STIs on the rise

Some startling statistics on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have recently come to light in the United States. Rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis have all increased sharply since 2013 and reached their highest ever in 2018. Some reasons for this, according to experts, include increases in screening as well as new infections, and changes in sexual behaviors. Our story in this issue discusses what internists can do to combat this trend, such as taking a sexual history in all patients, even those who may not seem at risk at first glance.

Parkinson's disease is often diagnosed later in its course, but some signs and symptoms may be present earlier. A patient might shuffle his feet when he walks, for example, or always keep one hand in her pocket. Early diagnosis in primary care along with referral and comanagement can lead to earlier treatment and better quality of life for the nearly one million patients in the U.S. with this condition. Read our story to learn more.

The Match is a time of enormous anticipation and excitement for medical students, who are finding out where they will continue to build their medical careers. In many cases, too, it also means that it's time to pick up and move, often to an unfamiliar city and state. That can be overwhelming, but we have newly minted residents covered. Read about the first things to do after The Match, the best places to find moving tips, and advice on how and why to develop a solid sense of community.

When assessing for cognitive impairment after an ICU stay, it may be wise to wait a bit, according to one expert who spoke in February at the Society of Critical Care Medicine's annual meeting in Orlando, Fla. James C. Jackson, PsyD, of the Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship Center at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn., pointed out that because most patients improve in the eight weeks after discharge, assessing their cognitive function right away can provide an inaccurate picture. Read advice on managing this common consequence of intensive care.

Regarding conferences, this is usually the time when we at ACP are preparing to welcome members to the College's annual Internal Medicine Meeting, which this year has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting is one of the best times of the year for the editorial team, and we know that's true for our readers as well. We're very disappointed that we won't get a chance to see you in Los Angeles this year, but we're proud to help support our members in caring for their patients during this time of emergency. Subscribe to our e-newsletter, ACP Internist Weekly, for regular updates, and access all of ACP's resources.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Kearney-Strouse
Executive Editor