Andy Nowalk
@CHPBugDoc
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just a guy who likes kids, kills germs, and believes in science and Pittsburgh sports. opinions are my own and certainly not my bosses he/him/yinz
Joined June 2013
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I get so many reasonable folks asking me whether we can trust the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines because they were developed in such a short period of time. They’re smart but nervous. Here’s something to remember: 1/
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Im still trying to figure out why I love this guy so much. But I do, and sometimes you just go with it.
I'm celebrating the solstice, the shortest day of the year, at -40ºC/-40ºF in my stunning winter wonderland & creating warmth in this powerfully cold temperature. My friend Maria Cherwick added a Unkraian fiddle tune alongside my drum. I'm sending warmth, hope & joy to the world.
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@WesElyMD
Thank you. Thank you. These beautiful souls provide the lens to see what matters clearly, and to live in the best way.
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So the next time friends are nervous about this vaccine technology and development, let them know that REM and Nirvana were the big bands when this started, Clinton was President, and an i-anything from Apple was more than half a decade away. 8/8
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This is NOT a vaccine created in 9 months. The origin of this vaccine go back many years. 2/
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The real analog here is 2009. That’s when we took the pandemic H1N1 strain and made a vaccine with it in 6 months. THATS a good analogy. 7/
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This amazing teacher is weekend rounding for the last time. What a privilege to have Dr McIntire as a colleague at
@ChildrensPgh
. She has taught me pediatrics in depth but also grace and professionalism.
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The first reports of an mRNA vector in a lipid particle used as a transfer vehicle go back to 1989 at the Salk Institute. Vaccines were considered using this in the 1990s. Kariko and Weissman made the big leap forward in 2005. What was it? 3/
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The first vaccines of this variety are NOT against COVID — it was MERS and the OG SARS. Those trials are more than three years old! 6/
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Moderna (ever notice those last 3 letters?) started in 2010 to expressly use this technology. 5/
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Hospital is really busy, RSV surging. We are all stressed, but what I see is residents reaching out to say How can I help? And fellows. And faculty. Because: This is what we do. This is who we are. We will care for these kids, our sacred trust. 👍🏻
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They modified the nucleosides of the mRNA, the building blocks that encode the viral protein, so that they would be recognized as host RNA and properly translated. 4/
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Booster today. For me, frontline HCW with some health stuff. For my son, with Down syndrome, to keep him safe. For my wife, the same. For my colleagues, because they deserve protection. For my patients, the same.
#VaccinesWork
#GetVaccinatedNow
#grateful
@UPMC
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Proud to join my colleagues at
@ChildrensPgh
to stand with
#WhiteCoatsForBlackLives
around our country. Powerful symbol of our commitment to fight racism and save lives. It started with residents but our fellows faculty and staff joined.
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@DGlaucomflecken
For ID, if you can pronounce “hypoglycorrhachia” correctly three times fast you’re instantly Board certified. For Peds ID, you have the sing the Spongebob theme first.
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When PICU says they’re going to stop the meropenem and then sneaks it back on without ASP approval.
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I just feel that if we got out chief residents together and put them in charge they would schedule and vaccinate all of PA in about 3 days, right?
#residentsofchp
#ChiefsRule
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HOW DOES HE KNOW US SO WELL?! ❤️❤️❤️
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Greetings from the 7th level of Hell. Um, Pittsburgh, it’s almost May? 😫🙏🏻
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@AshleyGWinter
When everyone around you is a pediatrician, it’s hard to have a bad day. You can be as goofy and silly as you want and it’s an asset. Plus you can sing to your patients and it’s cool not a reason for involuntary commitment
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Flight attendant: is there a doctor on board?!
Me: I’m a doctor! A pediatrician! And ID! I can both prescribe meropenem and sing the Spongeb-
Flight attendant: are there any OTHER doctors on board?
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It’s hard to deny that my specialty may be dying. At a time when pandemics of infection roll across the world, killing children. It’s depressing. And if you don’t think it’s related to compensation, you’re a fool.
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Promised a post when my fave cafeteria got her dose. And she did! Here’s my second. UPMC has distributed almost 40k FIRST doses. What a win!!
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Sometimes snow makes magic. Our front yard. Lighting design by
@ajbrinko
and snow by Mother Nature.
