Episode 15: Colorectal Cancer Screening

The sun rises over the San Joaquin Valley, California, today is June 5, 2020.

Have you heard about a new once-a-day gabapentinoid for postherpetic neuralgia? It’s called Gralise®. Keep it in mind, but also be mindful of the price. According to GoodRx, 30 tablets of 300 mg may cost $200 with a discount coupon. Consult your patient’s formulary to verify its coverage.

On Tuesday, May 24, at 9:32 PM, a 3.7-magnitude earthquake was felt in east Bakersfield. The quake’s epicenter was estimated at Corrientes Street near Kern Medical, according to USGS. There was no damage, and the shaking was described as “light” and “a typical Californian earthquake”. This serves as a reminder for emergency preparedness. Make sure you have a plan and good home storage in case of a major event. 

Finally, something different than COVID-19 caught national attention on May 25, 2020. Unfortunately, it was not a positive note. An African-American man named George Floyd was killed by a policeman in Minnesota. This has caused national commotion and has heated up the debate about racism in the US. Hopefully by the time you listen to this episode, justice has been served.  

Welcome to Rio Bravo qWeek, the podcast of the Rio Bravo Family Medicine Residency Program, recorded weekly from Bakersfield, California, the land where growing is happening everywhere.

The Rio Bravo Family Medicine Residency Program trains residents and students to prevent illnesses and bring health and hope to our community. Our mission: To Seek, Teach and Serve. 

Sponsored by Clinica Sierra Vista, Providing compassionate and affordable care to patients throughout Kern and Fresno counties since 1971. 

“If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.” –Zig Ziglar.

If you are determined to learn, you are just unstoppable. Your residency experience can be enriched by your determination to learn. Dear residents, make sure your eagerness to learn works in your favor as a driving force during this unique period of your life. Today we have a resident with a strong determination to learn. She has successfully overcome many obstacles and she’s here with us today as a PGY3. Welcome, Dr Fareedy.

1. Question number 1: Who are you?

My name is Amna Fareedy. I am a third-year resident at Rio Bravo Family Medicine Residency Program in Bakersfield. I was born in New Jersey and moved to Pakistan during high school. I relocated back to the USA after finishing my medical school and getting married. 

I am also a mother to two very active children. My hobbies include reading and watching period dramas, but between my children and residency that has been on a halt for a while. My only entertainment at home currently is watching baby shark with my children.

1. Question number 2: What did you learn this week? 

This week I learned about the different colorectal cancer screenings. As primary care physicians, preventive visits are very important for our patient’s well-being. At age 50, colorectal cancer screening becomes part of preventive care in average risk patients.  I have observed that patients can be hesitant in getting themselves screened for colorectal cancer (CRC) which can be due to number of reasons that I will highlight as we progress in discussion. 

Comment: This is a very good topic. I’m surprised to know that the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that people at average risk start screening at age 45 (2018). People who are in good health and with a life expectancy of more than 10 years should continue regular colorectal cancer screening through the age of 75. For ages 76-85, the decision to be screened should be based on a person’s preferences, life expectancy, overall health, and prior screening history. People over 85 should no