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Introduction: This article describes the experience of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) implementing telemedicine consultations for COVID-19-positive patients recovering within community recovery facilities (CRFs) in a semi-inpatient setting. Materials and Methods: The SAF adopted a systematic approach to telemedicine implementation and scaling up, with Phase 1 being the deployment of medical teams operating on-site clinics daily at six CRFs and telemedicine only provided for after-hours medical consultations on an ad hoc basis. Subsequently in Phase 2, most clinical consultations in the CRFs were conducted virtually. Results: Phases 1 and 2 recorded 1,902 and 449 clinical consultations, respectively. The mean number of clinical encounters was 33 per 1,000 occupants per day in Phase 1, and 12 per 1,000 occupants per day in Phase 2 ( p < 0.001). Acute respiratory illness (52.3% in Phase 1 and 46.7% in Phase 2) was the most common reason for consultations. With full telemedicine in Phase 2, there was reduction in the mean number of clinical encounters per 1,000 occupants per day ( p  = 0.001), lower man-hours in personal protective equipment (PPE) ( p < 0.001), and rise in escalation of care ( p < 0.001) but without adverse events reported. Conclusions: Telemedicine for patients was safe, improved medical manpower efficiency, and reduced man-hours in PPE. The increased escalation of care in Phase 2 due to the lack of physical examination capabilities was to be expected to ensure patients' safety. Overall, it is recommended that for stable and mild medical conditions, telemedicine is a viable, safe, and efficient health care delivery tool in crisis situations similar to COVID-19.

Question: After a few years of difficulty swallowing solids and feeling like food was getting stuck, a 13-year-old boy in my practice with peanut allergy and asthma was recently diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). What is EoE and how is it diagnosed and managed?, Answer: Eosinophilic esophagitis is an immune-mediated disease resulting in inflammation of the esophagus. It is increasing in prevalence and incidence in countries like Canada, and frequently occurs in children with other allergic conditions. Unexplained feeding difficulties, vomiting, and solid-food dysphagia, especially in boys with atopy, supports the possibility of having EoE. A formal diagnosis is obtained by reviewing esophageal biopsies obtained through upper endoscopy performed while the patient is taking a proton pump inhibitor. Once EoE has been established, management should involve working collaboratively with gastroenterology and allergy specialists. Medical or dietary treatments are acceptable therapeutic approaches.