October 8, 2007

Carolyn O'Connor, MD, associate professor in the Department of Medicine and chief of the Division of Rheumatology, will be featured in an upcoming episode of the hit show "Mystery Diagnosis," which airs on the Discovery Health Channel. The series follows the stories of patients who search for years for an accurate diagnosis to a perplexing health problem before finally getting answers and proper treatment.

Dr. O'Connor's episode, called Bizarre Visions, chronicles the struggle of a patient she diagnosed with pernicious anemia. It premiered on Monday, October 15, 2007, at 10 p.m. and will re-air on the following dates and times:

October 20 at 7 p.m.
October 21 at 2 a.m.
October 28 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
November 25 at 9 p.m.
November 26 at 12 a.m.

This is the fifth time a Drexel University College of Medicine physician has been spotlighted on "Mystery Diagnosis" and the second time for Dr. O'Connor, who participated in an episode last year involving a patient she diagnosed with lupus. Previous episodes have featured Katherine Sherif, MD, associate professor of medicine and director of the Drexel Center for Women's Health, and Howard Miller, MD, professor of medicine and chief of the Division of Internal Medicine.

Further explanation about pernicious anemia and Dr. O'Connor's role in making the diagnosis: The patient on "Mystery Diagnosis" had a rheumatologic condition named Sjogren's syndrome and she sought Dr. O'Connor's opinion regarding that illness. Pernicious anemia is a complication of Sjogren's syndrome that can cause diarrhea, numbness and problems with balance. Dr. O'Connor is not an expert on irritable bowel syndrome or other GI problems. Patients who are experiencing gastroenterological symptoms are encouraged to call 215-965-6000 to make an appointment with a Drexel gastroenterologist.