Chapters authored
Septic Embolism in Endocarditis: Anatomic and Pathophysiologic Considerations
Septic embolism is a relatively common and potentially severe complication of infective endocarditis (IE). Septic emboli (SE), most often described as consisting of a combination of thrombus and infectious material—either bacterial or fungal—can be caused by hematogenous spread from virtually any anatomic site; however, it most commonly originates from cardiac valves. During the past two decades there has been a confluence of various risk factors that, both alone and in combination, led to greater incidence of both IE and SE, including increasing population age, greater use of prosthetic valves, implantation of various intracardiac devices, escalating intravenous drug use, and the high incidence of healthcare associated infections with antibiotic resistant microorganisms. From a clinical standpoint, SE can present at any time during the course of IE and may even be the initial presenting sign. SE may affect virtually any location in the human body, but some organs (e.g., liver, spleen, brain) and anatomic regions (e.g., lower extremity) tend to be more frequently involved. The most important aspect of management involves prompt recognition and proactive therapeutic approach. Given the broad spectrum of clinical presentations, symptoms and complications, SE can be challenging to diagnose and treat. Following the identification of SE, appropriate antibiotic coverage should be immediately instituted followed by supportive and/or interventional management, depending on the severity of presentation and the associated complications. In this chapter we explore the pathophysiology, anatomic origins, diagnostic tools, therapeutic measures, and new developments in SE, focusing predominantly on bacterial infections of cardiac origin.
Part of the book: Advanced Concepts in Endocarditis
Starting New Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Residency Programs in a Teaching Hospital
Starting a new ACGME approved residency program can positively impact patient care, medical education, hospital operations, and the community as whole. This requires a significant amount of commitment, time, and preparation. The initial application and accreditation process should start early and requires a thorough understanding on the ACGME requirements. Building a new residency program involves collaboration among various stakeholders, starting with the teaching hospital, ACGME, and the Center of Medicare and Medicaid services (CMS). It is prudent to also consider the operational and logistical issues such as budget, faculty and administrative staff hire, faculty time for administrative duties, and educational space for faculty and residents. It is vital to recognize how the institution’s strengths and weaknesses match up to these requirements. A robust educational and clinical curriculum in line with ACGME’s core competencies and useful educational collaboration among various programs is critical for effective program. Recruiting and developing the appropriate faculty members is another important aspect for a successful program. The final challenge is recruiting residents that will fit well into the new residency program. Lastly, we discuss the challenges and tips to mitigate the risks of disappointment in the process of starting and creating a flagship residency program.
Part of the book: Contemporary Topics in Graduate Medical Education