PodBites

🍐 In this episode of PodBites, Sarah Haque and Shaimaa Jamiel take you on a flight through all the vitamins! 🎙️ Tune in to explore: Fat-soluble vs water-soluble vitamins and why the difference matters clinically Vitamin A: vision, epithelial integrity, immunity, and toxicity The B-complex (B1–B12) as metabolic coenzymes and classic deficiency syndromes Vitamin C and collagen: scurvy, bleeding, and wound healing Vitamin D as a hormone: calcium homeostasis, rickets, and osteomalacia Vitamin E and free-radical protection Vitamin K and coagulation, newborn deficiency, and bone health 🌟 A structured, exam-ready guide that turns vitamin deficiencies into predictable system failures — with fun mnemonics to keep everything memorizable ✨ If you want it even more exam-heavy, shorter for Instagram, or with enzymes emphasized, just say the word ✈️🍐

🍐 In this episode of PodBites, Omar Luay and Abdallah Kharsa break down alcohol metabolism — following ethanol from absorption to breakdown, and explaining why this everyday substance causes such wide-ranging clinical effects. 🎙️ Tune in to explore: How alcohol is absorbed, distributed, and eliminated The two-step breakdown: ADH → acetaldehyde → ALDH Why acetaldehyde causes flushing and hangover symptoms The role of NADH excess in lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia MEOS (CYP2E1) and drug–alcohol interactions Genetic differences behind Asian flush syndrome Chronic alcohol complications: fatty liver, cirrhosis, and neurotoxicity Key clinical ties like thiamine deficiency and disulfiram 🌟 A high-yield, clinic-linked breakdown that turns alcohol metabolism from trivia into something you can actually reason through.

🍐 In this episode of PodBites, Amr and Abdulrahman break down the pentose phosphate pathway — glycolysis’s side quest that keeps cells protected, building, and alive under oxidative stress. 🎙️ Tune in to explore: What the pentose phosphate pathway is and why it matters The two main products: NADPH and ribose-5-phosphate Oxidative vs non-oxidative phases and why one is irreversible G6PD as the rate-limiting enzyme The role of NADPH in glutathione, oxidative stress, and the respiratory burst Key clinical ties like G6PD deficiency and hemolytic anemia How the pathway links back to glycolysis 🌟 A clear, high-yield explanation that turns PPP from a memorization headache into a pathway that actually clicks.

🍐 In this episode of PodBites, Mashour and Faisal walk you through gluconeogenesis and glycogen metabolism — the metabolic pathways that quietly keep your brain alive between meals. 🎙️ Tune in to explore: Why glucose is so tightly protected by the body How gluconeogenesis kicks in during fasting (and where its energy comes from) The key bypass steps that make it not just glycolysis in reverse High-yield cycles like the Cori cycle and glucose–alanine cycle How glycogen is built, stored, and rapidly broken down The different roles of liver vs muscle glycogen Hormonal control by insulin, glucagon, and epinephrine Classic clinical ties like metformin, McArdle disease, and Pompe disease 🌟 A clear, story-driven breakdown that turns metabolic pathways from something you memorize into something that actually makes sense.

🍐 In this episode of PodBites, Saad and Yahia take you on a guided journey through the cell’s energy factory — following glucose from entry into the cell all the way to ATP production. 🎙️ Tune in to explore: Core metabolism concepts: anabolism vs catabolism & energy charge Glycolysis: key steps, regulation, and aerobic vs anaerobic fate PFK-1 as the rate-limiting enzyme and hormonal control Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and why thiamine matters The TCA cycle as the metabolic hub Electron transport chain & oxidative phosphorylation Classic inhibitors, uncouplers, and clinical correlations like lactic acidosis 🌟 A story-driven, exam-ready guide to understanding how cells make energy and what happens when the system breaks down.  

🍐 In this episode of PodBites, Naem and Samhar break down carbohydrates and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) from the ground up, turning one of biochem’s most overwhelming topics into clear & connected concepts! 🎙️ Tune in to explore: •⁠  ⁠Core functions of carbohydrates beyond energy •⁠  ⁠Monosaccharides, isomers, epimers, and anomers (α vs β) •⁠  ⁠Reducing sugars, Benedict’s test, AGEs, and HbA1c •⁠  ⁠Oligosaccharides and polysaccharides (amylose, amylopectin, glycogen) •⁠  ⁠GAG structure, function, and hydration mechanics •⁠  ⁠Key GAG types: hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfate, heparin, and more •⁠  ⁠Proteoglycans, lysosomal degradation, and MPS disorders •⁠  ⁠High-yield conditions: Hurler vs Hunter syndrome, I-cell disease 🌟 A clear, exam-focused walkthrough that turns carbs and GAGs from memorization chaos into something you can finally reason through.

