The Scope

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.

Some of the most potent and poisonous substances can be found in grandma’s pillbox. Dr. Tom Martin, medical director at the Utah Poison Control Center, offers advice on keeping heart medications out of the wrong hands. He gives advice on what to do if you suspect your child may have swallowed the medications.

Federal funding for research and development has shrunk by 20% over the past three years, and biomedical researchers are feeling the strain. Wesley Sundquist, Ph. D., National Academies of Sciences member and professor of biochemistry at the University of Utah, describes how the cuts are impacting scientists, their work, and the U.S.’s status as a world leader in biomedical research and innovation...

Every woman is different, but many women wonder if certain things about them are “normal.” Are your height and weight normal? Is it normal to cry a lot? Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones answers these questions and talks about what it means to be “normal.”

Anesthesiologist Dr. Harriet Hopf interviews Dr. Gretchen Case about medical humanities. Dr. Case talks about the many layers and barriers in the physician-patient relationship and why it is important to educate medical students and practicing physicians alike on interviewing and meeting with patients. She gives some tips for physicians to improve that relationship and make sure the patient and ph...

Power tools, auto fluids and cans of paint – you keep a lot of potentially dangerous things in your garage. Some are more dangerous than others. Poison specialist Brad Dahl warns about the dangers of what’s hiding on the shelves of your home. He also discusses what to do when a dangerous substance is ingested and immediate action is required.

Only 2,500 hearts are available nationwide for transplant, but about 100,000 patients with advanced heart failure could benefit from such surgery. Dr. Craig Selzman, associate professor of cardiothoracic surgery, talks about the changes in artificial heart technology that are filling that void. These devices can bring new lives and restore promising futures to heart patients facing otherwise hopel...

Newborns can’t always control their developing eyes and sometimes go cross-eyed. But if your child is older than two months and you notice her or his eyes looking in different directions, something else might be going on. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner describes how to tell if your child’s eyes are developing in a healthy way.

Patients that have undergone repeated operations for kidney stones can develop severe, chronic and inexplicable pain. Dr. Blake Hamilton specializes in a remarkable procedure called autotransplantation , which can ease pain and save functioning kidneys. Listen in as Dr. Jeffery Campsen and Dr. Hamilton hold an engaging discussion about how the operation works when other options have been exhausted...

If you’re searching for a great career in medicine, becoming a physician assistant (PA) might be your answer. Amid growing pressures for more cost-effective treatment options, demand for physician assistants is skyrocketing. PA Jennifer Coombs discusses the many reasons why becoming a PA is more appealing than ever.

Dr. Bryce Williams is an oral surgeon, but he works in the ear, nose and throat (ENT) division. How are oral surgeons and ENT specialists related and how do they work together? Dr. Williams provides some insight on the connections the two types of doctors share.

It seems like professional athletes are masters at performing under pressure. Sports psychologist Nicole Detling says dealing with pressure is a learned skill. She’s coached Olympic athletes through mental obstacles and dealing with stress, and says her exercises can apply to non-athletes in real world situations. She gives you tips for dealing with pressure and performing under stress.