Has the inclusion of a longitudinally integrated communication skills program improved consultation skills in medical students? A pilot study.

Background: Evidence highlights a lack of communication skills in doctors leading to dysfunctional consultations. To address this deficit, a private medical college instituted curricular reforms with inclusion of a longitudinal communication skills program. A pilot study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of this program by comparing the consultation skills of medical students of this college with a medical college without a communication skills program.

The frequency of shisha (waterpipe) smoking in students of different age groups.

Objective: To determine the frequency of waterpipe smoking in students of different age groups.

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Place And Duration Of Study: Karachi, Pakistan, from February 2012 to February 2013.

Pattern of perfusion defects seen in ischemic heart disease patients on technetium (Tc99m) tetrofosmin scanning.

Background: Cardiovascular disease is common cause of death in developed as well as developing countries. The most common cause of Ischemic Heart disease is narrowing of coronary arteries, a process called as atherosclerosis. The objective of the present study is to determine the pattern of ischemic changes detected by technetium tetrofosmin (Tc99m).