The effect of emergency department observational experience on medical student interest in emergency medicine.

BACKGROUND: In many different health care educational models, shadowing, or observational experience, is accepted as integral to introducing students to the specifics of medical specialties. STUDY OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether emergency department (ED) observational experiences (EDOs) affect medical students' (MSs') interest in emergency medicine (EM). Additionally, we examined how the subjective quality of clinical exposures influences this interest and the decision to recommend EDOs to other students. METHODS: This is a survey of MSs at a Level 1 tertiary care university hospital during a 2-year period. The study focused on assessing perception of ED exposure, post-EDO change in EM interest, and decision to recommend EDOs to others. RESULTS: The majority of MSs had a change in EM interest post-EDO and recommended EDOs. Both variables correlated to ED exposure ratings. CONCLUSIONS: The EDO significantly influenced MS interest in EM by providing exposure to various aspects of the ED.

Topical PRK 124 (0.125%) lotion for improving the signs and symptoms of rosacea.

BACKGROUND: Current treatments for acne rosacea are often associated with unsatisfactory outcomes and adverse effects. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and tolerability of a new moisturizing lotion for improving the clinical signs and symptoms of mild-to-moderate acne rosacea. METHODS: In a 12-week, open-label study, a moisturizing lotion containing furfuryl tetrahydropyranyladenine as PRK124 (0.125%, Pyratine-XR, Senetek PLC, Napa, CA) was applied twice daily to subjects with mild-to-moderate rosacea. Improvement in the appearances of erythema and papules were assessed by the treating physician. Skin barrier function was measured by transepidmal water loss after treatment. Tolerability and cosmetic outcome were evaluated by patients. RESULTS: Twenty-one participants completed the study. Overall clinical improvement was observed in 80% of subjects, with most showing mild-to-moderate improvement. Erythema, papule counts, and telangiectasia were reduced. The reduction in TEWL was significant at weeks 4 (p = 0.01), 8 (p < 005), and 12 (p < 0.001). Rosacea symptoms (burning, stinging, dryness) were progressively reduced, with reduction in dryness achieving statistical significance at weeks 4 (p = 0.035), 8 (p = 0.037) and 12 (p = 0.016). Treatments were well tolerated and cosmetic outcomes were acceptable. Treatment-induced irritation was not observed. CONCLUSION: The new moisturizing lotion containing furfuryl tetrahydropyranyladenine as PRK124 shows a continued trend toward improvement of skin barrier function and the appearances of erythema and papules associated with mild-to-moderate rosacea during 12 weeks of treatment.