Author: Washington University Physicians

The bulge in your stomach started small, so you ignored it and hoped it would go away. Unfortunately, over time it became larger and more painful. You have all the classic signs of a hernia — it is time to see a doctor. What is a hernia? A hernia is caused by a weakening or […]

Congratulations, you are having a baby! So many things to do to get ready for the newest addition to your family. Outfitting the nursery, stocking up on diapers, selecting that perfect stroller and car seat … and everything in between. But THE most important choice is your pediatrician. Marie Batty, MD, a Washington University pediatrician […]

You never knew when your abdominal pain and cramping was going to hit. You also had diarrhea, fatigue and blood in your stool. Your weight is decreasing day by day – and you weren’t even trying. This was not the stomach flu, but what was it? You had all the classic signs of inflammatory bowel […]

Alzheimer’s disease has always been diagnosed based on symptoms. You get lost driving home from the store. You can’t remember your next door neighbor’s name. You have trouble with a simple math problem. These unmistakable signs only appear late in the course of the disease, long after the brain is significantly damaged. An MRI brain […]

Every month, about one week before your period starts, your mood changes drastically. You are angry for no reason, anxious, depressed and feel out of control. This is not your typical premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but what is it? Most women know what PMS is, but there is another disorder associated with a woman’s menstrual cycle […]

The following locations are now open or opening soon to better serve our patients. NOW OPEN Occupational Therapy NOW OPEN in Washington, Missouri Washington University Occupational Therapy has opened their sixth clinic location in Washington, Missouri. Occupational therapists (OT) help adults and children with a wide range of services, including helping people stay independent as […]

Your leg and back pain disappears when you are sitting, but quickly returns when you are standing and walking. The pain radiates down your leg, causing weakness, stiffness and numbness in your legs and buttocks. This pattern of pain is a classic sign that you may have lumbar spinal stenosis — it is time to […]

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The first whiff of a morning cup of coffee. The irresistible fragrance of a beautiful flower. A cake burning in the oven. Most people don’t recognize the importance of smell in their lives – until they lose it. Unfortunately, one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19 is the loss of smell. Not being able […]

When you don’t know where to turn, turn to the medical genetics clinical services team of Washington University Physicians and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Offering compassionate, high-quality consultation, they see patients with developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, autism, epilepsy, inborn errors of metabolism, hereditary cancer and family history of genetic disease. Patricia Dickson, MD, genetics and […]

You and your female partner have been trying to have a baby, but with no luck. You have both been tested by fertility specialists and results indicate that you need to see a urologist who specializes in male infertility. Dane Johnson, MD, is a board-certified urologist at the Washington University Fertility and Reproductive Center. Dr. […]

It should be on everyone’s to-list of health care planning, and MyChart has now made advance care planning documents (advance directive documents) easily accessible for you and your family – should the time ever come when those documents are needed. Users of the BJC/Washington University MyChart patient portal now have the option to add advance […]

When you told your doctor about your chronic dry eyes and dry mouth, you had never heard the words Sjögren’s syndrome before. Fortunately, your doctor did not ignore your complaint and paid attention to all your symptoms. She recommended a follow-up visit with a rheumatologist who diagnosed you with this relatively rare autoimmune disease. Washington […]

There are many important numbers to know, but no number is more important to your health than your blood pressure. According to American Heart Association guidelines, high blood pressure, or hypertension, is defined as a reading of 130 over 80. Washington University cardiologist Andrew Kates, MD, says, “High blood pressure puts people at risk for […]

Congratulations to our many physicians recognized on the 2021 Castle Connolly Top Doctors® List. Of the 936 physicians on the list, one out of every three Top Doctors in St. Louis is a Washington University physician. The Top Doctors selection process is entirely merit-based. Doctors cannot pay to be listed. More information can be found […]

It was just another college track practice for this 18-year-old Washington University female student athlete. She finished a light warm-up run, but all of a sudden her heart started racing and she got very lightheaded. A track and field athlete who is in great shape – what was going on? Washington University physician Mustafa Husaini, […]

There are many reasons one might need the Washington University Living Well Center®. Do you need to improve your health before surgery? Maybe you are looking for a way to avoid surgery altogether. Do you want to lose weight, quit smoking? Have you just been diagnosed with cancer and want to optimize your quality of […]

