User:Zad68

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Hello, I am Zad68, but please feel free to call me Zach. I am a volunteer Wikipedia editor just like you are (or could be!). I am particularly interested in medical topics, and I am an active member of Wikipedia's Medicine Wikiproject. I also like to edit or review articles in the natural sciences, and occasionally attend to the odd biography, especially if the person relates to an article I am working on.

This user participates in WikiProject Medicine.

he/him

This user is male; please refer to him with masculine gender pronouns.

^(contribs)

This user runs a bot, ZadBot. It performs tasks that are extremely tedious to do manually.

This editor won the Quarter Million Award for bringing Low back pain to Good Article status.

This editor won the Million Award for bringing Circumcision to Good Article status.

Zad68 likes to turn Wikipedia Green.

~8 weeks

There are 2,911 pending submissions pending AfC submissions.

I wonder why in Greece experts contend in the games and non-experts award the prizes.

— Anacharsis of Scythia (c. 590 BCE)

I think the good article review process is one of the most important initiatives on Wikipedia. I have messed around with developing a bot using the account ZadBot, and plan to develop a bot to provide tools to automate the more tedious parts of doing reviews of WP:MED-scope articles in particular.

If you have any questions about things like sourcing for medical articles, the GA process, or just getting started with Wikipedia, please drop me a note on my User Talk page and I'll try to help!

Quick reference for some of my common edit summary abbreviations

r = reply
c = comment
c/e = copyedit

Zad68's Rules of Content

The best defense against bad content is good content. In fact it's probably the only defense.
The Wikipedia Catch-22: You'll do your best content work on articles for subjects you know little about and don't particularly care about. But then, of course, you won't be particularly motivated to work on such articles.
Any edit that adds biomedical information and explicitly points out it's based on a "scientific study published in peer-reviewed journal" probably needs to be reverted per WP:MEDRS.
You don't have to respect the subject of the article you're working on, but you do have to respect the sources.
This is why I find In popular culture sections problematic.
This is just one reason why we should almost never be citing primary sources for scientific information.

Focus

I found this essay and the accompanying slide show to be very influential in the choices I make of articles I'd like to do significant development work on. Wikipedia has a lot of articles, but overall the most important articles (as determined by the number of views) do not get as much development attention as they deserve. At over 12 years old, en.WP has over 4 million articles; just about all the articles that are on what might be considered core encyclopedic topics have already been started, but most are still not yet at GA quality. Editors should be motivated to work on the articles for these core topics, and I hope efforts like the Million Award will be effective in doing so.

A Cochrane a day

The Cochrane Library is a very well-respected publisher and repository of high-quality secondary sources of medical evidence. Wikipedia has partnered with them to provide free access to the full texts of their articles, and as of September 2013^[update] is still handing out free accounts to editors active in developing WP:MEDICINE-content—see WP:COCHRANE to apply for your own free account! I got an account and to make sure Wikipedia benefits from it, I am trying to do a Cochrane a day: whatever other content work I might be doing, each weekday I will pull a Cochrane article and update something with it. An article will benefit, I'll learn something new, and maybe I'll get ideas for future content work. Should be fun!

16 September: Tiotropium is better than ipratropium for COPD
17 September: Subcutaneous sterile water injection doesn't help reduce childbirth labor pains
18 September: Insulin detemir and insulin glargine are equally effective for diabetes mellitus type 2
19 September: An updated review shows that there is still no good evidence to suggest that oxygen helps someone having a heart attack, and in fact may make things worse
20 September: Electronic mosquito repeller devices do not work to repel mosquitoes and reduce the spread of malaria
23 September: Adding radiation therapy after chemotherapy yields better results for those with early stage Hodgkin's lymphoma
24 September: Personal invitations and educational materials are effective at increasing the uptake of screening for cervical cancer
25 September: There is insufficient evidence to come to any kind of conclusion about what effect lycopene might have on prostate cancer
26 September: In type-2 diabetics with periodontal disease, treating the disease can result in an improvement in blood sugar levels
27 September: Inhaled antibiotics help fight lung infection in those with cystic fibrosis, but with some drawbacks
30 September: Celiac plexus blocks are a safe and effective way to deal with abdominal pain for those with inoperable pancreatic cancer
1 October: Caffeine is a bronchodilator, and so using it may interfere with the results of a lung function test for asthma
2 October: Combination hormonal contraceptives help reduce symptoms of severe PMS (known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder)
3 October: Corticosteroids increase the risk of mortality in those with traumatic brain injury, and so are not recommended to be given routinely
4 October: Sexual dysfunction is common in those with chronic kidney disease; PDE5 inhibitors (things like Viagra) and zinc show potential for helping men with these problems
7 October: Dopamine agonists are effective to help manage restless legs syndrome
8 October: Aspirin is often prescribed to women for the purpose of increasing chances of fertilization by IVF, but there's no evidence to show it works
9 October: There is no good evidence to show that Chinese herbs are safe or effective for treating diabetic neuropathy
10 October: Mycophenolate mofetil is a relatively safe treatment for lupus nephritis
14 October: Transdermal fentanyl patches are effective for those with moderate to severe cancer pain
10 October 2014: Topical corticosteroids for treating phimosis in boys: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD008973.pub2

