I have a degree in Biomedical Engineering and Psychology from Northwestern University. I finished medical school and completed my M.D. at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. I am currently in my residency for surgery- hopefully to be specializing in neurosurgery.
I want to answer questions on medical type questions. I'm a big fan of Dr. Drew Pinsky on Love Line and would like to help younger people from the mistakes I see a lot of young people do when they come into my ER.
Gender: Male
Location: I'm from all over.
Occupation: Physician- Surgeon
Age: 29
AIM: ArunKSherma
Member Since: January 23, 2005
Answers: 188
Last Update: January 2, 2009
Visitors: 18498
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Melanie4981
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I'm 13/f
I have A.D.D. and I take the medicine Conserta. (sorry I can't spell) My grades have improved ever since I started taking it. My dad, brother, and all 4 grandparents have passed away. I always feel alone, and I constantly want a hug. Nobody really understands me.
I can't really explain this, but I know everything. I'm serious, I do. I mean, I think... a lot. I wish I could explain it. I just always know whats going on I guess.
I hate my body, my friends, and my family. I think I have a gross body. I'm 5'1 an 155. When my friends look at me, they know I'm fat, but when I look at me, I'm like HUGE where it's discusting. I don't eat, I can't. I have done reaserch on it... and I think it's borderline anerexia. Even though I'm still fat. I've tried to throw up my food, I know it's bad... but I'm going to die anyways, so whats the point. I could'nt make my food go up though.
I'm never happy, and everytime something good happens, it fails. I don't want to go to a therapist... I have MANY reasons
Can you help me think of what might be wrong with me, I know this is not normal. (link)
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The medication that you're on along with a lot of medications that are used to treat ADD are actually stimulants- unlike what you think that they might be. How were you diagnosed with having it?
It is not impossible though for someone who has ADD to be going through othe problems like depression. You've already been through a lot losing your father, brother and all your grandparents. I know that I was your age when I lost my grandfather who was the guiding force in my life.
With the medication, because it helps you concentrate, the effect that it may have is that you concentrate on too much around you. This may be the reason that you have the feeling that you know everything. You don't necessarily know everything, but you think about it more and become more aware of your surroundings, unlike those with ADD whose minds race through without contemplating a single thought for too long.
There are very strict definitions for anorexia and bulemia and you're not anorexic, however, it is not right to try to starve yourself, because if anything when you do start eating you're more likely to put on more weight as fat instead of muscle. You're very young and growing still (you may have not had your growth spurt yet), but if you want to lose weight, you would want a balanced diet with exercise (I can tell you the best way if you are interested).
You do sound like you're in the beginning stages of depression, and it may be something worth talking to the doctor that gives you your medication. He/she may want to try you on a small dose anti- depressive, which can help, but of course, you need to find someone you can talk to about your problems.
If you would like, I am available on AOL IM (although not very often) if you have anymore questions- my screenname is shareonesoul.
Please write if you have anymore questions.
Yours,
AK
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I'm getting a beagle in the next week or so and I was wondering what you guys though would be some good names for it.
Its a girl.
And as I said a beagle.
Thanks (link)
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I had a female beagle and her name was Maya. I always liked names that had special significance to you- like the name of the city you grew up in (My friend's dog is named Dayton) or where you may have met someone special to you (a couple of my friends who are engaged have a cat named Kaldi- after the coffee shop that they met at).
Best of luck.
AK
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I have mono. I was told that if your spleen is enlarged, you should be very careful while exercising and avoid contact sports. Since I'm not in a sport, that isn't a problem. I used to run daily and I haven't ran for over a week because I'm afraid to. I'm not sure if my spleen is enlarged. My back feels swollen and it feels like I'm laying on something when I lay down. Also, I get stomach pains randomly. Is there any other symptoms that your spleen is enlarged? If it is, how will I know when I can begin running again? I really don't want any complications. Would it be better to let the mono run its course, watch what I eat, and start running when the eight weeks is up? Thanks!! (link)
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One of the problems with mono is that there is a chance of splenomegaly- in very extreme cases of this- it has been known to rupture. The spleen is an organ that is in the left upper aspect of your abdomen- left of your stomach. It is best described as a "filter" for blood- but because of this- it does have a large storage of blood- so if it ruptures- at the most extreme cases- you can become hypotensive (your blood pressure drops very low) and continue to bleed into your abdomen (instead of it going through your arteries and veins etc.
