In this episode of This Is Why, Dr. Busti walks through a real-world board-style question on community-acquired pneumonia — connecting core pathophysiology to exam reasoning and clinical judgment. Using a 54-year-old patient case, you’ll learn how to differentiate inpatient versus outpatient management, apply CURB-65 and PSI scoring tools, and identify sepsis criteria that drive treatment decisions.

Dr. Busti also unpacks the rationale behind antibiotic selection, comparing macrolide monotherapy, beta-lactam combinations, and fluoroquinolone alternatives — all while reinforcing how understanding why each answer choice is correct or incorrect leads to long-term mastery.

If you’re preparing for your boards, rotations, or want to strengthen your diagnostic thinking, this episode helps you move beyond memorization into true clinical understanding.

Access bonus materials and downloads at https://thisiswhy.health

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard in this content.

Dr. Busti reviews pharmacologic options for smoking cessation—bupropion, nicotine replacement therapy, and varenicline—highlighting mechanisms, dosing strategies, and safety considerations. Learn how to integrate these therapies with behavioral approaches, tailor choices to patient comorbidities, and monitor for clinically relevant risks.

Access bonus materials and downloads at https://thisiswhy.health

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard in this content.

Dr. Busti reviews tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)—their history, evolving role, and why they remain relevant today. Learn how tertiary vs. secondary amines differ, why lower doses are effective for pain and insomnia, and how overdose risks tie back to sodium channel blockade. Practical monitoring, counseling tips, and clinical pearls are highlighted to help you apply TCAs safely and effectively.

Access bonus materials and downloads at https://thisiswhy.health

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard in this content.