In this episode of The Host Response, Infectious Diseases specialist Paul Bunce flips the usual conversation about “favourite ID consults” on its head.

Instead of rare pathogens and diagnostic fireworks, this episode focuses on the consults many ID clinicians quietly dread and why they may be some of the most meaningful work we do.

Topics include:

• Recurrent urinary tract infections and lower urinary tract symptoms

• Recurrent Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft tissue infections

• Persistent symptoms after treated Lyme disease

• Post–IV antibiotic follow-up and PICC line visits

• Refractory Helicobacter pylori infection

These are the consults that test patience, communication skills, and clinical judgment, often with no dramatic “save.” But they’re also opportunities to reduce harm, restore perspective, teach trainees, and meaningfully improve quality of life.

This episode is about reframing so-called “nuisance consults,” resisting the urge to defer or dismiss them, and recognizing where Infectious Diseases expertise adds value even when we aren’t prescribing antibiotics.

Ideal for:Infectious Diseases physicians, Fellows, Residents, Internists, Hospitalists, and trainees interested in the real work of ID consultation.

More ID teaching resources and short-form educational videos are available at FirstCallID.ca.