We tell patients to avoid contact sports because any direct trauma to that area can cause it to rupture. However, light exercise and non-impact (running etc.) are fine, as long as you don't do anything that may bring trauma to your abdomen (situps are okay).
If there is a problem- this is how you will know- you may have darkening of the skin around that area- will look like a big bruise. Free blood in the abdomen would cause pain in the entire abdomen- because blood irritates the cavity where all your organs are and it hurts. You may get light headed and feel like you're going to pass out. You may start breathing quicker- b/c blood (specifically red blood cells) carry oxygen to your organs and other parts of your body- if there isn't enough blood to carry it- you'll breathe quicker along with your heart rate going much faster to meet the demand.
However, to rupture a spleen during "regular" exercise if very rare, and you should do as much as feels comfortable.
Best of luck,
AK
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I developed a rash from Amoxcillian because I was misdiagnosed & actually had mono, not strep, which caused the rash. I've been put on Prednisone for 7 days. Is there anything I can do to help with this rash? It's really bad & keeps spreading. Also, how common is weight gain with Prednisone? I have an eating disorder & I'm really afraid of gaining weight, but I only have to take it for 7 days. Thanks! (link)
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Developing a rash after being given Amoxicillin is a very common reaction. The rash will go away by itself as your body clears the medication from your blood. To relieve the symptoms of the itch- you may try Benadryl or any anti-histamine medication (be careful b/c this can make you drowsy). The rash and itch is b/c some of your "immunity" cells release histamine and other chemicals that cause the rash.
The prednisone is a steroid- which means that it decreases the inflammation that could be happening (ie the rash). Weight gain due to a short period of time of being on the medication is very unlikely. It can make you feel a little more hungry, but this is usually temporary and clears the system once the 7 days are over. The weight gain that is associated with the medication is for those people who have to take it for a longterm basis (I had a patient in 1 year gain over 90 lbs).
Good luck, and please talk to someone about your eating disorder. You may be doing more damage to your body than you realize.
Yours,
AK
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how can i get my body to be leaner?? i am very athletic and lift weights alot...what can i do to have muscle and be very strong but not bulky, instead lean??? (link)
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It has a lot to do with genetics- just like someone who has broad shoulders (like a football player) can never be as thin and lean as a runner. Genetics has a lot to do with it.
However, if you want more lean muscle and less "bulk" then change your workout to more cardiovascular- reduce amount of fat which gives a bulky look, and change your workout for more higher reps but lower weight- this way you won't get much bulk.
Also, make sure to eat a balanced diet- not too much protein. The amount that the body needs to maintain is about 1 gram of protein for each kilogram that you weigh.
Good luck,
AK
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16/f
Sorry about the length of this.
I can't figure out what's wrong with my wrist. I looked up Carpal Tunnel and read a little about it, and found that it's 3x more common in women. I think my job is causing problems with my hands, but i'm not sure. I'm a cashier but I have to bag sometimes too. I have to lift heavy packages of waters and cat litter, etc. Then, if it doesn't scan right away, I have to twist it, causing my hand to hurt.
I don't know if this is significant, but when I was younger I used to twist my wrists on purpose and hold it there because I thought it was a weird feeling and wanted to see if I could keep getting it. I feel that that could have been the initial cause of this.
When i'm at work, if I bag too long, my wrist hurts. It's just recently hurting my arm as well. I shake it off when it hurts my wrist, but that's all I do for it. I can't tell if it's carpal tunnel or not, but I want to find out what it is.
Please don't tell me to go to a doctors, because I really would rather not at the moment. Just.. any ideas of what this could be? (link)
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome- is a condition where the nerve that supplies your hand (medial nerve) becomes compressed. Repeated wrist motion is the most common cause and it is also very common in women, esp when pregnant. The way to tell if it is carpal tunnel syndrome is if you have pain that goes down your hand when you extend your wrist (hold your arm out, palms facing down, and then bend your wrist upward- if this causes pain then you may have it- if not- then with your other hand tap on the inside of your wrist- if this causes pain then you may have it. If it wakes you up at night- this is when we would operate on it generally. You may have to wear a splint or a wrist brace to keep your wrist straight. Although if it is just pain in your wrist- you may have tendonitis- which can be "cured" with rest, a brace, and anti- inflammatory medications like ibuprofen.
best of luck,
AK
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I'm 16 years old and will be entering my senior year in high school come August. I've been really thinking about what I want to do with my life. I know you're a doctor, but I think it said you have a degree in psychology. Is a psychologist and therapist the same thing? If not, what are the differences? I know a therapist is the type of person who prescribed medicine, that's not what I want to do. When I was younger I had an eating disorder and I remember having to see a "shrink" on a biweekly basis. Because it was so long ago for me I don't quite remember everything about her actual job, so I don't remember if she was a child psychiatrist or psychologist, but that's what I want to be. I want to be the type of person who works with children who have been through a lot and to help them. Kind of like a social worker, but not that far into it.
