Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to R F Richardson.
We present a patient who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) after a Cyclospora-induced diarrheal illness. We raise the possibility that Cyclospora is an infectious trigger for GBS in this patient. An active search for this agent in patients with GBS preceded by diarrheal illness is recommended.
A primary method of cost control in health care facilities is the utilization of one employee in more than one capacity. The need for multicompetency education is readily apparent in radiologic technology, a field that consists of a wide variety of closely related specialty areas. The curriculum in the Division of Radiological Health Sciences at the University of Texas School of Allied Health Sciences at Galveston, has been specifically structured to accommodate this need. The division offers associate degree programs in radiography, nuclear medicine technology, and radiation therapy technology, and makes use of a core curriculum. The division also offers advanced skills training in subspecialty areas at the postassociate level in computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, angiography, and dosimetry. An evaluation of this system of multicompetent education is provided, based on a survey of graduates from the program. Multicompetent graduates were found to receive significantly higher salaries, enjoy an expanded job market, and have consistently better outlooks toward their future careers than single-skilled graduates.
OBJECTIVE: To outline factors motivating a pharmacist who has been in practice for five or more years to pursue a residency, and to compare the advantages and disadvantages of completing a residency. DESIGN: Descriptive study. Program directors from all residency programs accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists were contacted by mail to inquire about the number of past or current residents of their programs who could participate in the survey. From their responses we identified 111 potential participants. Postage-paid survey packets were then sent to the program directors, to be forwarded to the residents. The first section of the survey gathered demographic information; the second section focused on respondents' reasons for pursuing a pharmacy residency, the obstacles they had to overcome, and the benefits gained from completion of a residency. RESULTS: 62 respondents (56.0%) were eligible for inclusion in the data analysis. Professional growth was the most important reason given for pursuing a mid-career residency (n = 25; 40.3%). For 20 (32.3%) respondents, money or a decrease in salary was the "biggest obstacle" to pursuing a residency, and 18 (29.0%) cited family obligations. The most important benefits gained from the residency experience were improved marketability (40.0%) and skills (33.3%). CONCLUSION: Although challenging and demanding, a mid-career residency can be a rewarding experience for the practicing pharmacist. A residency will be of value to a mid-career pharmacist seeking professional growth and job satisfaction, rather than an increase in salary, through a change in career direction.