Internal Medicine - Adult Disease Specialist Now Serving you!

Hey there! This is Dr. JV Aclan. 

I am now going to be able to see patients online through my SeriousMD account! 

I am an Internist, specializing in Adult Diseases. This includes, and is not limited only to, Cardiovascular diseases such as Hypertension, CAD, Heart Failure; Endocrine problems such as Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome/Obesity, Thyroid Disease; Infectious Diseases, most especially regarding COVID-19. All adult diseases are welcome! 

I can also offer to do CP Clearance/Risk Assessment and Medical Certificates. Prompt referral to necessary sub-specialists or other specialties can also be done by me.

Scan the QR code or click the link below to learn more or to book an appointment with me today!

Doc JV - SeriousMD

/no1!

What's up 2017?

I'm Back!


Sort of. Just missed blogging. So, time for the usual life update:

> Graduated from Med School. I am officially JUAN VICENTE F. ACLAN, MD. Just need to pass the Physician Licensure Examination next year :) Here's hoping for an Internal Medicine Residency and Cardio Fellowship in the near future!

> Going 4 years with my girlfriend Maisie this November! Thank you Lord!

> Family is doing fine. Thank you Lord for them :D

> Currently a Post Grad Intern at OMMC. Currently at Pedia Rotation.





Not much. Here's to acing that PLE 2018! Time to make bawi :))





/no1!

2016 Personal Update.

Well, it's been a while since I posted.

> Finally passed 3rd Year Medicine! Onward to Clerkship! Thank you, Lord!

> My GWA stands at 2.50. It should be enough for a scholarship, but since I lost it 2 years ago, I'm no longer qualified. Still, it feels good knowing that even though this 3rd year I was a bit lax, I still got it! It's time to improve once more come Comprehensive Examinations and during Clerkship! BTW, 2nd year grades were fantastic as well. Better than 3rd year grades :))

> Maisie and I are going 3 years in our relationship <3

> Ma and Pa are gonna have an MD soon, an RMT (Paolo) soon and a HS girl (Rio) soon!

> Many many other blessings..

I can't count it all, but I know I got lots of blessings, in different forms. All I know right now is that..

CLERKSHIP BEGINS.

Here we go, 2017.

#MDBy2017

/no1!

Post Shiftings

That was almost 1000 scantron circles shaded.

It's all done!

Hoping for the best.. Maintain :)

Lord, kayo na po bahala :)

Just my 2 cents!

/no1!

PLM College of Medicine Application Results 2014-2015

The results are out now!

Here's a glimpse of the official list :D Also, be reminded that you should all reserve your slots by May 19, 2014.

Please do like these pages for more info:

Medical Alliance Rendering Service to Fellowmen

Medical Union for Service

Click on the image to enlarge it:

Congratulations to all!

/no1!

MARSF Booksale 2014!

Good day PLM Med Hopefuls & Fellow PLM Med folks, and all Med students!

Our organization, the Medical Alliance Rendering Service to Fellowmen (MARSF) of PLM College of Medicine, is once again here to bring you the annual MARSF Booksale!

You may contact me via this blog, on FB (JVBoy Aclan), on Twitter (@jvboytheman) or text me at 0915-191-3719 for details and when you want to place your orders.

Or you guys may choose to directly contact my orgmates whose names appear in the succeeding images.

Thank you!

Click on the images to enlarge 

/no1! 

How to love Genetics and Genomics! Use of CLC Sequencer and BLAST!

One of the tools we are currently using as Medical Students is the CLC Sequencer. It is actually fun to use but it can also be major headache. This post aims to help those using the sequencer and NCBI-BLAST to get what they need.

Things we need:

1. CLC Sequencer (click here)
2. A stable internet connection
3. A sample case (I'm going to use our homework as example)

Now, let us install the CLC Sequencer first, before doing anything. Once everything is in place, we can now begin.

First, open your CLC Sequencer:

The interface is quite simple, anyway, the next thing we need is to load our samples. As seen in my screenshot, I have already saved the samples that I need. To do so, click NEW and then paste your whole sequence into the text box provided:

Name your sequence, then save it (click the save button at the menu). When you are done, your sequence would then appear  on your screen. 

 

 Next, click the following on your CLC Sequencer:

Find the longest Open Reading Frame (ORF) by following these steps:

 

Choose these options (unless you have instructions otherwise), then Click Next

 Confirm, and click FINISH

 

This table would appear and show you which possible ORFs there are available so you can choose. Remember, the longest ORF is what we need (as highlighted above). 

 

Using the table as a guide, look for the sequence number (in my case it is 1010 to 1831). Remember, each line consists of 60 nucleotides with 10 in each column. The one I highlighted above is shown to be from 1010 to 1831, which CLC said was my longest possible ORF.

Next, copy and paste that particular sequence and create a new sequence in the CLC.

Your next step now is to translate it to protein by clicking the menus posted above.