🍐 In this episode of PodBites, Hayat Abourakabe and Nayaz Sunbuli break down skin tumors from start to finish — showing how to distinguish benign, premalignant, and malignant lesions using clinical appearance, behavior, and key histologic clues. 🎙️ Tune in to explore: How to approach any skin lesion: benign vs malignant behavior Benign tumors: seborrheic keratosis, acanthosis nigricans, skin tags, dermatofibroma, epidermoid cysts, pyogenic granuloma Premalignant lesions: actinic keratosis and its link to SCC Malignant tumors: squamous cell carcinoma vs basal cell carcinoma Classic exam clues: stuck-on lesions, dimple sign, pearly papules, keratin pearls High-yield histology and risk factors you’re expected to recognize 🌟 A structured, exam-ready guide to turning skin tumors into patterns instead of panic.

🍐 In this episode of PodBites, Joudy Bunian and Salma Nusair guide you through melanocytic lesions — from harmless moles to malignant melanoma — using clinical patterns, classic rules, and exam-defining clues. 🎙️ Tune in to explore: Melanocytes, pigment lesions, and the epidermal melanin unit Benign melanocytic nevi and their life cycle Congenital and dysplastic nevi and melanoma risk The ABCDE rule for melanoma detection Melanoma subtypes and growth patterns Key prognostic factors like Breslow depth Early excision, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy basics 🌟 A structured, high-yield guide to spotting dangerous moles early and understanding melanoma with confidence.

🍐 In this episode of PodBites, Seedra Jazieh and Naya Alyassini peel back the layers of bullous skin disorders by focusing on where the blister forms and what structure is under attack. 🎙️ Tune in to explore: How skin layers and adhesion proteins relate to blister formation Autoimmune blistering diseases: pemphigus vs bullous pemphigoid Key clinical signs: Nikolsky and Asboe-Hansen Pemphigus variants and their hallmark features Subepidermal blistering: bullous pemphigoid & dermatitis herpetiformis Epidermolysis bullosa as inherited blistering disease High-yield immunofluorescence patterns you must recognize 🌟 A clear, pattern-based guide to turning blistering disorders into logic instead of memorization.

🍐 In this episode of PodBites, Lotus Maarouf and Rand Maarouf break down the most important acute and chronic skin conditions by focusing on patterns, timelines, and classic exam clues. 🎙️ Tune in to explore: How to distinguish acute vs chronic dermatoses Acute conditions: erythema multiforme, urticaria, and eczema Target lesions, hypersensitivity reactions, and SJS/TEN Chronic dermatoses: psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and lichen planus Hallmark signs: Auspitz sign, Koebner phenomenon, Wickham striae High-yield histologic patterns like interface dermatitis 🌟 A clear, high-yield guide to recognizing common rashes, understanding their mechanisms, and avoiding common diagnostic traps.

🍐 In this episode of PodBites, Abdullah Aljumaa and Mohammed Aljumaa break down common bacterial and fungal skin infections by following one simple rule: the depth of infection determines the disease. 🎙️ Tune in to explore: Why and how skin infections develop Superficial infections: impetigo (bullous vs non-bullous) Follicular infections: folliculitis, furuncles, carbuncles Toxin-mediated diseases: SSSS & toxic shock syndrome Deeper infections: cellulitis, erysipelas & necrotizing fasciitis Fungal infections: tinea (dermatophytes) by location Candida infections and their classic satellite lesions 🌟 A high-yield, pattern-based guide to recognizing skin infections quickly and knowing when they become emergencies.

🍐 In this episode of PodBites, Feras Nammor and Adam Khawli walk through the most common viral infections of the skin using classic cases, visual clues, and high-yield clinical patterns. 🎙️ Tune in to explore: How viral skin infections develop and who’s at risk Warts (HPV): types, key clues, and management Molluscum contagiosum and its classic umbilicated lesions Herpes simplex (HSV-1 & HSV-2): latency, recurrence, and treatment Varicella-zoster virus: chickenpox vs shingles Hand-foot-mouth disease and Gianotti-Crosti syndrome When to reassure vs when to treat 🌟 A practical, exam-ready guide to recognizing viral rashes you’ll see in clinics, exams, and real life.

🍐 In this episode of PodBites, Sattam Almezied and Abdurrhman Khan untangle panniculitis and vasculitis by focusing on where the inflammation is and what structure is being attacked — turning a notoriously confusing topic into a logical system. 🎙️ Tune in to explore: Panniculitis basics: septal vs lobular inflammation Erythema nodosum vs erythema induratum and how to tell them apart Why deep biopsies matter in panniculitis Vasculitis hallmarks: palpable purpura and key histologic features Stepwise approach to vasculitis: skin-limited vs systemic disease Classification of vasculitis by vessel size (small, medium, large) High-yield associations and exam patterns you’re expected to recognize 🌟 A clear, pattern-based guide to making sense of inflammatory skin and vessel disorders without memorizing chaos.  

