A collection of medical papers, clinical guidelines and literature I found interesting and useful.
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Effect of Exercise on Depression PDF
A systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrating that walking, jogging, yoga, and strength training show clinically significant reductions in depression symptoms—comparable to psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Challenges the traditional hierarchy that places exercise as merely adjunctive treatment. View PDF → -
Potential Impact of 2024 UK Salt Reduction Targets ARTICLE
Modeling study quantifying potential health gains from reducing dietary salt to 3.94g/day—projected to prevent thousands of cardiovascular events annually and save the NHS substantial costs. Provides evidence-based ammunition for public health salt reduction initiatives. Read article → -
Weight Regain after Cessation of Medication for Weight Management ARTICLE
Critical examination of what happens when GLP-1 agonists are discontinued. Most patients regain significant weight within 12 months, raising questions about sustainability and the need for indefinite treatment. Essential reading amid the semaglutide hype—the miracle drug requires permanent commitment. Read article → -
US Dept of Health: New Food Pyramid & Guidelines (2026)
Major revision emphasizing whole foods, drastically reducing added sugar recommendations, and acknowledging the Mediterranean and plant-forward diets. Significant departure from previous iterations, with stronger evidence base addressing chronic disease prevention. Globally relevant given rising NCDs worldwide.
Scientific Report (PDF) • The Guidelines (PDF) • Daily Servings Guide (PDF) -
Managing snakebite PDF
Practical clinical approach to snake bite envenomation—a frequently encountered emergency in tropical regions. Covers identification of venomous bites, first aid (what works and what doesn't), assessment of envenoming severity, antivenom administration, and management of complications like coagulopathy, neurotoxicity, and local tissue necrosis. Essential reading for anyone working in areas where snake bites are common. View PDF → -
Lumbar Flexion Exercises PDF
Practical self-administered exercises for lower back pain, particularly beneficial for spondylolisthesis and similar conditions. A family member with severe lower back pain found these exercises remarkably helpful—cheap, accessible self-help that rivals costly physiotherapy. Simple illustrations guide patients through flexion-based movements that reduce pain and improve function. Empowering patients to manage their own care. View PDF → -
Chronic Rhinosinusitis Management PDF
Practical guidance for managing chronic rhinosinusitis—persistent nasal congestion, facial pressure, and post-nasal drip lasting beyond 12 weeks. Covers diagnosis, distinguishing it from allergic rhinitis, and stepwise treatment from nasal saline irrigation and corticosteroid sprays through to when ENT referral is needed. Clear, concise approach to a common but often undertreated condition. View PDF → -
Peripheral Artery Disease in the Legs PDF
Definitive NEJM review of peripheral artery disease—epidemiology, diagnosis, medical management, and revascularization strategies. McDermott synthesizes decades of research into actionable clinical guidance. Covers everything from ankle-brachial index interpretation to exercise therapy and antiplatelet regimens. The gold standard review for understanding PAD. View PDF → -
Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction PDF
HFpEF remains one of cardiology's most challenging syndromes—normal ejection fraction but symptomatic heart failure. This NEJM review clarifies diagnostic criteria, pathophysiology, and emerging therapies (SGLT2 inhibitors showing promise). Cannata and McDonagh provide clarity in a field historically lacking effective treatments. Essential reading as HFpEF prevalence rises with aging populations. View PDF → -
MSF Essential Drugs List PDF
Field-tested formulary designed for resource-limited settings. Lists essential medications with practical prescribing information, dosing for adults and children, and guidance on drug management in austere environments. Invaluable for anyone working in humanitarian medicine or low-resource contexts. View PDF → -
MSF Diagnosis and Treatment Manual PDF
Clinical algorithms and treatment protocols for common conditions in primary care settings without advanced diagnostics. Pragmatic, evidence-based guidance for managing malaria, TB, malnutrition, and endemic diseases when CT scanners and subspecialists aren't options. View PDF → -
MSF Essential Obstetric and Newborn Care PDF
Emergency obstetric protocols for managing eclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, obstructed labor, and neonatal resuscitation with minimal equipment. Assumes you're the most qualified person in the room—even if you're not an obstetrician. View PDF → -
EACS Guidelines 2023 PDF
Comprehensive HIV treatment guidelines from the European AIDS Clinical Society. Covers antiretroviral therapy initiation, switching regimens, drug interactions, and managing comorbidities in people living with HIV. Easy to follow, evidence-based, and regularly updated. Essential reference for anyone managing HIV patients. View PDF → -
Hepatitis B Management Guidelines PDF
European guidelines covering natural history, screening, treatment initiation criteria, and monitoring. Clear decision algorithms for when to start antivirals, which regimens to use, and how to manage special populations (pregnancy, coinfection, immunosuppressed). More accessible than dense primary literature. View PDF → -
COPD Management Guidelines PDF
Distilled from GOLD guidelines into practical, single-page algorithms. Covers diagnosis using spirometry, inhaler selection based on symptom burden, and when to escalate therapy. Easier to navigate during clinical encounters than the 100+ page GOLD report. View PDF → -
Paediatric Asthma Management (0-16 years) PDF
Stepwise approach to controller therapy in children, accounting for age-specific differences in drug delivery and dosing. Clear guidance on when to step up treatment, which inhalers to use at different ages, and how to assess control. View PDF → -
Adult Asthma Management (≥17 years) PDF
Evidence-based ladder for escalating asthma therapy from as-needed relievers to maintenance ICS, LABA, and biologics. Includes criteria for specialist referral and guidance on managing acute exacerbations in primary care. View PDF → -
Chronic Heart Failure (HFrEF) Management PDF
Implementation of the "fantastic four" neurohormonal antagonists (ACE-i/ARB/ARNI, beta-blocker, MRA, SGLT2i) in primary care. Practical titration schedules, monitoring parameters, and when to involve cardiology. Reflects recent evidence showing SGLT2 inhibitors benefit even non-diabetics. View PDF → -
Hypertension Management using ABPM PDF
NICE-aligned approach emphasizing ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to avoid white coat hypertension misdiagnosis. Treatment thresholds, first-line agents by patient characteristics, and targets for different age groups and comorbidities. View PDF → -
How to use an Insulin Pen PDF
Visual step-by-step guide covering needle attachment, air bubble removal, dose dialing, injection technique, and disposal. Useful patient education handout—clear illustrations transcend language barriers. View PDF → -
Type 2 Diabetes: Adult Outpatient Insulin Guidelines PDF
Practical protocols for initiating and titrating basal insulin, adding prandial coverage, and adjusting for hypoglycemia. Includes specific regimens (basal-plus, basal-bolus), titration algorithms, and troubleshooting common problems. Designed for primary care providers managing insulin without endocrinology backup. View PDF → -
Intake24 WEB
Web-based 24-hour dietary recall tool using food photography and portion size estimation. Open-source alternative to expensive dietary assessment software. Useful for research, clinical nutrition assessment, or public health surveillance. Visit site → -
UK Diet and Nutrition Survey Questionnaire PDF
Validated instrument assessing dietary patterns, alcohol consumption, smoking status, and physical activity levels. Provides framework for comprehensive lifestyle assessment in clinical or research settings. Self-completion format reduces interview burden. View PDF →