Tada. Now you have your protein sequence. Its now time to fire up your web browser and point it to NCBI-BLAST (blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Click on PROTEIN BLAST and paste your protein sequence in the text box seen below:

You will find the following results. What you need is the result with the highest (99-100%) Query Value, and it will usually be the first one. 

Click the Accession Value link, and you will be linked to this page:

Look for the title of the study where your protein sequence is related to. You can now infer the case that was given to you. In my case, it is Phenylketonuria.

It's fun to use this CLC viewer, albeit the hardships you gotta go through just to understand and be able to use this tool properly. Once you get the hang of it, however, it'll be smooth sailing from here on out.

Hope this helps!
/no1! 

PLM CMSC Donation Drive (Bagyong Maring)

Good day everyone! 

Owing to the onslaught of the Tropical Storm Maring this past few days, many of our fellow kababayan were unfortunately displaced, with some losing their homes because of floods, strong winds, and whatnot.

In line with this, we, the PLM College of Medicine Student Council, in partnership with the different organizations within our college [MARSF, MUS, BMS, PMS, LiKaS, CMC, ComDRS], would be holding a donation drive.

EDITED DUE TO THE SUSPENSION OF CLASSES TOMORROW, AUG 22:

You may bring your donations to the following points on Friday, August 23, 2013, from 8am to 5pm or Saturday, August 24, 2013, from 8am to 12NNN:

If you're near/in PLM:

Gusaling Bagatsing, College of Medicine Student Council Office, 2nd Floor Med Lobby

If you're near/in Ospital ng Maynila [FRIDAY ONLY]:
Academic Building Lobby, Ground Floor 

For more details, you may refer to this image or you may add the CMSC Facebook account here. You may also contact me at 0915-1913719

Thank you! 

Special thanks to the organizations whose logos appear in this poster. Also special thanks to Mr. Julien Torio, our CMSC Auditor, for designing this.

Not Superman

As much as I can, I try to balance my Academics with my extra-curriculars. Though irregular, I do Cases for Doc M and advance in Clinical Subjects. On top of that I'm the leader of two research groups (Biochem, FCM), and I'm part of the trans groups for the previous two mentioned subjects, being the leader for FCM trans too. Besides all these, I have extra-curricular work as well. 

I find it cool that I manage to keep myself busy, sane and productive all at the same time while learning, doing service to others and enjoying life. However, things do go wrong, as they sometimes will. You see, too much can kill, as they say.

I know that I can't do everything and fix every mistake that happens. I will be bound to commit errors that would affect many things. However, I would still take full responsibility for whatever happens. Gaun talaga eh. Ganun yung tama, you can't escape your problems, so be part of the solution instead.

I'm not Superman. I can't speed through the day finishing everything in time for dinner. After all, I'm only human. I guess that's why I prefer to be the Dark Knight instead, capable of superhuman feats yet susceptible to succumb to his human side. I see myself in him more than in the Man of Steel.

Maybe I just need to take things slow, and focus on each task one at a time. Maybe I should also not be too shy to ask for help. Batman, though thinking of himself as a solo hero, has family and friends around him... and so do I. :)

Upon realizing all these, I pondered and said to myself, "What a beautiful life I live in". Many problems, many trials, probably may succeed in breaking me sometimes, yet each time, never failing to make me stronger than ever.   

Just my 2 cents!

/no1! 

The consequences of our actions

Since yesterday I was already worried about this. I had some reassurance that it was not about us but in general, pinpointing to everyone. However, this morning I had a different point of view from another person regarding this. -_-

You see, it is quite sad that some people would be dragged into an issue just because of affiliations or of friends. It is very disappointing that those who are quiet and minding their own business are suddenly put in the spotlight for something they had no idea of nor had no hand in... Just because of what others might have done :|

I solve cases for the fact that I get to advance in Pathology, Pharmacology and Medicine, given my irregular status now that I have lots of free time so I'm devoting it to studies. If I'm implicated in this then what sense would there be in solving the cases knowing that Doc might not trust me anymore? Knowing that doc might tell me that it is disappointing that I broke a promise when I did not?

I sound guilty, but I am not. The fact of the matter is that I promised not to teach anyone nor spoonfeed regarding the cases. Allegedly there is a passing of "knowledge" between different sections. And I am not included here but then of course, I might be implicated because I have brods and sisses among the freshies. Not that doc will jump into conclusions or that its my brods and sisses' faults, but then, I'm just paranoid, I guess. Ayoko masira trust ni doc saken :( that is why I kept my promise not to share answers to anyone.

Even with my OWN brods and sisses I did not share the answer. In our fraternity and sorority, we were taught not to go the easy way but to earn everything with sweat, blood and tears. So, you can all imagine the pain now, that is, some of those who are innocent might be implicated. Damay-damay ang lahat.

That is why we were all taught, starting at home, that whatever we do, we should stop and think before acting, because our actions would have consequences, be it good, or bad. Sometimes, we rush forward and regret it in the end.  Regrets come last, in the end, when everything has occurred. Sometimes, we just have to stop and think before acting. We would hurt less people this way, do less/no harm at all.