OK I have to admit these are good...

Even changed "BFV" to "CFV"

Stuff to do

Lyme disease - To GA
Earthworm - To GA
Review recent changes in the WP:MED Queue
Fix {{cite book}} editor field to handle where it's filled in like "4th ed." to not render as "4th ed.ed."
Foreign language Wikis - WP:MED article assessments
Create BLP for Charles Snowdon

What's going on at WP:MEDICINE

Did you know

09 Mar 2026 – Medical student (talk · edit · hist) was nominated for DYK by Liance (t · c); see discussion
02 Mar 2026 – POLR3-related leukodystrophy (talk · edit · hist) was nominated for DYK by NotCarlJohnson1992 (t · c); see discussion
28 Feb 2026 – Edward W. Hawthorne (talk · edit · hist) was nominated for DYK by Miraclepine (t · c); see discussion
03 Feb 2026 – Alice Sollier (talk · edit · hist) was nominated for DYK by MumphingSquirrel (t · c); see discussion

Articles for deletion

13 Mar 2026 – Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Pharmacy, Trikaripur (talk · edit · hist) was AfDed by Filmssssssssssss (t · c); see discussion (4 participants)
13 Mar 2026 – Sree Vidyanikethan College of Nursing (talk · edit · hist) was AfDed by Filmssssssssssss (t · c); see discussion (2 participants)
13 Mar 2026 – Bioheat transfer (talk · edit · hist) was AfDed by Ldm1954 (t · c); see discussion (1 participant)
13 Mar 2026 – United States influenza statistics by flu season (talk · edit · hist) was AfDed by Velayinosu (t · c); see discussion (3 participants)
10 Mar 2026 – XStream Systems (talk · edit · hist) was AfDed by Ldm1954 (t · c); see discussion (1 participant)
08 Mar 2026 – Atlas, Microscopic Urine Examination, Bert Grijsen,2026 (talk · edit · hist) was AfDed by Pichpich (t · c); see discussion (8 participants)
07 Mar 2026 – Select Biosciences (talk · edit · hist) was AfDed by BookishReader (t · c); see discussion (3 participants)
07 Mar 2026 – Government Medical College, Manjeri (talk · edit · hist) was AfDed by Filmssssssssssss (t · c); see discussion (2 participants; relisted)
05 Mar 2026 – John Cambier (talk · edit · hist) was AfDed by JarJarInks (t · c); see discussion (8 participants; relisted)
02 Mar 2026 – Gifthealth (talk · edit · hist) was AfDed by Amigao (t · c); see discussion (7 participants; relisted)

(9 more...)

Proposed deletions

10 Mar 2026 – Trinity Hospice, Blackpool (talk · edit · hist) was PRODed by JBW (t · c): No evidence of notability. Sourced only to a dead link on the hospice's own website & a routine listing on the Charity Commission's website, & searches failed to find any significant coverage in any independent source.
28 Feb 2026 – Sammie Le Sommer (talk · edit · hist) PRODed by Kj cheetham (t · c) and endorsed by Ldm1954 (t · c) on 28 Feb 2026 was deleted

