May 2015
Preventive aspirin inflames opinions
Aspirin's long-standing role in cardiovascular health does not resolve its precise benefit in terms of cardiovascular prevention, specifically in patients who haven't had a myocardial infarction or stroke.
Conference offers advice on palliative care
Sessions at the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine's annual meeting addressed the need for treating hip fractures, the pros and cons of withholding treatment, and preserving opportunities for organ donation.
Physicians step up as initiatives change nursing home care
Internists who work with and in nursing homes can participate in and perhaps lead national efforts underway to improve the quality of care for patients with dementia.
Mental health issues, addiction concerns of legal marijuana
Physicians in states that have legalized marijuana should begin to educate and prepare themselves for discussing the perils of recreational use and related illnesses, some of which can be severely debilitating.
Frustrations with EHRs rampant as development slows
Frustrations have skyrocketed as physicians adopt EHRs, leading 2 major physician organizations to demand changes that make the systems easier to use.
Growth of free clinics driven by students
The number of medical schools with student-run free clinics has more than doubled in the past decade. Much of that growth is motivated by students who want experience with patients earlier in their training and have a desire to help people in need.
Taking the mystery out of care coordination management
Care coordination isn't new, but value-based payment, patient-centered medical homes, accountable care organizations, and other alternate delivery and payment programs have moved the topic into the forefront of many conversations and policy discussions.
Survey finds some patients hate pills more than others
Physicians prescribing and talking to patients about medication should keep in mind their patients' disdain for taking pills and the lengths they will go to not have to take them.
Celebrating ACP's history, embracing its future
By taking note of how far the American College of Physicians has come in the past 100 years, one can get a better sense of how much farther the organization needs to go.
How Medicare fee-for-service is like a 1965 Ford Mustang
Fee-for-service reimbursement is a half-century old, and despite its staying power is now facing demands that it be modernized, if not traded in altogether.
Aspirin's use, effectiveness debated
This issue covers topics including aspirin's role in cardiovascular health, conference coverage for palliative care, and the growth of free clinics in medical education.
MKSAP Quiz: New-onset cloudy vision
A 60-year-old man is evaluated for new-onset monocular cloudy vision of the left eye that began 4 hours ago. He has type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease. His current medications are aspirin, simvastatin, lisinopril, metoprolol, and metformin. Following a physical and eye exam, what is the most likely diagnosis?.
Warnings on testosterone, new antibiotic approved
This update covers a label change on testosterone products clarifying that they are approved only for men who have low testosterone levels, as well as the approval of ceftazidime-avibactam (Avycaz) to treat complicated intra-abdominal infections.
1955-1964: ACP becomes cosmopolitan
ACP's fourth decade was a time of internationalism and glamour.
Chapter awardees
Chapters honor Members, Fellows, and Masters of ACP who have demonstrated by their example and conduct an abiding commitment to excellence in medical care, education, research, or service to their community, their chapter, and ACP.
Obituary
An obituary for Irwin Schatz, MD, MACP, a former College Governor and pioneer who objected to the Tuskegee study.