A scenerio of what I have in mind would be this...
Say a little girl was kidnapped and raped, she's about 7 years old when it happens. She's returned 2 months later and is, as anyone would be, extrememly shaken up about it. Her parents take her to see someone... to help her talk and get through it...
What would that be?
Also, if I were to be a psychiatrist and have the abililty to prescribe medicine, what kind of schooling (college-wise) would I have to go through?
My high school offered psychology and sociology classes this past year (Summer vacation just started) and I wasn't interested at the time. Now that I'm interested my school is no longer offering the classes - it was a one time thing I guess. If we still had the classes I'd just wait until next year. I was referred to your column so I'm hoping maybe you can help clear my head on some of this.
If you have any links to websites or anything that would be great too.
Thanks in advance. (link)
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I'm glad that you wrote and are showing interest in such a wonderful field. A therapist is just a general term for someone who helps people directly through their problems- they can be either a psychologist, psychiatrist, and even a social worker. The type of therapy that you want to give to a person has to do with what school of therapy you believe in- which I'm not going to go into, but for example there are the Freudian school of psychology (dreams, everything relating to childhood) v. behavioral (Skinner's school where a person's actions need to be altered to change their psychological self).
All of these do require advanced degrees in college. I wouldn't worry about not taking that class this summer. This is the summer before senior year and you really should be having a lot more fun. There will be plenty of time in college to take those courses- almost everyone takes an introduction to psychology class (most popular class on every university).
Most psychotherapies are actually multifold and can often include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors etc. So, it is only a matter of time before you figure out where you want to fall into that team.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in psychology. He/She is able to prescribe medications and follow a patient and have the ability to treat as many problems as they want- usually with medicine, and if needed have the ability to "forcefully" admit someone to the hospital that they believe may be in danger. Since a psychiatrist is a medical doctor, you would have to go on the medical school path. This would include:
1. An undergraduate degree in the area of study that you are interested in- it doesn't have to be one of the sciences, you can major in english, psychology, math, but you need ot major in something.
2. You will have to take pre-medical courses in college which will include: 1 year of General Chemistry, 1 year of Organic Chemistry, 1 year of Physics, Calculus I + II, 1 Year of Biology, English. A lot of other people take other classes that can be useful such as Anatomy and Physiology, Biochemistry, Statistics, Microbiology etc. However the courses that I mentioned before are the bare minimum.
3. During your junior year in college or the summer before your junior year of college you will have to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). This is a very long exam approx 8 hours, where they test you on reading, writing, physical sciences (chemistry and physics) and Life sceinces (biology, organic chemistry). This test is offered twice a year- April and August. The latest you can take it is the summer before your senior year if you want admission for the following fall.
4. During your college time- you need to be involved in volunteer work, and also research work. First year of college, go to the college guidance office and tell them that you want to get involved in research.
5. Once you are in medical school - You complete 4 years of that.
6. Then depending on what type of residency you get- this is another 3-5 years of post-graduate training. During medical school and residency you will be taking several exams- the United States Medical Licensing Exam Step I, IICK, IICS, III and then your speciality board exams.
It is a long time but after this you would be done and be able to do psychiatry- pescribe medications etc.
A psychologist/ therapist has almost a long course but to be competitive and have a very good job you will have to get a graduate degree, and would want to major in psychology as an undergraduate. You will take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) to get into grad school and then you would go from there.
However, I am going through that path and even though it is long I don't regret it at all, and I know that if you're passionate (as you seem to be)- you will be very good in whatever you do.
Check out this webpage for students from the American Psychological Association for more answers: http://www.apa.org/students/
Best of Luck,
AK
P.S. I sucked at chemistry too. Don't worry too much about it, just do well enough in chem and hten the rest of your classes will bring it up.
