M. Alexander Otto began his reporting career early in 1999 covering the pharmaceutical industry for a national pharmacists' magazine and freelancing for the Washington Post and other newspapers. He then joined BNA, now part of Bloomberg News, covering health law and the protection of people and animals in medical research. Alex next worked for the McClatchy Company. Based on his work, Alex won a year-long Knight Science Journalism Fellowship to MIT in 2008-2009. He joined the company shortly thereafter. Alex has a newspaper journalism degree from Syracuse (N.Y.) University and a master's degree in medical science -- a physician assistant degree -- from George Washington University. Alex is based in Seattle.
News
Point-of-care VL testing improves HIV suppression
SEATTLE – Use has not caught on yet in the United States, but may be expanding.
Video
TCA and punch excision are two options for icepick acne scars
WAIKOLOA, HAWAII – Be careful not to make them worse.
News
Alisertib response rate in PTCL patients was 33%
New report explains alisertib’s performance in terminated phase 3 trial.
Video
Simple treatments can address bleeding in dermatologic surgery
WAIKOLOA, HAWAII – A Mohs surgeon reviews some effective, inexpensive options.
Video
Dupilumab conjunctivitis does not always require an ophthalmologist referral
WAIKOLOA, HAWAII – In some cases, in-office treatment is safe.
Video
Don’t miss early joint involvement in psoriasis
WAIKOLOA, HAWAII – Two extra minutes can make a huge difference in improving the early diagnosis.
Video
Onychomycosis that fails terbinafine probably isn’t T. rubrum
WAIKOLOA, HAWAII – T. rubrum remains the most common cause of toenail fungus in the United States, but...
Video
How to surf the rosacea treatment algorithm
WAIKOLOA, HAWAII – Papules and pustules should be treated with an anti-inflammatory drug.
Video
Don’t fear spironolactone, isotretinoin, OCs for acne
WAIKOLOA, HAWAII – Old concerns regarding these treatment options are falling by the wayside.
News
Exercise type matters for fall prevention among elderly
Balance and functional exercises are best at preventing falls.
News
Riboflavin helps visualize urine flow during cystoscopy
Indigo carmine has been in short supply, so surgeons have been looking for other options.
News
Adolescence does not rule out bullous pemphigoid
A review found 14 cases in the literature.
News
Guardian angel or watchdog? Pills of capecitabine contain sensors
Whether that’s a good thing or bad thing depends on who you talk to, but patients do seem more likely to take their medications if a sensor is on...
News
SGLT inhibitor still possible for T1DM, despite FDA committee vote
The drug increased DKA risk eightfold versus placebo.