Introduction

My life lessons on how to be a successful clinician

Being a good clinician is indeed complex and difficult. It requires the inter-relationship of a large number of factors:

  • A firm foundation (knowledge, training, skill, experience)
  • Communication skills
  • Perception
  • Collegiality
  • Passion
  • Growth
  • Empathy
  • Humility
  • Focus
  • Self-Assessment
  • Balance

This is not easy. It is a goal we can all strive to achieve. It requires ongoing effort. Perhaps that is why it is said that we “practice” medicine. If we keep practicing one day we may get it right!

Cardiovascular risk reduction in diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition in South Africa and around the world. It is often associated with multiple other cardiac risk factors including dyslipidaemia and hypertension. Data from the UKPDS and STENO 2 showed that aggressive management of multiple risk factors simultaneously including lifestyle, diet, exercise, addressing hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes was associated with a significant reduction (53%) in cardiovascular risk.

Rhythm versus rate control in patients with atrial fibrillation: What is the best strategy?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common. The community-based prevalence of AF in sub-Saharan Africa has been found to be 4.3% and 0.7% in individuals aged ≥40 years and aged ≥70 years, respectively.  In the presence of 1 or more risk factors for AF, those of European ancestry have a 37% lifetime risk of developing AF. Even in the absence of any risk factors, a 20% risk exists. 

A racing heart after COVID-19 – from a sports and exercise medicine perspective

It is just over a year since the first case of SARS-CoV-2 infection was reported in South Africa. In the first part of the pandemic, doctors had to focus on the acute treatment of COVID-19 patients. We are now seeing the effects of post-acute and chronic complications of this novel disease in all spheres of medicine: Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) is no different. 

Certification

Attempts allowed: 2

70% Pass rate 





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Heart Matters - Vol 12 No 1 - April 2021