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Huge congrats 🎉 to our grads Drs Freeman, Poholek, and Rapsinski! They have made our program what it is…and all 3 are staying at
@PittPediatrics
and
@ChildrensPgh
!
@mcfreeID
@kpoho
@CHPPedSDP
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Breaking news: in my limited sample size this morning, all Pittsburgh roads are currently under construction and blocked off. Please revise travel plans accordingly
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I just told the Orange team attending “Orange you the attending?” and she didn’t laugh and her heart must be stone and I can no longer speak of this
#IThoughtItWasFunny
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A pediatric legend and the heart and soul of
@residentsofchp
. Dena taught us every day by example and with sage advice that led to a generation of Pittsburgh Pediatricians. She will be missed.
We would like to remember and honor the memory of Dr. Dena Hofkosh, Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics, who passed Tuesday morning. She will be greatly missed by all. Please read Dr. Dermody's message here:
@ChildrensPgh
@UPMCPhysicianEd
@PittHealthSci
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Once again, the slow death of my specialty is apparent.
Today is Match Day for internal medicine and pediatric subspecialties.
Here’s how things shook out for programs.
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My Fauci bobble head arrived as part of the mass purchase by
@Peds_ID
. Now he can advise me personally
#winning
#fauciforever
#bobblethisyoudamnCOVID
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I just want everyone to know that my finishing lecture slides just couple hours before the talk is keeping it fresh, like baked bread. Has nothing to do with procrastination.
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We at
@residentsofchp
had a bunch of residents match in Palliative Care and Allergy. How did we do? Well, here’s where our amazing residents are going:
CHOP
UPMC
Boston Childrens
Not. Too. Shabby. Congrats to all!
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One day late but wearing my best World DS day wear at
@ChildrensPgh
this am! Celebrating my son and all those in the community. Btw bought the socks from John’s Crazy Socks — owned by a man with DS!!
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When you open up your NYT app and see
@ChildrensPgh
and
@MdOwusu
and feel proud and happy...awesome.
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What's better than sharing an award? Sharing it with
@HollyIDPAC
! She's my
#PartnerInLyme
, a great colleague, and a true
#APPofTheYear
at
@ChildrensPgh
. Best part of APP week was seeing her hard work honored (and being brought along for the ride!)
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Point 1: Girrafe Clinic crew at
@ChildrensPgh
are AMAZING.
Point 2: does this, in fact, make me Snow White?
Point 3: Is out song then “Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho, it’s off to appropriate-targeted-antimicrobial-therapy we go”?
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@DGlaucomflecken
Dude, that you have actual standards this high is itself an inspiration. I loved every second, as a PD with a ton of DOs, I found it spot on. But mad respect for your desire to do it RIGHT.
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These guys at
@kidspluspgh
are leaders in fighting the anti-vax crowd. Model their message: it works.
@DrToddWo
and
@ChadTRM
are out front and their message WORKS. This is 2 minutes of pure advocacy gold.
A medical practice in Pennsylvania is making and posting evidence-based videos, to combat the spread of misinformation about vaccines. Film supported by
@Mishcon_de_Reya
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"Converting to oral antibiotics is appropriate for almost every infection out there, even endocarditis!"
#OralisthenewIV
#ShorterIsBetter
@BradSpellberg
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Thankful for colleagues at
@ChildrensPgh
who are working, caring for kids in the hospital today. But especially for the big crew of
@residentsofchp
, who inspire us all. Thanks for your wondrous care, you
#PediatrishYinz
!
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Hanging with Dr Ho at
@NPSCW_PedPSTPs
#pasphyssci
as we talk about the future of
#pedsphysicianscients
. Celebrating
@CHPPedSDP
!
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She’s an award winner! Congrats to
@HollyIDPAC
, winner of the UPMC APP preceptor of the year! We are so lucky to have this great partner at
@Peds_ID
!
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This is Brenda. When I asked her about her morning, she said “Top of the world!” She’s got troubles but Brenda chooses joy. Be like Brenda.
#JoyInMedicine
#BeLikeBrenda
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This is totally ridiculous. Except for the true parts, which is all of it.