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i have a brownish lump on my breast like half inch from my nipple and im 13 most of my relatives and family died from cancer. could i have breast cancer?...my mom said there was a very high chance id have cancer but i never told her about it cuz ive had it about 2 days so far.....any doctor out there or anyone willing to help mee (link)
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At 13 years old, even with a very strong family history of breast cancer in the family, it is very rare for it to be cancer. What a lot of girls get when they are starting to go through puberty is fibroadenoma. Have you started your period yet? Often it will get bigger and smaller as you go through your period- this condition is not cancerous.
If it is only been around for 2 days or so- it is also not very likely that it is cancer. Cancer is something that grows very slowly, and would not show up that quickly. Also the discoloring doesn't point towards cancer.
Other questions that I would have is if there is dimpling of the skin near that lump or if there is any discharge from the nipple.
It is very good that you are aware of your family history of cancer, so that you can get checked early. If this "lump" persists for some time then I would have you see a doctor/surgeon who can better examine you and if necessary may remove it- you may just have a cyst. With your family history you may get a genetic marker checked to see if you are more likely to have breast cancer, but that may not be done till you are a bit older.
You have nothing to worry about right now, but I would tell your mum and if it persists then you should have a full exam by a surgeon/doctor.
Yours,
AK
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So I was preparing for a pool party today and used a diplatory on my bikini area. But...I accidentally got it everywhere down there and even near my vaginal opening!! It burns like hell and when I pee its like double hell. I know its not meant to go in that area but is there anything terrible that can happen to me? HOW DO I STOP IT FROM BURNING?? (link)
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Those items are actually evil things. They work by causing a chemical burn to get rid of hair and other things. However, when they stay on too long- they do cause a chemical burn (much like a 1st degree burn). I once got that stuff on me, and I had a severe chemical burn- to the point that I couldn't go to work because it hurt so much.
What can you do to help it from not burning too much. Unfortuanately, what you will have to do is go to the doctor and possibly get an antibiotic cream- which will prevent infection and also help soothe the area. You may be given silver sulfadine- which is something that we give to our burn patients.
You can also use a petroleum based (vasoline) based jelly to keep that area well moisturized and hydrated- that skin is burned, which means no moisture- so have to keep it hydrated. Also, drink lots of water. To help urination- you may have to ask your doctor for a numbing cream with lidocaine or xyelocaine in it.
Hope you feel better,
AK
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I need advice!!! I'm 21, had 11 sexual partners, been in two serious relationships, and very happy with my body and feel confident in sex but just can't have an internal orgasm and never have!!!! What's going on!?!?!?!?! It's attually starting to worry me now. I'm in a serious relationship and i feel totally comfortable, so it's not because I'm trying too hard or don't feel comfortable. HELP?!!!! (link)
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It is actually a very common occurence for women not to have orgasms from vaginal penetration. Anatomically and physiologically speaking only the distal 1/3 of your vagina has nerves that could be considered pleasurable. During most penetration- the penis goes beyond this area and doesn't stimulate the Graffenberg spot (G-Spot). The G- Spot is actually many nerve endings in one spot on the anterior aspect of your vagina, and one can actually tell where it is b/c it will feel different from the rest of your vaginal wall- rougher in a way. These nerves often share the same endings as the ones in the clitoris which is why they are very sensitive.
It is normal and you should not be concerned. You can try different positions- reverse cowgirl or scissor position are often most effective to getting to the G- spot. Another method that often helps is to stimulate both areas at once- and then there can be a psychological connection between both clitoral and vaginal orgasms- where eventually a person can have a "clitoral" type orgasm with just vaginal intercourse.
You just need to find what is most comfortable for you and as I tell people who ask questions- remember- orgasms are experienced in the head more than anywhere else.
Best of luck,
AK
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hey, you answered my earlier question about heart rate but I have another question that is a bit more specific.
About 4 days ago, on saturday, I smoked marijuana(bad decision, i know) However, it brought my heart rate to about about 120-180 beats per minute; about 2 or 3 beats every second(i had someone sober count my heartbeat with a timer) and it lasted for about 2-3 hours. My average heart rate is in the low 60's. I used to be a chronic stoner so I know that marijuana bringing up my heart rate by that much is by all means not normal. I am 99.9% sure that the marijuana was not laced. I am also 100% sure that it was not the placebo effect that increased my heart rate. I was also dehydrated, exhausted, and had not eaten in 20 hours at the time of smoking. I am also 16, male, and of asian descent. In addition, that was the first time I smoked marijuana in several months. Is it normal for some kinds of marijuana to affect me like that and are there any other documented cases of this happening?
