MedCases, Inc., a creator of online simulated patient-encounter medical education systems for physicians, has announced that it has launched a simulated-patient encounter that focuses on preparing physicians for the diagnosis and management of patients with severe flu-like symptoms who are concerned they may have anthrax.

"MedCases is proud to provide a public service on the topic of Anthrax. It is important that physicians have the proper resources to diagnose and manage patients who present with anthrax-like symptoms and be able to allay their fears," said Deborah M. Hull, MedCases president and chief executive officer.

"Going through a simulated patient encounter encourages physicians to consider appropriate differential diagnosis for patients who present with nonspecific upper respiratory symptoms," said Dr. Meryl Nass, an expert on anthrax and a contributor to this educational program.

MedCases works with medical schools, medical societies, and opinion leaders in medicine to deliver Internet-based learning systems targeted for practicing physicians and the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry. As a public service, this specific case is being made available through such well-known medical portals as WebMD, MedScape, Physicians Online (CyBear), InteliHeath, the British Medical Journal and several others.

"In light of current bioterrorism activity within the United States, this case will assist physicians in the diagnostic evaluation and management of patients presenting flu-like and respiratory symptoms where anthrax is a possible cause. The case is extremely current and informative with direct application to patient care," said Dr. Maura Kelly, an infectious disease specialist who served as the medical director for this case.

MedCases simulated-patient scenarios are based on life-like patient situations where the patient presents certain symptoms and the user acts as the treating physician, working through standard steps of determining a differential diagnosis.

Based on this information, the user selects certain laboratory and diagnostic tests; evaluates the results of those tests; makes a final diagnosis; and then determines the treatment plan. MedCases provides the physician with immediate evaluation of their decisions.

Physicians who complete the entire case are eligible to submit it for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit through Temple University School of Medicine.

For more information visit the Medcases site.