Hanging out with the infectious disease specialist
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What people can’t see is how the
@penguins
come ALL THE TIME. They and other Pgh teams support our kids at holidays and regular days. It’s a
#BurghThing
and I’m
#PittsburghProud
to work at
@ChildrensPgh
and care for the children in our community 💛🖤
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The Corleones went to the mattresses, we go to the tents. Our team is going to do what we need to care for your children. In return? Get vaccinated and mask your child at school. It will save a life.
The number of children coming to the Emergency Department at UPMC Children’s is historic, says Dr. Ray Pitetti. In response, the hospital is opening an ED Fast Track area and establishing an ED medical tent. For COVID testing locations near you, click here
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A fine morning for a Miracle League game at
@MLSWPA
! Just a wonderful organization and a great guy to play catch with!
#PlayBall
#MiracleLeague
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Hell yeah!
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Had my busiest consult day ever working at
@ChildrensPgh
@Peds_ID
and
@evangfacer
was a boss and it was hard but I fake threw my nose at this 3 yo so yeah it was a great day.
#ILoveID
#KidzRule
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As
#APPD2022
comes to a close, so grateful for the community of education. Seeing folks like
@RossMyersMD
@DrFriehling
@tmswDO
@Kate_intheBurgh
and many others gives me renewed energy and purpose to be my best for
@residentsofchp
!
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@jaketapper
Check out his tachypnea and purses lips to help his pulmonary function at the top of the steps
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At work my temp was 84.2. They should change the screening questions at that point to 1) have you been bitten by the undead? 2) are you under the influence of voodoo? and 3) are you going to eat my brains?
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#IDTwitter
you know it’s Christmas when a fab
@residentsofchp
gives you an ID tag holder like this. Thanks to Amelia and the
@shopmicrobi
crew for this. Amazing!!
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Sigh. Started wearing a mask again in crowded stores. Avoiding restaurants again. Sigh. F@#$in delta variant.
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I shall now insist on being call Dr. The Closer.
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Ran out to get some subs and when I walk in, every customer masked. Way to go, SW PA. That is how we show love for our community, by keeping it safe when cases surge
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I had a patient this morning who loves her ducks and so I was forced to sing the whole Rubber Ducky song to her and yes, I love being a pediatrician
#SingASong
#PedsStories
@ChildrensPgh
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Just finished first few episodes of
#TheMandalorian
and have decided to finish all consult notes with “I have spoken.” Maybe it will convince folks not to use meropenem?!
@AspStewie
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Weaponized my ID badge. One side: yeah, I’m vaccinated. Other: yeah, I’m gonna register your ass to vote RIGHT HERE AND NOW.
#VoteLikeYourLifeDependsOnIt
#FluShot
#WearADamnMask
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This seems like an actual transcript.
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This is awesome. Also how I feel at work when folks just ignore my consults they asked for.
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CEFDINIR IS INFERIOR TO AMOXICILLIN FOR OTITIS MEDIA, IT'S JUST ADVERTISING SMOKE AND MIRRORS
#IDtwitter
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Pittsburgh, sometimes you’re just beautiful. Thanks for the sunset and making the end of my day
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I hereby rename this month to Septembuary, because it’s clear September is drunk and thinks it’s February in pediatric hospitals. I am grateful for colleagues at
@ChildrensPgh
and
@residentsofchp
, but we all request viruses just SIMMER DOWN
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Weekend rounding for
@Peds_ID
at
@ChildrensPgh
. I feel so blessed to have the Hanna Healing Garden, a quiet green space this morning where I can stop for a money and reflect. What a great hospital!
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It's depressing that this is worthy of a Tweet but, yeah, vaccines work. Figure courtesy of
@nytimes
who continue to do AMAZING data visualization.
#VaccinesSaveLives
#GetTheShot
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What makes a wonderful colleague? When they give you
#LymeDisease
…from
@GIANTmicrobes
!! Thanks
@DrToddWo
and
@ChadTRM
and my pals at
@kidspluspgh
. You are now def
#PartnersInLyme
. I know
@HollyIDPAC
is sooo jelly…
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This is so spot on. Pittsburgh is seeing exactly. Our staff from residents to fellows to faculty to nurses to admin are all stressed. And yet still coming in every day to care for kids who need it. I am blessed to be on the team with
@residentsofchp
.