Weather conditions this summer are resulting in a very active tick season, especially in the Midwest. And where there are ticks, the diseases they carry are not far behind – ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, Heartland virus, and Bourbon virus. Washington University physician and infectious disease clinic medical director Thomas Bailey, MD, explains, “While […]

You have sleep apnea, and have not had success with your CPAP machine (continuous positive airway pressure). You might be a candidate for Inspire, an implantable system you control with a handheld remote, which keeps the airway open during sleep — allowing you to breathe normally and sleep peacefully without a mask, hose or machine. […]

The redness in your eyes was not going away. You also noticed increased sensitivity to light and some blurry vision. What was causing these symptoms? Fortunately, you did not ignore them, hoping they would go away on their own. You made an appointment with your eye doctor, who diagnosed you with uveitis — inflammation of […]

You knew the day would eventually arrive. The day your doctor told you it was finally time to start dialysis. Yes, it is a lifestyle change, but it will also save your life. The Washington University Transitional Dialysis Program is here to help you. Transitional Dialysis is a customized program offered at Washington University designed […]

Coming October 2021 to South County: The newest St. Louis Children’s Specialty Care Center will soon offer outpatient care in a convenient South County location. Located at 5114 Midamerica Plaza, near 1-55 and Butler Hill Road, Washington University Physicians and St. Louis Children’s pediatric nurses and staff will provide nationally-ranked quality care for children and […]

You could spend hours reading everything there is to read about the COVID-19 vaccine. But when it comes down to it, you can count the most important things to know about the vaccine on one hand. #1 The vaccine is safe The three vaccines currently available (Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson) have been approved […]

You rush home from work, race around to find your child’s sports uniform, your other child is late for piano lessons, when you notice your teen standing in front of the refrigerator, groaning, “There’s nothing to eat around here.” Or how about the ever-famous, “What’s for dinner?” Sound familiar? Preparing snacks and ingredients for meals […]

While COVID-19 had everyone locked down last year, that doesn’t mean your health maintenance needed to stay behind closed doors. Scheduling regular exams and time-sensitive tests are vital when it comes to maintaining your health – especially during quarantine. CANCER SCREENINGS Washington University physicians understand the concern COVID-19 has caused for our patients and communities. […]

You didn’t realize it at the time, but your daughter had her first migraine at school when she was nine years old. The school nurse sent her home because she was feeling bad. She slept the rest of the day and when she woke up she was fine. You thought it was just a tension […]

It’s not science fiction, it is real medicine. Washington University physicians are now using artificial intelligence (AI) to dramatically increase a woman’s chances of getting pregnant through in-vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is an effective method for producing pregnancies. Today 1-2% of all births in the United States are a result of IVF. IVF is a […]

Washington University Endoscopic Nonsurgical Weight Loss Program offers a variety of nonsurgical options and support services to help you achieve your weight-loss goals and live a healthy, active life. Take the first step to a healthier you … the choice is yours.

Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disorder and is the leading cause of vision loss for Americans age 60 years and older. It causes blurred or reduced central vison due to the thinning of the macula.

Sudden facial droop? Slurred speech? It is important to know the signs you or someone you know might be having a stroke — because there is no statement more accurate than “time is brain”. The sooner you get medical attention, the better the chances are for recovery.

Chronic ear infections in children may lead to long-term problems. If your child has frequent middle ear infections (more than four infections a year), doctors usually recommend ear tubes, also known as myringotomy tubes.

Is working from your home office causing back and neck pain? Without intervention, you may be on the road to a potentially debilitating injury.

Your primary care physician should be like a long-time friend you see once a year (or more often if necessary). You might think that because you aren’t sick and don’t have any chronic health conditions, you don’t need a primary care physician. However, when you are healthy is the perfect time to establish a relationship with a physician.

During these unusual times we want to make sure your health care needs are being met. Washington University Physicians is now offering virtual visits (also known as telemedicine or telehealth) for many of our specialties.

The 2020 spring session of Washington University School of Medicine’s Mini-Med School (MMS) is now open for registration. MMS is in its 21st year and is still considered one of St. Louis’ best kept secrets.