This session teaches a reproducible, step-by-step approach to chest X-ray (CXR) interpretation using two complementary mnemonics: RIPE (Rotation, Inspiration, Penetration/Projection, Exposure/Artifacts) to verify image quality, and A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I to read findings in a consistent order. Viewers learn to spot essential landmarks (trachea, aortic knob, hila, lobes/fissures, diaphragms, costophrenic angles), recognize when AP vs PA matters (e.g., cardiothoracic ratio), and avoid common pitfalls that lead to misses. A live, real-time read ties the method together so the approach can be used on rounds, in clinic, or at the bedside.

What you’ll learn

• Quality first: use RIPE to confirm a film is worth interpreting
• A structured read with A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I
• How projection changes appearance (AP vs PA vs lateral)
• Reliable checks for effusions, pneumothorax, edema, and device/artifact confounders
• How to synthesize a clear impression clinicians can act on

Get more (free) at ThisIsWhy.health
Access the video, free downloads (mnemonic tables), organize content via playlists & collections, join live Q&A, receive member newsletters, and unlock partner discounts—resources built to help clinicians move from what to why and improve real-world decisions.

Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace individualized evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions about a medical condition and never delay care because of educational content.

In this episode of This Is Why, Dr. Busti breaks down the evidence-based predictors of NCLEX-RN success for first-time test takers. See what the 10-year pass-rate trend really shows, which factors (GPA, standardized exit exams, program environment, life experience) matter most, and—most importantly—what you can do now to raise your odds on test day.

Build confidence in your exam readiness and clinical mastery with free resources 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.

BPS specialty board exams are challenging — and the data proves it. But knowing what drives success can make all the difference.

In this episode of This Is Why, Dr. Busti reviews national BPS pass rate trends and explores what separates first-time test takers who succeed from those who don’t. Using data from multiple specialties, he highlights how residency training, study strategy, and preparation methods predict success — and why relying solely on memorization or guesswork fails so many candidates.

You’ll learn how to interpret your own readiness, avoid common traps like overemphasizing blueprints or anecdotal advice, and design a structured, question-based study plan that mirrors the way you’ll be tested. Whether you’re pursuing BCPS, BCCCP, BCACP, or another BPS certification, this episode will equip you with the insights and mindset needed to succeed on the first try.

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.

Passing a BPS specialty exam takes more than hard work — it takes strategy and understanding.

In this episode of This Is Why, Dr. Busti breaks down how BPS exams are built, what “testable” really means, and why focusing on validated, evidence-based concepts gives you a major advantage. Drawing on decades of experience as a pharmacist, educator, and exam review developer, he explains the multi-step process used to create fair, reliable, and job-related BPS exams.

Listeners will learn why not all new or clinically relevant content appears on the test, how to interpret the exam blueprint effectively, and which study approaches are proven to help first-time takers pass. Dr. Busti also explains why question banks and application-based practice are essential for success — and how understanding the “why” behind each concept improves long-term retention.

If you’re preparing for a BPS specialty exam or mentoring someone who is, this episode offers practical, motivating insights to help you study smarter and perform with confidence.

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.

What predicts success on the NAPLEX? It’s not chance — it’s about understanding the factors that matter most.

In this episode of This Is Why, Dr. Busti unpacks the key predictors of NAPLEX performance based on data and published literature. You’ll learn how GPA, pre-admission metrics, clinical performance, study effort, and test timing correlate with first-time pass rates — and how to interpret these factors to improve your own odds.

Drawing from decades of experience teaching pharmacy and preparing students for licensing exams, Dr. Busti helps listeners identify what’s within their control and how to act on it. From taking practice exams early to focusing on question-based learning and targeted remediation, this episode offers a structured framework for building a smarter, evidence-based study plan.

If you’re getting ready for the NAPLEX or mentoring students who are, this conversation provides both data-driven insight and actionable strategy for success on the first attempt.

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.

Over the past decade, NAPLEX pass rates have dropped — sparking concern across pharmacy education. But what’s really driving this decline?

In this episode of This Is Why, Dr. Busti breaks down the data behind NAPLEX performance trends, exploring factors such as the rapid growth of pharmacy schools, shifts in applicant pools, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on learning and assessment.