The peds surge of 2022. A 🧵: there are many misperceptions out there about what is happening in pediatric care. I am a chief medical officer at a children’s hospital in Chicago. In mid August we started to see Enterovirus D68- a particular virulent strain causing increased
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One of my new joys is hearing how my iPhone dictation mangles Paxlovid. Here are some of the greatest hits:
Pax love it
Text Loverde
Packs loaded
Past Logan
Pax Loading
Text lovin
i’m so amused I haven’t trained the iPhone to recognize it.
#IDTwitter
#COVIDHumor
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Some people carefully arrange the feng shui of their office. I ask, Where do I put my multiple plush spirochetes? ❤️
#LymeDoc
#ThanksMel
@Peds_ID
@ChildrensPgh
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It’s happening! Our SIXTH
@CHPPedSDP
retreat for 17 members of the track at
@residentsofchp
at
@ChildrensPgh
. We will celebrate grads (
@mcfreeID
et al) and our four fab incoming interns!
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Pure beauty. Thank you,
@WesElyMD
. My son Peter is 15 and teaches me these same lessons every day. What a gift. He revised my quest for “success” and made me a better human being, and inadvertently a better doctor.
1/🧵 Beauty in simplicity
For too long in life, I thought success was about climbing in the 🌎’s eyes…higher, better, farther. My physician wife & I are “new parents” to my 58 y/o brother w
#DownSyndrome
& he’s giving me all kinds of new understanding of what matters.
#COVID
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Not only am I ok with this, WHY THE HELL NOT? No regrets, get it done no matter what it takes. The fence sitters might go for this, and if they do, great! I’ll buy them a cold one.
#VaccinesSaveLives
#EndCOVIDforAll
Free beer offer results in more vaccinations than all Erie County first-dose clinics last week
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The data out of TX is not good.
@PeterHotez
has the data (as always). Cautionary tale for PA — open too soon and the viral backlash is brutal. Open with very low cases as SW PA did, and you can get by. FL and AZ looking bad too
Latest on
#Houston
, Harris County
@HoustonChron
. It's not just the cases, but also hospitalizations ICU admissions
@TXMedCenter
now accelerating. Tough call: What's the trigger to dial this back and re-implement social distancing? Will people accept it?
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With the Holy Candle of Fauci contribution by
@tkazmers
, my shrine is growing in power. Help us, Obi Wan Fauci, you're our bestest hope. (
@mcfreeID
@DrRapGermski
@destmauricemd
are jelly, methinks)
#FauciFan
#WearAMask
#VaccineForAll
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The
@Peds_ID
at
@ChildrensPgh
is proud to announce two new attendings, Dr. Megan Freeman
@mcfreeID
and Westworld Host Dr. Brian Campfield (who will presumably allow Real Dr. Campfield
@drbcampfield
to write twice as many notes).
#doppleganger
#IDandroids
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Also Rheum, ID, Oncology and Immunology consulting on a true FUO
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Sometimes people ask me why I went into pediatrics. A lot was about seeing children get better, grow and develop, thrive. But there are moments of joy like this where we see children glowing which sustain me every day.
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Sometimes it feels like an actual recording
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He’s often funny. But this is so true that it hurts a little.
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I know is super cold but the beauty of the frosted woods, the quiet white blanket of snow beneath, the hint of frost fog, the majestic ice on the river…it’s
#PittsburghBeautiful
for me. Also a morning to check
@DaveDiCello
for something gorgeous.
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Lol truth
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Love this. An old mentor told me “it’s a foolish pediatrician who ignores a concerned parent.” That approach helped me a lot, especially in ED and clinic. If there’s nothing wrong, hey, it’s a win for the child
#PedsPearls
Periodic reminder that when a mom, especially of a complex kid, thinks her child is sick, she is correct.
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Sometimes work is tough. And sometimes people go above and beyond to help your residents. Great leadership makes a great place to work. We have it. The
@residentsofchp
know what I mean.
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Sometimes you have a 2 year old who decides she wants to repeatedly hug you during the office visit and you think Damn pediatrics is awesome
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First snowflakes falling. Professional me: working from home, reviewing papers and Zoom meetings. Inner me:
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