield review of cerebral vasculature & neuroanatomy for medical students and exam candidates. In this episode: • MCA → face + arm weakness, Broca/Wernicke aphasia • ACA → contralateral leg weakness • PCA → homonymous hemianopia, visual cortex • Circle of Willis → links anterior + posterior • Watershed zones → vulnera...

Three shunts, the changes at birth, and the drugs that open or close the ductus. A rapid, high-yield review of fetal circulation for medical students and exam candidates. In this episode: • Ductus arteriosus: PA→aorta; closes w/ O2, indomethacin • Foramen ovale: R→L atrial shunt; closes w/ ↑LA pressure • Ductus venosus: bypasses liver; umbilical vein→IVC • PGE1 keeps DA open · indomethacin closes...

From simple skin infection to surgical emergency — spotting the difference in time. A rapid, high-yield review of cellulitis & necrotizing fasciitis for medical students and exam candidates. In this episode: • Cellulitis — spreading erythema, no defined border • Staph & Strep — most common organisms • Nec fasc — pain out of proportion, crepitus, surgical emergency • Gas gangrene — Clostridium perf...

Autoimmune beta-cell loss, DKA, and why insulin is always the answer. A rapid, high-yield review of diabetes mellitus type 1 for medical students and exam candidates. In this episode: • Autoimmune beta-cell destruction → absolute insulin deficiency • Anti-GAD + anti-islet cell antibodies • DKA — feared, sometimes first presentation • C-peptide low → no endogenous insulin • Insulin — the only treat...

Fever, flank pain, and CVA tenderness — diagnosis and who needs admission. A rapid, high-yield review of pyelonephritis for medical students and exam candidates. In this episode: • Fever + flank pain + CVA tenderness = triad • E. coli — most common cause • Urine culture — diagnostic test • Outpatient FQ · Inpatient IV ceftriaxone • Complicated: obstruction, abscess, pregnancy Exam pearl: Fever + f...

Obstructive vs restrictive, the A-a gradient, and how to read a flow-volume loop. A rapid, high-yield review of pulmonary function tests for medical students and exam candidates. In this episode: • Obstructive — ↓ FEV1/FVC < 0.7 • Restrictive — ↓ FVC, normal/↑ ratio • A-a gradient — normal = age/4 + 4 • ↑ A-a — V/Q mismatch, shunt, diffusion • Normal A-a — hypoventilation, altitude Exam pearl: FEV...

Wear-and-tear joints — Heberden vs Bouchard, X-ray clues, and first-line management. A rapid, high-yield review of osteoarthritis for medical students and exam candidates. In this episode: • Wear and tear → degenerative joint disease • DIP = Heberden · PIP = Bouchard • Joint space narrowing · osteophytes · subchondral sclerosis • Worse with activity, better with rest · acetaminophen first-line Exa...

Burn depth, the rule of nines, Parkland fluids, and the airway you must protect early. A rapid, high-yield review of burns for medical students and exam candidates. In this episode: • Rule of nines → estimate BSA • Parkland: 4 mL × kg × %BSA • Superficial: red, painful, no blisters • Full thickness: white/charred, painless • Inhalation injury → intubate early Exam pearl: Rule of nines for BSA ⏱ 3:...

The world's most common anaemia — labs, causes, and the test that nails the diagnosis. A rapid, high-yield review of iron deficiency anemia for medical students and exam candidates. In this episode: • Microcytic hypochromic — low MCV, low MCH • Low ferritin — most specific test • High TIBC — body hungry for iron • Koilonychia — spoon-shaped nails • GI blood loss — most common in adults Exam pearl:...

Everything that drives the heart's output — and the formula every exam loves. A rapid, high-yield review of cardiac output & hemodynamics for medical students and exam candidates. In this episode: • CO = HR × SV → foundation of hemodynamics • Fick principle → oxygen consumption • MAP = CO × TPR • Preload = stretch · Afterload = resistance • Pulse pressure = systolic − diastolic Exam pearl: CO = HR...

In this episode of Quick Medical Review, we break down Tetralogy of Fallot — the most common cyanotic congenital heart defect. We cover the four components, Tet spells management, the boot-shaped heart, squatting physiology, surgical repair, and Blalock-Taussig shunt. Essential for USMLE, MRCP, PLAB, and SMLE. Keywords: tetralogy of Fallot, congenital heart disease, Tet spells, cyanotic, boot-shap...

In this episode of Quick Medical Review, we break down Pneumothorax — from primary spontaneous to tension pneumothorax. We cover types, clinical features, BTS management guidelines, needle aspiration vs chest drain, the triangle of safety, and emergency management of tension pneumothorax. Essential for USMLE, MRCP, PLAB, and SMLE. Keywords: pneumothorax, tension pneumothorax, chest drain, needle d...

In this episode of Quick Medical Review, we break down Breast Cancer — the most common cancer in women. We cover risk factors, BRCA genetics, cancer types (DCIS, invasive ductal, inflammatory, Paget's), triple assessment, receptor status, surgery, hormonal therapy (tamoxifen vs aromatase inhibitors), HER2-targeted therapy, and metastatic patterns. Essential for USMLE, MRCP, PLAB, and SMLE. Keyword...

In this episode of Quick Medical Review, we break down Atrial Fibrillation — the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. We cover the pathophysiology, ECG findings, classification (paroxysmal, persistent, permanent), causes using the SMITH mnemonic, rate versus rhythm control strategies, cardioversion guidelines, and anticoagulation with the CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores. Updated with 2024 ES...

In this episode of Quick Medical Review, we break down Acromegaly — a high-yield endocrine topic for USMLE, MRCP, PLAB, and SMLE exams. What you'll learn: - Pathophysiology: Why pituitary adenomas cause excess GH, how IGF-1 mediates the effects, and the difference between acromegaly and gigantism - Clinical features: From coarsened facial features to bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome — the classic...

In this episode, we break down what systematic reviews actually are, how they're conducted, and why they matter for clinical decision-making. You'll learn the difference between systematic and narrative reviews, when meta-analysis is (and isn't) appropriate, and how to interpret these powerful evidence summaries. We walk through two real Cochrane examples that changed practice: → Early vs late epi...

Quick Medical Review: Understanding Infective Endocarditis Join us for a quick revision on infective endocarditis - a serious infection of the heart's inner lining and valves. This episode covers the pathophysiology, common bacteria involved, risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and treatment protocols for this critical condition. Learn about the importance of early recognition, appropriat...

In this Episode of our type 2 diabetes education series, we discuss pharmacologic management, focusing on first-line therapy. Metformin remains foundational unless contraindicated, thanks to its weight-neutrality, low hypoglycemia risk, and cardiovascular benefits. Recent advancements position SGLT2 inhibitors alongside metformin for patients with cardiovascular disease, heart failure, chronic kid...