Drawing from decades of experience as a pharmacist, physician, and nurse, Dr. Busti helps listeners understand how these changes have shaped the profession — and what students can do to overcome them. You’ll learn how to adapt your mindset, refine your study strategy, and focus on high-yield, testable material rather than memorizing everything in a textbook.

If you’re feeling discouraged by national pass rate trends, this episode offers both context and encouragement — showing you how to take control of your preparation, regain confidence, and move toward NAPLEX success.

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.

The NAPLEX isn’t testing everything you’ve ever learned — it’s measuring what matters most for entry-level pharmacist competence.

In this episode of This Is Why, Dr. Busti explains how the NAPLEX is built by the NABP, why understanding its blueprint helps you focus your studying, and how to avoid wasting time on untested or emerging content. Drawing on his own experience as a pharmacist, physician, and nurse — and decades teaching pharmacy students — he reveals the process behind question validation, exam updates, and psychometric testing.

Listeners will learn how to identify high-yield, testable concepts that align with national standards of care, use question banks effectively, and balance their preparation between memorization and mastery. Dr. Busti’s practical insights will help you create a focused, efficient study plan designed for success on the first attempt.

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.

Passing the NCLEX-RN isn’t about memorizing more — it’s about understanding what truly matters and how the exam is built to measure it. In this episode of This Is Why, Dr. Busti, a physician and pharmacist who began his healthcare career as a registered nurse, breaks down how the NCLEX-RN is developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) — and what that means for your study plan.

You’ll learn how to recognize high-yield, testable concepts, why some new content won’t appear on the exam, and how to focus your preparation on what can actually be scored. Dr. Busti also explains the value of using question banks to practice applying core knowledge, helping you move beyond memorization toward real understanding and exam confidence.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the amount of nursing material to study, this episode offers a clear framework to study smarter — not harder — and increase your chances of passing the NCLEX-RN on your first attempt.

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.

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.

Dr. Busti reviews selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—their mechanism, first-line indications, key side effects, and clinical pearls. Learn why SSRIs are widely used for depression and anxiety, how to avoid pitfalls like QT prolongation and drug interactions, and what to monitor to optimize patient care.

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.

Discover serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)—safe, effective antidepressants for depression, anxiety, and pain syndromes. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How SNRIs work in the brain and differ from SSRIs, TCAs, and MAOIs
- Key medications: venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, milnacipran, levomilnacipran
- Important side effects, including blood pressure changes and SIADH in older adults
- Tips for safe switching, monitoring, and counseling patients

💡 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 breaks down monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)—where they still fit in modern care, how they work, and how to use them safely.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why MAOIs remain relevant for treatment-resistant depression
• How irreversible MAO-A/B inhibition elevates serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine
• Practical washout rules (why 14 days after MAOI, generally 7 days before starting an MAOI; longer with fluoxetine)
• High-yield differences (e.g., selegiline transdermal for depression vs. oral formulations for Parkinson’s disease)
• Key drug–drug risks (serotonergic agents, certain opioids like tramadol, linezolid/methylene blue)
• Tyramine-containing foods and counseling to prevent hypertensive crisis

Whether you’re prepping for boards or refining clinical practice, this walkthrough turns “what” into the why behind safer, smarter antidepressant selection.

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 explores the atypical antidepressants—bupropion, mirtazapine, trazodone, vilazodone, and vortioxetine. Learn how these agents differ from SSRIs/SNRIs, when to use them, and how their unique side effect profiles can actually guide therapy.

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 Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)—how they work, why they outperformed H2 blockers, key clinical uses, and important risks. From GERD to GI bleeds, learn the why behind PPIs so you can apply them safely in practice.

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.

In this episode of This Is Why, Dr. Busti unpacks the pharmacology and clinical relevance of the potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB) class—featuring vonoprazan, the newest option in acid suppression therapy.

You’ll learn how P-CABs compare to H₂ receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in terms of mechanism, onset, and duration of acid control. Dr. Busti explains the unique pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties that make vonoprazan a valuable alternative for patients who do not adequately respond to PPIs.