🍐 In this episode of PodBites, Saud Alsubaie and Mohamad Behairy break down three of the most common dermatologic conditions — acne, rosacea, and hair loss — using classic cases, key distinctions, and high-yield clinical patterns. 🎙️ Tune in to explore: Acne pathogenesis, types, triggers, and stepwise management The defining difference between acne vs rosacea (comedones matter) Rosacea triggers, immune mechanisms, and treatment options Alopecia basics: hair types and the hair growth cycle Common causes of hair loss: androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, and alopecia areata Scarring vs non-scarring alopecia and why early recognition matters 🌟 A practical, exam-friendly guide to recognizing and managing common skin and hair disorders with confidence.

🍐 In this episode of PodBites, Mohammad Salameh and Omar Al-Saddique unpack fibromyalgia and the musculoskeletal manifestations of systemic disease using clinical clues, case-based reasoning, and high-yield distinctions. 🎙️ Tune in to explore: Fibromyalgia: central sensitization, classic symptoms, and normal labs How to distinguish fibromyalgia from inflammatory arthritis MSK manifestations of SLE, scleroderma, and vasculitis Giant cell arteritis & polymyalgia rheumatica as medical emergencies Musculoskeletal pain in systemic diseases like diabetes, IBD, and sickle cell disease Red flags that suggest systemic or inflammatory pathology 🌟 A practical, exam-ready guide to decoding widespread pain and recognizing when MSK symptoms point to something bigger.

🍐 In this episode of PodBites, Majd Hakki and Beshr Hakki walk you through musculoskeletal trauma and sports injuries using real ER cases, mechanisms of injury, and pattern recognition — from fractures to nerve damage. 🎙️ Tune in to explore: Core trauma principles: fractures, dislocations & timing of management Upper and lower limb injuries: shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, foot & ankle Sports-related injuries: meniscus, ACL, tendons, stress fractures Bone pain vs joint pain vs referred pain Nerve injuries, compartment syndrome & red flags you must not miss 🌟 A structured, exam-ready guide to making sense of MSK trauma and sports injuries in real clinical settings.  

🍐 In this episode of PodBites, Leen Hakki and Farah Alrab break down the pharmacologic management of arthritis, focusing on how each drug fits into treatment — from symptom relief to true disease modification. 🎙️ Tune in to explore: NSAIDs: pain control, COX inhibition, and key GI, renal & CV risks Glucocorticoids as short-term bridging therapy DMARDs as the cornerstone of rheumatoid arthritis treatment Methotrexate as the anchor drug and its major toxicities Biologic DMARDs: anti-TNF vs non-TNF agents JAK inhibitors and their boxed safety warnings 🌟 A high-yield, step-by-step guide to choosing the right arthritis drug and understanding its risks.

🍐 In this episode of PodBites, Mohammed Talic and Qusai Helal break down the pharmacology behind osteoporosis treatment by turning bone remodeling into a simple, memorable system. 🎙️ Tune in to explore: Bone remodeling basics: osteoclasts vs osteoblasts Anti-resorptive drugs: bisphosphonates, denosumab, estrogen & SERMs Key side effects: jaw osteonecrosis, hypocalcemia, VTE risk Bone anabolic agents: teriparatide & romosozumab Why calcium and vitamin D are essential with all therapies 🌟 A high-yield, exam-friendly guide to understanding how osteoporosis drugs stop bone loss and rebuild strength — without the confusion.  

🍐 In this episode of PodBites, Ghedaa and Shahd turn bone tumors into a logic game — using age, location, and X-ray patterns to simplify a scary topic. 🎙️ Tune in to explore: How to approach bone tumors step-by-step Metastases vs primary bone tumors Osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma & giant cell tumor Benign tumors: osteochondroma & enchondroma High-yield radiologic and exam clues 🌟 A calm, exam-ready framework for cracking bone tumor questions.

🍐 In this episode of PodBites, Reema and Mais organize the world of muscle disease into clear, repeatable patterns — from floppy infants to fatigable weakness. 🎙️ Tune in to explore: Central vs peripheral hypotonia Congenital and genetic myopathies Muscular dystrophies: Duchenne, Becker, limb-girdle, FSHD Inflammatory myopathies and their key differences Myasthenia gravis and neuromuscular junction disease 🌟 A structured, pattern-based guide to diagnosing muscle disorders with confidence.