Vincent J. Tamuzza, MD's Page

Thousands of people die each year waiting for organ transplants. Scientists continue to research on how to improve traditional allogeneic transplants and reduce the risk of rejection. At the same time, other possiblities are also being explored, with research into xenogeneic transplants and semi-synthetic / mechanical organs. Recently, two experiments have garnered media attention. This article reports on stromal ste… Continue

It doesn't matter if you identify as gay, bisexual, or a straight person who occasionally has sex with a member of the same gender, you're doctor needs to know about your sexual orientation and sexual practices. Doctors should take a comprehensive sexual history the first time they meet you (number of lifetime partners, history of STDs, sexual practices, sexual dysfunction), but sexual histories are often breezed over or skipped entirely. After an initial assessment, doctors should contin… Continue

"Beer goggles" and "coyote ugly" are terms that are used to make light of having sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but these statistics from the University of Michigan are quite sobering. Alcohol is associated with a staggering percentage of date rapes, unplanned pregnancies and STDs. Drugs and alcohol impair judgment and lower inhibitions, increasing the likelihood of risk-taking behaviors, like getting in a car… Continue

I've already posted about Thomas Beatie, a pregnant transgender man, here. Thomas was born physically female, but decided to transition to a male in his twenties. He underwent a double mastectomy and weekly testosterone injections, but decided to keep his uterus and ovaries so he could eventually have biological children. Although Thomas' pregnancy is an unusual situation, all comments that I have encounter… Continue

It seems like MRSA is everywhere lately, but how does a mild-mannered bacterium become an antibiotic-deflecting superbug? Where did it come from? Is there any kryptonite to defeat it? MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, but let's forget about the "Methicillin-Resistant" for now. Staphylococcus aureus, or Staph, is a Gram-positive spherical bacterium that appears in clusters.… Continue