The Scope

Young adults with autism rarely have a regular college experience in order to find a career. A new program called First Ascent aims to match these adults with careers that interest them, and then find education and certification opportunities to help them reach their goals. Joseph Viskochil talks about the program and the success it has already seen. He gives some tips to avoid being “stable but s...

Things are seldom dull in the ER, but just how valuable is a stethoscope? Dr. Troy Madsen describes: the frantic situations he is often faced with, the importance of keeping cool to avoid being overwhelmed, and why the modern tools used for making a prompt, accurate diagnosis are so vital.

When you’re staring at a computer screen all day, you don’t blink as often and your eyes dry out faster. Dr. Leah Owen from the Moran Eye Center talks about the 20-20-20 program, a nationwide initiative to recognize and combat eye fatigue. She suggests some exercises to alleviate dryness and talks about how we can benefit from this new initiative.

For patients struggling with liver disease, diet can become a matter of life and death. Dr. Juan Gallegos talks about how daily food choices can impact the diseased liver. He also gives some tips for improving diet and prolonging the lives of patients with liver disease.

Genetic research has led to many important discoveries in understanding the causes and potential cures for diseases, but it wasn’t always so. Best-selling author and investigative reporter Edwin Black discusses America’s quest to create a blond-haired, blue-eyed “master race” a century ago. He also talks about what surprising uses genetic mapping is put to today and how the future of genetics comp...

You’ve just had surgery and are ready to get on the road to recovery. How long does it usually take to heal? Transplant specialist Dr. Jeffery Campsen offers some advice. He suggests some simple tests to determine if and when it’s safe to drive a car, carry your grandkids, or resume your golf game.

Monitoring safety while having fun at the pool can pose challenges for any parent. For reasons you may not expect, monitoring pool safety is especially important when caring for developmentally disabled children. Dr. Kyle Bradford Jones emphasizes patience and understanding in these situations. He also offers perspectives about fun, sun and supervision.

What would you take to a deserted island? Dr. Troy Madsen tells us that as an emergency room physician, he’s given this question a lot of thought. He shares what medical supplies he’d like to have if he were injured in a wilderness area. It may be time to update your camping first-aid kit!

Many of the causes, reasons and risks of addiction are hidden deep within the brain. The brains of those with serious addictions change over time, along with the ability to make decisions about substance abuse. Psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Howell explores the many levels of addiction and sheds light on the psychology of those with addictions. Find out who is most at risk for addiction to alcohol and...

The University of Utah Poison Control Center speaks with people who accidentally swallow gasoline almost daily. But poison specialist Brad Dahl says it’s what many people do afterward that is most dangerous. He talks about what should be done if you swallow gasoline or get it on your eyes or skin.

Many teens and adults don’t wear mouth guards for sports, but an accident in these activities can ruin a million-dollar smile in seconds. Oral surgeon Dr. Bryce Williams talks about how many of the procedures he’s done could have been prevented by these simple devices. He also discusses how you can get mouth guards for cheap and why they are a great investment.

A simple change in mindset can greatly improve the quality of life for children with autism. Joseph Viskochil talks about how parents and siblings of children with autism can become a “family of high fives” and create a positive environment. He gives some tips for making such a change and suggests resources for further research on this new model

Physician assistants (PA) are well-trained practitioners who prescribe drugs, have an abundance of practical patient experience an offer patient care in much the same way as a doctor. As more people gain health insurance and the U.S. population ages, it will increase the patient load on doctors, meaning PAs will play a larger role in health care. PA Jennifer Coombs explains why emphasizing a team...

From Downton Abbey to “Abby Normal”— Dr. Kirtly Jones explains the variations in women’s breasts and how cultural, ethnic, and developmental differences influence the perceptions of what constitutes normal. She gives suggestions and guidelines for those who may want to change the size of one breast. She also discusses whether the size discrepancy has any effect on the breasts’ function.

Only 15% of patients with lung squamous cell cancer – the second most common lung cancer – survive five years past diagnosis. Trudy Oliver, Ph. D., Huntsman Cancer Institute investigator and professor of oncological sciences at the University of Utah, has uncovered new strategies for treating the disease, published on June 19 in the journal Cell Reports. Dr. Oliver explains her work, where she thi...

Amazing recoveries aren’t just for medical TV shows. How often do they happen in real life? Seasoned emergency room physician Troy Madsen shares some of the miraculous recoveries he’s witnessed. He also tells us what can increase someone’s chances of making a fast and full recovery from a heart attack or stroke.

Participation in clinical trials for the treatment of advanced forms of cancer has become “the norm” for many patients at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Dr. Sharma explains that for patients who have exhausted other available therapies, clinical trials may show promise. This segment of The Scope explores the pros and cons, the costs, and where patients can find out more about clinical trials in Ut...

Boats emit extremely high concentrations of carbon monoxide, which can lead to passing out and potentially drowning. Dr. Tom Martin, medical director at the Utah Poison Control Center, discusses the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning and what to do if you or someone else starts to exhibit those signs. He also talks about some of the most important things to remember to stay safe while boating.

You’re spraying your lawn with weed killer when a gust of wind blows some of the chemical back into your face and eyes. How much trouble are you in? Poison Specialist Brad Dahl discusses yard care chemical safety and tells you what to do in case of contact with fertilizer, weed killers and insecticides. He also gives some storage tips to keep you and your family safe from these substances.

One of the first steps to recovery following abdominal surgery is to get your digestive tract working again. But sometimes that presents a challenge. Surgeon Dr. Jeffery Campsen explains the steps to take for moving your digestive tract out of hibernation and back to healthy function.

Binge Eating Disorder is a disruptive condition characterized by repeated binge/purge cycles. Psychiatrist Jason Hunziker explains why the condition and other eating disorders may be a symptom of a deeper underlying mental disorder. Prompt, effective treatment of the mental disorder can help to avert long-term physical problems often associated with obesity.

Clinical trials for a breakthrough treatment for advanced liver disease are under way at the University of Utah. Liver expert Dr. Juan Gallegos reveals what this promising new therapy offers patients facing acute liver failure. As part of a worldwide study, this trial therapy is now available in the Intermountain region.

You take a softball straight to the forehead. It hurts, you are rattled, and now you are wondering: Is this just a bruise, or something more serious? Emergency physician Jeffrey Druck, MD , explains how to spot the signs of a concussion, when head injuries need an immediate ER visit, and what symptoms are safe to monitor from the sidelines.

Hepatitis C can be present in your system and persist undetected for decades with no symptoms – and baby boomers may be most at risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has new testing recommendations for the Hepatitis C virus. Dr. Tom Miller chats with liver specialist Dr. Juan Gallegos about the new guidelines.

One of the challenges for young adults with autism is the lack of ability to socialize and engage in activities. Joseph Viskochil may have found a solution: a book club for adults with autism. He discusses the benefits of engaging in groups such as this and gives some tips for those interested in setting up their own book clubs.