(link)
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Thank you for being honest with me, so that I can give you the best answer that I can. You don't have to be ashamed about smoking marijuana- I was a teenager back in the day too- and I don't think that it is as bad as many people think that it is.
There could be several answers why your heart rate was up- marijuana contrary to the "mellowing" effect that it has on the mind- can actually stimulate your heart, breathing and other systems. If it had been a while since you smoked, so your body was getting stimulated like it had never been exposed before- another example of this is when you take a lot of caffeine- if you take it chronically the heart rate won't be that affected versus the person who doesn't take it often- who gets jittery.
Another reason is that you may have been dehydrated. One of the reasons that doctors, as soon as you go to the hospital, is we start an IV to start IV fluids. When a person is dehydrated, a persons heartrate will be faster than someone who is well- hydrated.
Also, Asians often are more prone to having a faster heart rate with small amount of drugs in their system. It has to do with genetics.
This has happened before and several hours of an increased heart rate is not a terrible thing. However, as I mentioned before, if it sustains for longer than 10 hours or so, then I would get checked out for something else going on.
I am not too concerned, and neither should you be for now.
Yours,
AK
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What is the difference between the Providence Bruins and the Boston Bruins? They're logos are basically the same, and I can't figure this out.
Thanks! (link)
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The Providence Bruins are part of the American Hockey League- which is similar to the minor leagues of hockey.
The Boston Bruins are part of the National Hockey League, which are considered the pro- teams.
The P- Bruins are the "minor" league team owned by the Boston Bruins, hence why the logos are very similar to each other.
AK
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My whole life I've been told and thought I'm stupid. Because I'm not school-book smart. I don't get good grades in the "smart subjects" like science, math and so on. I am so sick of believing this. I'm a different type of smart. I know I can make something of myself.
I am especially good at 3 things; public speaking & reaching out to people, languages (I know 4 different languages and intend on learning several more) and I sympathize, more than anything. People always turn to me because of that, I long to help. More than anything.
I've researched at least a hundred different professions in my attempt to find a major that will equip me with the right tools to help save the innocent from the corrupt and ultimatley change the world. I need a profession that will make me come alive. I have a picture of myself speaking infront of thousands of people, touching their hearts, or working at a homless shelter, somehow helping those who have been used, or anything of that kind. But in BIG levels, it wouldn't mean anything to me as a doctor or anything like that. It's not the kind of thing that would make me come alive, it wouldn't matter to me. I don't want to help one person at a time, I want to help thousands.. at once. I want to do something that would end homelessness and stimulate world peace!
I am compassionate and am able to provide stability in people's lives when they are shaken up. I am 16 years old, female, and more than anything.. I want to do something with my life.
No one believes in me, because I am not suited for the typical "good jobs" I will never have the grades to become a Lawyer, Doctor, Journalist or any of the sort.
Help me, what can I become? And how do I get there?
Thank you so much! And please, don't read this and think "what a dreamer, everyone thinks they'll save the world.. this one doesn't even have good enough grades.. she doesn't even know how to spell" Please, I have enough people thinking that way, if you can't help me, fine. But I'm begging you, don't think like that. (link)
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I wish that I could write a lot more, but unfortunately I have to start making rounds soon, so I won't be able to write as much.
I think your passion is there, and it will just take some time before you find what you are passionate about. I will tell you that when I was in high school, no one believed that I would do anything with my life. I wasn't a mediocre student, but I wasn't one of the top in my class. I just did well "enough". Unfortunately, high school is not meant to stimulate your own pursuits, but rather make you take classes that you are not interested in and passionate about, but I do assure you that when you get into college (and you will get into college) you will finally be able to study things that really interest you. Believe me, I'm a M.D. now, and no one from my high school would believe that I would have gotten here, but I have.
You want to change the world, and I admire your desires. There are so many things that you can do, but you just need to find your own niche, which unfortunately no one can tell you what that is. You will discover it for yourself. Think about Ernesto "Che" Guevara- who in South America was a medical student, but he's not remembered for being a doctor, but rather for being a great revolutionary (granted socialist- but that's not the point), and he did this when his eyes were opened, and wanted to do something. Warren Buffett one of the wealthiest men in the world- genius of the stock market and finance community has changed the world by donating the majority of his fortune to help the poor and down trodden.