Categories for discussion

14 Mar 2026 – Category:British palliative care medical doctors (talk · edit · hist) was CfDed by Mclay1 (t · c); see discussion
14 Mar 2026 – Category:Indian palliative care medical doctors (talk · edit · hist) was CfDed by Mclay1 (t · c); see discussion
14 Mar 2026 – Category:Palliative care medical doctors (talk · edit · hist) was CfDed by Mclay1 (t · c); see discussion
14 Mar 2026 – Category:Physicians from Montreal (talk · edit · hist) was CfDed by Mclay1 (t · c); see discussion
14 Mar 2026 – Category:Physicians from Quebec (talk · edit · hist) was CfDed by Mclay1 (t · c); see discussion
14 Mar 2026 – Category:Physicians from Saskatchewan (talk · edit · hist) was CfDed by Mclay1 (t · c); see discussion
14 Mar 2026 – Category:Physicians from Nova Scotia (talk · edit · hist) was CfDed by Mclay1 (t · c); see discussion
14 Mar 2026 – Category:Physicians from Ontario (talk · edit · hist) was CfDed by Mclay1 (t · c); see discussion
14 Mar 2026 – Category:Physicians from Prince Edward Island (talk · edit · hist) was CfDed by Mclay1 (t · c); see discussion
14 Mar 2026 – Category:Physicians from New Brunswick (talk · edit · hist) was CfDed by Mclay1 (t · c); see discussion

(34 more...)

Templates for discussion

06 Mar 2026 – Template:COVID-19 pandemic data/Barbados deaths by age and gender chart (talk · edit · hist) was TfDed by ~2026-14463-52 (t · c); see discussion
06 Mar 2026 – Template:COVID-19 pandemic data/Barbados new deaths chart (talk · edit · hist) was TfDed by ~2026-14463-52 (t · c); see discussion
06 Mar 2026 – Template:COVID-19 pandemic data/Barbados daily active chart (talk · edit · hist) was TfDed by ~2026-14463-52 (t · c); see discussion
06 Mar 2026 – Template:COVID-19 pandemic data/Barbados new cases chart (talk · edit · hist) was TfDed by ~2026-14463-52 (t · c); see discussion
06 Mar 2026 – Template:COVID-19 pandemic data/Barbados medical cases chart (talk · edit · hist) was TfDed by ~2026-14463-52 (t · c); see discussion
04 Mar 2026 – Template:Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand (talk · edit · hist) was TfDed by ~2026-13909-16 (t · c); see discussion
25 Jan 2026 – Template:Details of first 250 COVID-19 confirmed cases in Vietnam (talk · edit · hist) was TfDed by WikiCleanerMan (t · c); see discussion
25 Jan 2026 – Template:COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam statistics charts (talk · edit · hist) was TfDed by WikiCleanerMan (t · c); see discussion
25 Jan 2026 – Template:COVID-19 pandemic data/Vietnam medical cases chart (talk · edit · hist) was TfDed by WikiCleanerMan (t · c); see discussion
25 Jan 2026 – Template:COVID-19 pandemic data/Philippines vaccinations chart (talk · edit · hist) was TfDed by WikiCleanerMan (t · c); see discussion

(70 more...)

Redirects for discussion

13 Mar 2026 – Vitamin B100 (talk · edit · hist) →B vitamins was RfDed by I am bad at usernames (t · c); see discussion
01 Mar 2026 – Lizard skin (talk · edit · hist) →onchocerciasis was RfDed by TNstingray (t · c); see discussion
01 Mar 2026 – Elephant skin (talk · edit · hist) →onchocerciasis was RfDed by TNstingray (t · c); see discussion
01 Mar 2026 – Leopard skin (talk · edit · hist) →onchocerciasis was RfDed by TNstingray (t · c); see discussion
25 Feb 2026 – Oppression and depression (talk · edit · hist) →Depression (mood) was RfDed by Jay (t · c); see discussion
20 Feb 2026 – Muntaber (talk · edit · hist) →Gastroenteritis was RfDed by ArcticSeeress (t · c); see discussion
17 Feb 2026 – Body mass (talk · edit · hist) →Human body weight was RfDed by An anonymous username, not my real name (t · c); see discussion
12 Feb 2026 – Anaclitism (talk · edit · hist) →Paraphilic infantilism was RfDed by Lunamann (t · c); see discussion
12 Feb 2026 – Anatomic autopedophilia (talk · edit · hist) →Paraphilic infantilism was RfDed by Lunamann (t · c); see discussion
12 Feb 2026 – Autopedophilia (talk · edit · hist) →Paraphilic infantilism was RfDed by Lunamann (t · c); see discussion

(2 more...)

Barnstars...

More information ...and other approbation ...

