Medical webwatch.

Who Named It http://www.whonamedit.com/index.cfm is a biographical dictionary of medical eponyms. The entries describe the syndromes, signs, tests, reactions, and reflexes that we all know so well, with the added interest of short biographies of the associated persons. The website has been constructed by Ole Daniel Enersen, Oslo, Norway, and he invites readers to help by filling any gaps. The entries are referenced. Is your name there ... yet?

Embryo Images from the University of North Carolina, School of Medicine http://www.med.unc.edu/embryo_images/unit-welcome/welcome_htms/contents.htm is fronted by 9 hyperlinked images that open the various anatomical areas such as "Musculoskeletal," "Head and Neck," etc. These present a series of beautiful scanning electron micrographs of embryos at various stages of development. The structures are highlighted in colors that correspond to the descriptive text, and some images have cartoons alongside to aid delineation of the structures. Although websites of this format are common, these images are excellent. The material is predominantly from dissection of mouse embryos but numerous examples of human embryology are also included. The authors say that "The 3-D like quality of the micrographs coupled with selected line drawings and minimal text allow relatively easy understanding of the complex morphological changes that occur in utero." To which I say hear, hear.

Communicable Disease Surveillance & Response (CSR) http://www.who.int/csr/en/, from the World Health Organization provides all you need to know about epidemic alert and response. At first glance the website might appear slightly turgid, but when one is searching for specific information the structured navigation is very supportive. The main areas of work are: "Alert & Response Operations," "Diseases," "Global Outbreak Alert & Response Network," "International Health Regulations," "Laboratory & Epidemiology Strengthening," and as a reflection the times we live in "Preparedness for Deliberate Epidemics." Latest outbreak news is prioritized on the right of every page. For more parochial coverage the top menu offers: "Country Activities," and "Outbreak News," while under the "Resources" tab can be found archives of past outbreaks. The descriptions of set procedures, regulations and strategy for dealing with epidemics and pandemics are encouraging. Conversely, it is possible that apparent turgidity of this resource may be a reflection our subconscious disdain for reminders of our mortality on a global (almost biblical) scale; the epitome of our biological insignificance in the grand evolutionary game plan?

Medical Specialty Aptitude Test http://www.med-ed.virginia.edu/specialties/ is a web concept created by Peter M. Filsinger, MD, Anita D. Taylor MEd, Spencer B. Gay, MD, and Haiyan He, MS, MBA from the University of Virginia Health System. The expert system is designed to ... "Help medical students choose a medical specialty. You will be asked to rate your tendencies compared to the tendencies of physicians in each specialty. The higher your score for a given specialty, the more similar you are to the physicians in that specialty." The test takes about 15 minutes to answer 130 questions. Although you might harbor reservations about the validity of the recommendations returned by these questionnaires, the test is good fun and it does encourage self analysis, for I suspect that certain questions are repeated to ensure compliance. Have a go--you never know, you might even be in the wrong branch of medicine.

Geriatric Quick Consult http://www.virginiageriatrics.org/consult/index.html currently offers 8 topics outlining the management of the clinical, social, ethical, and pharmacological needs of your elderly patients. Each topic opens with a brief introduction followed by a table with columns entitled "DO All of These," and "DON'T Do Any of These." Under these stark recommendations are listed hyperlinked headings that open a secondary table with "Knowledge" and "Action" categories. These are resumes of current knowledge that will guide you through the suggested actions. These structured and focused primers were created by the Virginia Center on Aging, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, and they offer immediate support when one is considering some of the more contentious areas of elderly care.

Handbook of Ocular Disease Management http://www.revoptom.com/HANDBOOK/default.htm is authored by Joseph W. Sowka, OD, FAAO, an Associate Professor of Optometry at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, Andrew S. Gurwood, OD, FAAO, an Associate Professor at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, and Alan G. Kabat, OD, FAAO, an Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry. The reviews are listed under 8 categories divided into "Current Issues" or "Past Issues." Each individual review offers: "Signs and Symptoms," "Pathophysiology," "Management," and "Clinical Pearls." Most of the reviews include a small clinical photograph and they are rounded off with a reference list. These succinct reviews have a nice "feel" to them.

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