Medical Webwatch.

Background Briefings http://www.wiredinitiative.com/backgroundbriefings.htm is authored by Professor David Clark, Director of WIRED http://www.wiredinitiative.com/. His 41 briefings focus on a wide variety of issues concerning substance use and misuse. He has also produced a series of 17 introductory lectures http://www.wiredinitiative.com/educationtraining.htm. WIRED publishes Daily Dose "The World's leading drug and alcohol news service." Jim Young, the author of Medical Webwatch for the Southern Medical Journal, is the editor of Daily Dose.

Cardiothoracic Imaging http://info.med.yale.edu/intmed/cardio/imaging/contents.html is a rich resource from the Yale School of Medicine, Center for Advanced Instructional Media. Although it is dated 2004, it still offers a substantial and interesting listing under the categories: "Anatomy," "Image Technology," "Image Findings," and "Case Index." The "Anatomy" section mixes various images with cartoons and 3D animated models for easy assimilation. The "Image Technology" section provides explanations of the various imaging techniques complete with audio files. The x-ray plates in the "Case Index" section are presented with mouse-over annotation, and they ensure balanced diagnostic data by providing alternative reference plates and echocardiograms. This is a very tasty resource with something for everyone.

Advanced Clinical Diagnosis http://depts.washington.edu/physdx/index.html hails from the University of Washington, Department of Medicine. From the menu, the "Skill Modules" tab offers the following skill modules: "Heart Sounds & Murmurs," "Liver & Ascites," Neck Veins," "Pulmonary," and "Thyroid." Also on the top bar are "Getting Started" and an "Epidemiology Glossary." The website is "dedicated to helping develop the skills of trainees (students and residents) in advanced physical diagnosis techniques and their application to patient care by demonstrating how to conduct attending rounds that include bedside teaching" and is authored by Linda E. Pinsky, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Joyce E. Wipf, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine. Many of the multifaceted components are accompanied by audio-visual presentations, and each category is accompanied by "Teaching Tips." There is much to peruse on this easily navigated website.

The Online Physical Exam Teaching Assistant http://medinfo.ufl.edu/other/opeta/ is from the University of Florida College of Medicine and is accessed by anatomical region. Each voice-over video has a subtext providing a brief description of the examination to be undertaken. The program is designed to demonstrate acceptable techniques expected of the first year medical student. Each category is accompanied by a "special considerations" subtext.

The Eye Movement Simulator http://cim.ucdavis.edu/EyeRelease/Interface/eSim.htm is a pleasing interactive cartoon that illustrates the clinical signs attending ophthalmic myopathy and neuropathy. By selectively disabling the various muscles, and by moving your mouse around the screen, the eyes will follow the cursor, thereby demonstrating the signs of specific oculomotor pathology. Similarly, full or partial cranial nerve block can be selected. There is a useful facility to keep the eyelids open for conditions where pupil occlusion is a feature. As they say in the movies--"Here's looking at you, kid."

The Traveler's Guide to History of Biology and Medicine http://www.historyofbiologyandmedicine.com/index.html is a fascinating and original traveler's guide. The book was originally written by Eric T. & Daphne M. Pengelley who were determined that none of what they described would be "secondhand." Thus, almost everything that they described had been visited and seen by them. When Daphne died, Eric, who was then 82 years old, decided not to continue updating the book, but Julius P. Bonello, M.D. asked Dr. Pengelley if he could update and rewrite the book. Sadly, Dr. Pengelley passed away before he had the chance to see how the culmination of his life's research and personal discoveries will now guide even more individuals through its publication on the Internet. Julius wrote that "I hope this guide will enhance your studies and travels and ignite a passion for the rich history of medicine both in the United States and abroad." It covers 12 countries and contains descriptions, histories, photographs, location guides, contact details, opening hours, and hyperlinks to the relevant websites. This is a very useful and educational travel companion.