...and other approbation

		The Socratic Barnstar
		I cannot say it better than Kaiser above: this statement is clear, concise, accurate, and elegant. -- Avi (talk) 08:57, 26 October 2010 (UTC)

	The Barnstar of Diplomacy
	For notifying editors of all opinions that were involved at a Talk:Apple media events dispute. Diego (talk) 21:57, 15 March 2012 (UTC)

		The Modest Barnstar
		In recognition of all the work you’ve done lately! 66.87.2.142 (talk) 15:09, 1 April 2012 (UTC)

	The Minor barnstar
	Thanks for redirecting the "Plato Meets Poitier" article for me. AQuixoticLife (talk) 04:04, 11 April 2012 (UTC)

WikiThanks

You are among the top 5% of most active Wikipedians this past month! 66.87.7.204 (talk) 00:35, 12 April 2012 (UTC)

	The Barnstar of Diligence
	For your thorough research, and lucid and logical comments. Jayjg ^(talk) 01:02, 27 April 2012 (UTC)

	The Anti-Vandalism Barnstar
	y u gonna ban meh? Lulo Flash14245 (talk) 18:39, 4 June 2012 (UTC)

		The Teamwork Barnstar
		Your efforts to move the Retention Project off square one and moving forward are appreciated. ```*Buster Seven* *Talk* 14:08, 12 July 2012 (UTC)

		The Mensch's Barnstar
		Hereby awarded for constructive intervention in the Dave Days AfC / WP:DRV saga David_FLXD (Talk) 10:26, 16 July 2012 (UTC)

	The Copyeditor's Barnstar
	Many thanks for getting involved with medical articles. Your efforts are really appreciated. Doc James (talk · contribs · email) (if I write on your talk page please reply on mine) 17:32, 26 July 2012 (UTC)

	The Teamwork Barnstar
	Thanks for the work at circumcision. I'm impressed by both the well-written style and your calm approach on the talk page of such a controversial article. Thank you. Pass a Method talk 13:36, 2 August 2012 (UTC)

	The Random Acts of Kindness Barnstar
	Thank you for this Hopefully I will remember it. Darkness Shines (talk) 18:24, 8 January 2013 (UTC)

	The Special Barnstar
	For doing the excellent review in Talk:Carnotaurus/GA1. Best, Tito Dutta (talk) 23:00, 10 January 2013 (UTC)

		The Medicine Barnstar
		Amazing work on the circumcision article. Well done. Doc James (talk · contribs · email) (if I write on your page reply on mine) 15:48, 12 February 2013 (UTC)

		The Human Rights Barnstar
		For your contributions to bring circumcision, one of the 20 most popular pages of WikiProject Human rights, to Good Article status. -- Khazar2 (talk) 18:28, 12 February 2013 (UTC)

		The Tireless Contributor Barnstar
		For continued and consistent review and enhancement of some of our more contentious articles, and always striving to ensure compliance with Wikipedia policy and guidelines, thank you! -- Avi (talk) 20:50, 14 February 2013 (UTC)

For your tireless efforts combined with discretion - uncommon and appreciated. Scray (talk) 04:02, 19 April 2013 (UTC)

The Barnstar of Diplomacy

I'm really impressed by how you've been handling recent discussions about circumcision on your talk page and at the article, often with folks who have arrived here with a lot of assumptions and a lack of awareness about our policies. You've been exceedingly lucid, patient, approachable, and helpful in untangling these situations and I can't see how even the most hardened advocates would think you were anything but a fair dealer and a smart hand. Nice to watch from afar, as this is an area I definitely won't wade into any time soon. Cheers :) Ocaasi^{t | c} 02:15, 8 June 2013 (UTC)

	The Civility Barnstar
	I've seen evidence of your efforts to defuse in multiple areas and really appreciate your professionalism. Scray (talk) 12:36, 19 June 2013 (UTC)

	The Defender of the Wiki Barnstar
	This place can be a circus - thanks for your efforts to keep things orderly. I know it's hard for many reasons - I'll try not to be one of them. Scray (talk) 03:43, 10 July 2013 (UTC)

		The Barnstar of Diligence
		For all of your excellent work reviewing the ADHD article where your input was A star. :-)MrADHD \| T@1k? 23:13, 17 August 2013 (UTC)

		The Million Award
		For your contributions to bring Circumcision (estimated annual readership: 2,111,000) to Good Article status, I hereby present you the Million Award. Congratulations on this rare accomplishment, and thanks for all you do for Wikipedia's readers! -- Khazar2 (talk) 01:33, 28 August 2013 (UTC)

		The Medic Barnstar
		For your work here on medical articles, including low back pain, which I just promoted to GA. Best! Biosthmors (talk) 09:31, 15 September 2013 (UTC)

What's going on at WP:MEDICINE

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