Join the Docs - Is Syphilis Making a Comeback? A Critical Pox-pective

Is Syphilis Making a Comeback? A Critical Pox-pective

Explicit content warning

07/16/24 • 30 min

Join the Docs

In this infectious episode, Professor Jonathan Sackier and Doctor Nigel Guest discuss all things syphilis. From ancient origins to its current resurgence, our docs get down and dirty, providing our audience with the knowledge necessary to keep you free from this stigmatised disease.

Where does syphilis come from? The Docs make a deep dive into its origins, tracing the disease back to its earliest days via mentions in history. They unravel the tangled web of stigma that has surrounded it for centuries. With a blend of humour and historical anecdotes, they reveal how syphilis has found ways to make a surprising comeback in recent years.

Curious about how syphilis spreads and develops as time wears on? The dynamic duo breaks down the disease's transmission and guide listeners through the primary, secondary, and tertiary phases of syphilis, using colourful metaphors to emphasise the critical importance of early detection and treatment.

Ever thought about syphilis's impact on art and culture? Prof. Sackier and Dr. Guest take a detour into the historical context, painting a vivid picture of syphilis's dramatic entrance into Europe. They explore its representation in art, from haunting paintings to scandalous literature. The Docs don't shy away from the darker side, either, delving into the neurological and physical effects of syphilis. They even touch on its potential link to dementia. A segment you surely won’t forget.

Professor Jonathan Sackier and Doctor Nigel Guest manage to turn a serious subject into an educating experience, reminding listeners to think twice before making rash decisions. So, if you're ready for a rollercoaster ride through the fascinating world of syphilis, this episode is a must-listen.

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DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on Join the Docs are those of Dr. Nigel Guest, Jonathan Sackier and other people on our show. Be aware that Join the Docs is not intended to be medical advice, it is for information and entertainment purposes only - please, always take any health concerns to your doctor or other healthcare provider.

We respect the privacy of patients and never identify individuals unless they have consented. We may change details, dates, place names and so on to protect privacy. Listening to Join the Docs, interacting on our social media, emailing or writing to us does not establish a doctor patient relationship.

To Contact Us:

For a deeper dive on this episode’s issue, merchandise and exclusive content, head to www.jointhedocs.com

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To Contact Us:

For a deeper dive on this episode’s issue, merchandise and exclusive content, head to www.jointhedocs.com

Previous Episode

No Mr. Bond, I Expect You to Diet - From Russia With Love Handles

Have you ever wondered what would happen if James Bond had to visit a real doctor? In this podcast episode, Prof. Jonathan Sackier, a surgeon with a penchant for dry martini humour, and Dr. Nigel Guest, a family practitioner who can pull out a quip with the same panache as 007 whipping out his PPK , dive headfirst into the health consequences of James Bond's high-octane lifestyle. They don't just scratch the surface; they explore the nitty-gritty details of how Bond's smoking, drinking, and penchant for getting into physical altercations would wreak havoc on his body.

What happens when you mix martinis, shaken or stirred (after all, “who gives a damn?”), with a barrage of bullets and high-speed chases? Prof. Sackier and Dr. Guest paint a vivid picture of the interconnectedness of symptoms in medicine, using a hilariously over-the-top case study to show how seemingly disparate symptoms can point to a single underlying condition.

“I’ve been expecting you, Mr Bond”. Picture this: Bond walks into Dr.No-it-all's office with a limp, a cough, a black, not gold finger, a limp appendage and no thunderball, as well as a mysterious rash. By the end of the consultation, it's clear that Bond's lifestyle isn't just dangerous; it's a medical nightmare waiting to happen. The Docs makes you wonder how Bond manages to get out of bed in the morning, let alone get into it for some fun and games or to save the world.

Ever thought about the real-life consequences of being an international man of mystery? The Docs humorously deconstruct Bond's unrealistic portrayal in media, emphasising the serious health issues he would likely face. They don't hold back, discussing everything from erectile dysfunction to kidney failure and even hearing impairment. I said HEARING IMPAIRMENT. Imagine Bond trying to seduce a femme fatale while dealing with the side effects of chronic alcohol abuse—it's not a pretty picture! The conversation is peppered with jokes and light-hearted jabs, making it clear that while Bond might be invincible on screen, in real life, he'd be more likely to become a spectre.

Want Moore? Prof. Sackier and Dr. Guest navigate the fine line between humour and medical accuracy. By the end of the episode, you'll have a newfound appreciation for the resilience of fictional characters and a better understanding of the real-life consequences of living like Bond. So, next time you watch a Bond film, remember: real life is not a 007 film. Take care of yourself because while diamonds are forever, none of us gets to decide to Die Another Day.

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To Contact Us:

For a deeper dive on this episode’s issue, merchandise and exclusive content, head to www.jointhedocs.com

Next Episode

Unravelling the Unusual - From Vampires to Poached Eggs

In this episode, Professor Jonathan Sackier and Doctor Nigel Guest dive headfirst into the labyrinthine world of medical mysteries, sharing stories of patients that leave them scratching their heads in amazement.

The Docs sink their teeth into a case of porphyria, a rare genetic disorder that can make you feel like you're auditioning for a vampire movie. They recount the tale of a man who, under the light of the full moon, would experience excruciating abdominal pain and a skin sensitivity that made him hiss at the mere thought of sunlight. The Docs emphasise the importance of recognising such rare conditions, lest you mistake your patient for a creature of the night.

Why do some patients think they can outsmart their doctors? The conversation takes a hilarious turn when they discuss a patient who attempted to score drugs by pretending to have every ailment in the medical textbook. Doctor Guest recounts the saga of a man who complained of back pain, headaches, and a vague condition that magically responded only to the strongest painkillers. Coincidence? The doctors laugh about how the patient’s Oscar-worthy performance fell apart when he couldn’t remember which leg he was supposed to be limping on. They highlight the importance of a thorough medical history and a keen eye for inconsistencies, proving that sometimes, being a doctor is a bit like being Sherlock Holmes.

What’s the wildest psychiatric case you’ve ever encountered? Doctor Guest then regales listeners with some of his most memorable psychiatric cases. He talks about a patient with myxoedema

madness, a condition that was successfully diagnosed thanks to Guest’s watching history. But the pièce de résistance was the woman who was convinced she was a poached egg. Doctor Guest describes how she wouldn't sit on a chair unless it was a piece of toast on it! The doctors discuss the complexities of such diagnoses and the importance of empathy and creativity in treatment.

Why is treating chronic conditions like schizophrenia so challenging? The episode takes a more serious tone as The Docs delve into the challenges of treating chronic conditions like schizophrenia. They discuss the case of a man who ended up believing that ‘Prince Philip was in a helicopter wielding a mind-extracting ray gun’ - just a royal misunderstanding. The doctors explain how such conditions require a comprehensive approach, combining medication, therapy, and sometimes a bit of humour to build trust with patients.

This episode is a rollercoaster of emotions, blending humour with the sobering realities of medical practice. It underscores the need for a holistic approach, continuous education, and a dash of creativity in the ever-evolving field of medicine. Let’s all do our part to break the stigma and help 'prescribe' a better future!

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To Contact Us:

For a deeper dive on this episode’s issue, merchandise and exclusive content, head to www.jointhedocs.com