There is nothing else I can do. All I can do is just to still continue upholding Integrity and being honest. I'll just keep doing the good that I'm doing, like doc told me to...

Just my 2 cents!

/no1!

Barbiturate Overdose/Barbiturate Poisoning due to use of Barbiturates as Treatment for Seizures/Epilepsy

[Med Stuff Time!]

Seizures/Epilepsies can occur to everyone when the right moment is triggered. Triggering factors may include head injury, trauma, febrile (fever)/illness, CNS damage, Family history, Genetic predisposition or it may even be Idiopathic.

Children (0-12 years) and the elderly (above 50) are the population most at risk for seizures. For the elderly, the usual underlying cause of seizures are Cerebrovascular diseases.

Seizures occur when the predisposing factors cause a possible decrease in inhibitory flags in the brain, leading to activation of Calcium channels, influx of Sodium into the cell and therefore causing a lot of action potentials. When these action potentials trigger other neurons (normally this won't happen but in patients with triggering factors, neurons CAN and WILL FIRE synchronously) and they all fire synchronously, a seizure wave begins and the patient then exhibits the signs and symptoms of a seizure. 

Barbiturates are used to treat seizures. One example is Phenobarbital, which is a known anti-seizure drug. Barbiturates bind to the GABA receptors in order to  increase the GABA mediated inhibitory factors so as to prevent abnormal excitation of many neurons.

Barbiturates, in a normal dosage, can be cleared via hepatic metabolism and renal excretion. However, in overdose, barbiturates can in fact cause further CNS depression because of the longer time it would take to clear the drug from the body (also, consider the large amount of it in a patient overdosed with this!). 

CNS depression symptoms include hypotonia, hypoventilation, hypotension, drowsiness, occasional apnea and many others. 

Treatment should be done quickly in order to prevent worsening of symptoms that may lead to brain death, cardiac arrest and of course, whole body death. Treatment schemes include supportive (giving of Oxygen, Activated charcoal) and hemodialysis (in order to increase rate of clearance.

Here is a sample conceptual map made by yours truly:

Concept map done by yours truly, JV Aclan :)

Alternative treatment/drugs for seizures are benzodiazephenes, diazepam, among others.

SOURCES:

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 18th Ed

Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology 11th Ed

Lots of journals from NEJM, PubMed, Science Direct

Just my 2 cents!

/no1! 

2013

Goodbye 2012 and Welcome 2013!

It has been a great 2012. Yes, obviously there were ups and downs, as normally would happen in life. But hey, never forget to count your blessings ALWAYS. Life itself is already a huge blessing!

Some highlights of my year 2012:

• Graduation! Bio 2012, you homies would forever be part of my life.
• PLM-CM! That day when I learned I wasn't a first lister.. Yeah, it sucked real bad. I was down for quite some time. But it was a good lesson for me; sometimes you fall but you gotta stand up. You can't always go on being up there, you gotta experience some failures to learn to live life to the fullest.
• Like Dr. Wayne told Bruce: "Why do we fall? So we can learn to PICK OURSELVES UP" 

•  PLM-CM! Again, when I got accepted! Thank the Lord for his wonderful blessings. And because I was accepted to PLM, I met..
• PLM-CM 1D 2016. Yeap, my section. New classmates, but quickly we evolved into a family. Glad to have met these people as well. Forever grateful to them for truly we all got each others' backs. Without them, Medicine Life would have been kind of boring
• And of course, could I ever forget the alamat boys? Yeap, we're that awesome. And the DotA boys of course! 
• Obviously, special mention din dapat ang mga magagadang girls ng 1D. Oh yeah!

• NALCA Trading as I see it had a great year, thanks to the hard work and efforts of my parents. Inspiration, indeed, for me to persevere in Medicine (Cheesy I know but what the heck, that's the truth yo)
• My brods and sisses (MARSF/MUSSS). Never regretted my decision. Glad to be part of this awesome family as well. Another big reason why Med Life ain't boring or difficult or hell
• Special mention goes to my Batchmates! Love you Ladies. Yeah, I'm a sole thorn among a group of roses, but never felt pushed aside. Glad to be part of their 2012 as well :)

• Rest in Peace, Lola Lucy, you'll always be remembered :)
• Football! I finally got to play Football after quite a while. Glad to be part of PLM-CM's Men's Football team. We got a match this Jan. 12-13, so prepping up through workouts.. :))

I guess that's about it. Actually I probably have more to add, but obviously I'm kind of high at the moment, had lots to drink with my Dad. Oh yeah, that's one thing to add pala, its really cool to drink with your dad. True story!

Anyway, here's to an awesome 2013 for everyone! Stay safe and enjoy! Positive outlook for the future, yo!

/no1!

That exciting feeling...

You all know the feeling.

The butterflies in your stomach, the machine gun heartbeat pounding inside your chest, the shivers, all that adrenaline, every single day while waiting for something to come or to be announced. Yeah, that exciting feeling.

Waiting for PLM to release its list of Med Students for 2012-2013 is killing me. How long do we still have to wait?


/no1!