The discussion connects the drug’s molecular action at the parietal cell to the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract, helping you understand why this mechanism matters in conditions such as GERD, H. pylori infection, peptic ulcer disease, and erosive esophagitis. You’ll also explore the potential side effects, electrolyte disturbances, and drug–drug interactions to watch for in clinical practice.

By grounding pharmacology in pathophysiology and anatomy, this episode helps clinicians and trainees alike integrate new therapies into patient care with confidence and context.

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.

A practical pharmacology review of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in asthma and COPD. Dr. Busti explains why ICS are first-line therapy in asthma, their selective role in COPD, key mechanisms, dosing strategies, side effects, and patient counseling points to improve adherence and outcomes.

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.

Levothyroxine is first-line for hypothyroidism, but getting it right requires precision. In this episode, Dr. Busti explains the TSH–T4–T3 feedback loop, why T4 is preferred over T3 or desiccated thyroid, and how half-life and protein binding shape dosing and monitoring. We cover steady-state timing (6–8 weeks), dose step sizes, manufacturer switches, and how food and cation supplements (calcium, iron, magnesium) alter absorption. You’ll also learn how anticonvulsants, rifampin, beta-blockers, steroids, and amiodarone affect levels or peripheral conversion.

Special populations receive focused guidance: immediate dose increases in pregnancy, careful titration in cardiovascular disease, and intentional TSH suppression after thyroidectomy for cancer. Practical counseling points include consistent administration habits, spacing from multivitamins/antacids, pausing biotin before labs, and symptom-based safety checks (palpitations, tremor, heat intolerance, weight change).

If you teach, precept, or practice, this review helps you move beyond memorization to the “why” that improves bedside decisions.

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.

In this personal reflection, Dr. Busti shares a formative moment of cognitive dissonance that reshaped his approach to evidence-based medicine. When a simple question exposed a knowledge gap, it sparked a lifelong commitment to understanding the “why” behind clinical decisions—and to teaching with honesty and humility.

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.

Cognitive dissonance—the moment we realize we don’t know something we should—can either hinder or grow us. In this episode, Dr. Busti explains how understanding and managing dissonance within the Evidence-Based Medicine framework strengthens humility, reflection, and better patient care. Learn to turn uncertainty into growth and develop true cognitive resonance.

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.

The final two steps of Evidence-Based Medicine—Apply and Assess—focus on turning knowledge into better patient outcomes. Dr. Busti explains how to apply evidence to real-world practice, integrate patient preferences, and assess the impact of your decisions to continually improve care. Discover how adapting your approach over time creates a more patient-centered, evidence-driven practice.

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.

Step 3 of Evidence-Based Medicine focuses on appraising the evidence. Dr. Busti explains how to systematically evaluate research using validated critical appraisal tools (CATs), detect bias, and interpret the quality of data before applying it to patient care. Learn to distinguish strong evidence from weak studies and develop a reliable, reproducible process for evidence-based decision-making.

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.

Step 2 of the EBM process is all about how to acquire evidence efficiently. Dr. Busti explains how to turn your PICO question into an effective search strategy, use Boolean logic and MESH terms, and select the best databases for your clinical question. Learn to differentiate primary, secondary, and tertiary literature and find the most relevant evidence quickly without missing key studies.

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.

Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) has been shaping clinical decision-making for more than three decades. In this episode, Dr. Busti walks through Step 1 of the 5 A’s — Ask, focusing on how to craft clear, answerable clinical questions that drive better evidence searches and stronger patient care decisions.

You’ll learn the difference between background and foreground questions, explore the structure of PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome), and understand how extensions like PICOT and PICOTS add precision by incorporating time and setting. Using practical clinical examples—from asthma and hypertension to acute coronary syndromes—Dr. Busti demonstrates how well-formed questions save time, sharpen focus, and improve clinical reasoning.

This episode also highlights how matching the question type to the best study design—from randomized trials to systematic reviews—helps clinicians and trainees efficiently identify the “best available evidence.” Whether you’re a student, resident, or practicing clinician, this foundational EBM skill will transform how you approach research and clinical problem-solving.

Listen, learn, and start building your foundation for the next steps of EBM—Acquire, Appraise, Apply, and Assess.

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.