You will find yourself, and don't let people tell you that you won't be something- because you really can be anything. If you stay passionate, and persistent, the world will bow to you.
Believe me- I've been there, and I hope one day after my training to be able to open a hospitals in India to help the poor to get the same medical care that we enjoy in the USA.
Best of luck,
AK
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ok i want to be a child psychologist but i dono where do start or wut college i shud go to or wut i should get into in college i need some major help please im in the 10 grade i should kno by now but i dono where to start or what to do please help me fulfill my dream (link)
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Do you want to be child psychologist or a child psychiatrist?
The two are different, and the pathways to achieve them are different too.
The difference between the two is that a child psychiatrist is a M.D. and is able to prescribe medications to people, however, a child psychologist cannot do this, but both can do therapy.
Psychologist Pathway: find a program that you are interested in that has a good psychology program. This is one of the most popular majors so it may take some time to find a college that you really like. However, to be a child psychologist, you will need to pursue a graduate degree- at least a masters if not a PhD. The graduate school is more important than the undergraduate degree- but you should see a University that also has a good graduate school too.
Psychiatry Pathway: This is the M.D. pathway. You will have to complete an undergraduate degree in any subject that you like (psychology need not be the only subject, but can be- I have a degree in psychology). You will have to take your core science classes- Biology, Chemistry, and Physics and also some other classes- Calculus, and English. Usually around your junior year- some very motivated people do it after the summer of their sophomore year- you have to take the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test). This test is required to gain admission to medical school. Once you're in a medical school- you will want to do your residency (post medical school training) in psychology or pediatrics and then specialize in child psychiatry. There are many programs that have combined residencies, but generally this is another 4-5 years. After that, you'll get licensed to practice child psychiatry.
As you can see both paths are not easy- PhD is at least 8-9 years, M.D. is at least 11-12 years, but its really worth it if you're passionate.
Best of luck,
AK
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I just found out ym 14 year old cousin has a tumor. they think it is on the brain stem but aren't 100% sure, because the doctor said she has not seen a tumore like this before. they started radiation today and he has to do it for 33 days (not including the weekends) and they don't now how affective it will be. one doctor told him, if the radiation didn't work they would try chemo therapy and if chemo didn't work, then he has the possibility of dying in a year. everyone in my family has hope in god that he will overcome this but my question is, how quickly does the tumor shrink in the case of radiation? could any herbal medications help? (link)
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You're doing the right thing, praying is always a good thing to do. I'm a doctor and even in the operating room, we sometimes pray that we do the best for our patients.
Your cousin is very young and there are several types of tumors that could be present in the brainstem area. Many times, these tumors are treatable, and a person can go on to live a very normal life with very little residual effect. However, I cannot tell you what type of tumor it is because I have not seen the CT/MRI to be able to tell you.
However, radiation does help and so does chemotherapy, however many times these are not the definitive treatment. As a surgeon, I would say that the only "real" cure often is to have surgery to remove the tumor. It is a very delicate operation- because it is in the brainstem which controls many of basic life functions- breathing, heartrate, etc. You would have to go to a specialty neurosurgeon to see about it and get evaluated.
If you want to contact me- email me at aksherma@mac.com- and let me know where your cousin lives, and I may know a neurosurgeon that I can tell him may be the best one to see. He would have to see a special pediatric neuro-onc neurosurgeon. They are trained very well (4 years med school + 6-7 years general neurosurgery residency + 2-3 years of pediatric neuro- oncology= 12-14+ years of training).
Best of luck,
AK
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Does any one know a site where I can calculate how much of a mineral, herb I should take. I want to take more than the RDA recommends, however, I dont want to megadose either. Thanks (link)
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It has been repeatedly said that Americans have the richest urine in the world- because of all the supplements, vitamins, etc that we take.
Most vitamins and minerals are water soluble, which means that our bodies use a certain amount and the extra stuff gets filtered by our kidneys into our urine and then we pee it out. For example- if you take a Vitamin B Complex vitamin and you get too much of it- your urine will be almost a flourescent yellow.
The only vitamins that are fat soluble- ie gets stored in our body fat and not excreted are Vitamin A, D, E, and K. Once again, it is very difficult to overdose on these, but it is possible.
Herbs- unfortunately, are not governed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and therefore they do not undergo the strict approval process that most medications needs to go to. Hence, why some herbs like " Ephendrine" killed a few people before it was banned. I would be very cautious with using any herbs, because they just have not been studied enough to be considered very safe.
You're probably getting enough vitamins and minerals from a balanced diet, but if you feel you're not, then I would just get one multivitamin- i often suggest people use flintstone chewables, which are easier to digest (not a pill to swallow) and provides all the vitamins that you need.
Best of luck,
AK
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i have cirles under my eyes that are really gross and dark..i'm only 14 so i don't think its from age and i get like 10 hours of sleep a night so it's not that either. I try to put conseler on them to cover it up but that doesn't work.
Is there any way i can get rid of them??? (prefferably under $30) (link)
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Another reason for people to have dark rings around their eyes is allergies- a lot of the common allergens that causes your eyes to water or even dry out can also have an adverse effect by releasing histamine and causing increased blood flow and dark rings around your eyes.
The other person had some great homeopathic solutions to this problem, which have shown to work, but I would also try an anti- histamine eyedrops too. They do have prescription ones that a doctor can give you but you may have success with the over the counter types.
I had the same problem when I was younger and the drops really did help me- unfortunately, now my rings around my eyes are from lack of sleep.
Best of luck,
AK
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What is considered an extremely fast heart rate that wouldn't kill you(but any faster would) if you had the heart rate for 2 or so hours? (link)
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In medicine the term we use is tachycardia- which means a heart rate of over 100 beats per minute. This is considered "abnormal" at rest- but it is expected to rise with exercise and times of "stress".
Short periods of time above 100 at rest is okay, however, if it stays around for 2 hours after you exercise, it would be something worth getting checked out. There are a lot of causes for this, but if it stays this high for a long period of time, you can get what is called "hypertrophic cardiomyopathy"- which just means the muscle in your heart becomes big (it exercises more- and becomes bigger)- and that can have serious implications later in life.
If you are considered there are simple tests that can be done- EKG, Echo, Stress test, to check your heart.
Any heart rate where you have symptoms- ie chest pains, shortness of breath, dizziness, is something that should be checked out by your family doctor.
Best of luck,
AK
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if i were to get5 a mole or something removed where would it be done?
at a hospital, or do i have to go to a sergion? (link)
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A dermatologist and even some primary doctors will check the mole to see if it just a mole/ skin tag or if it could be something else. Usually if it is just a mole- it can be cut off in the office, and usually the mole is sent to a lab to make sure that it isn't anything else.
The only time we (surgeons) see "moles" is when there is a question of something below the surface- cancer, lipoma, etc. that needs a larger incision and then suturing of the skin together. Even these are often a quick procedure (come in the morning- an hour to get it done- and then leave another hour later), but it all depends on what it looks like.
You have nothing to worry about.
AK
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so im having a doctors appt soon and my mjom asked me when id like to have it, and i did marijuana last week
they like pee test us, and can they see the drugs? i heard that marijuana stays in your body for like a week
and also if she asks me iive ever done drugs, what shoul i say, becuase i know that she cant tell anyone by federal law, bu then again, drugs are illegal (link)
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I'm not quite sure of your age, but the doctor should ask you if there is anything you want to tell him/her in privacy without your mother being present.
I know when I see a child in clinic, I always ask the parent to step out during the "questioning" period so that they can be completely honest with me. If your doctor doesn't do that, then you should either call directly or ask your mother to step out. If she doesn't then your doctor should get the clue there is something that you need to talk about and ask your mother to step out. It is very important that you are completelely honest with us- because we can treat you for a lot of things if we don't have all the information. We are forbidden by law to reveal any information that we gather- and if we do we can be punished greatly from a big fine (thousands of dollars) to suspension of our medical licenses (we worked 8+ years to get that and we're not going to risk that) to outright jail time. It doesn't matter if you did anything illegal or not- we can't say anything unless you have plans on hurting yourself (ie suicide) or someone else (assault/ homicide).
As for a standard physical- I've never heard of a urine test being routinely done. I understand that some schools have the test done- and generally the + test would be there for 10-14 days. However, if they do a hair test it can be several months (marijuana is stored in your fat- and therefore can be detected on hair for a long time).
Hope this helps.
AK
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