Boston welcomes Internal Medicine Meeting 2024

This issue is dedicated to coverage of ACP's Internal Medicine Meeting, which took place this year in Boston in mid-April. Attendees celebrated internal medicine at the Opening Ceremony, a first-ever Welcome Reception, and Convocation, while updating their clinical knowledge at precourses, over 170 in-person scientific sessions, and the Clinical Skills Center. Virtual attendees got in on the action as well, with livestream access to many sessions during the event.

Our story from the meeting covers abortion care, a topic that has been making headlines for years but especially since 2022, when the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization eliminated the constitutional right to an abortion. In a session titled "Medication Abortion in 2024: What Internal Medicine Physicians Need to Know," four primary care internal medicine physicians explained the process of prescribing for a medication abortion, offered advice on reviewing options with patients after a positive pregnancy test, and reviewed the legal landscape.

For an overview of "Advancing Equitable Approaches to Improve Obesity Care," a session sponsored by ACP's Council of Medical Specialty Societies, read this issue's story. Three experts outlined the disparities associated with obesity trends, recommended ways to reduce the stigma felt by those with overweight and obesity on a daily basis (including at the doctor's office), and discussed obesity's genetic basis and the impact of weight on multiple aspects of health.

Coverage from the meeting continues with our I.M. Ready section, which features two physicians' best advice on getting started as a clinical educator. A few of their top tips: Choose patients for your learners carefully, don't be afraid to set time limits, and be clear and specific when you're providing feedback. Additional meeting coverage includes guidance about troubleshooting in cervical cancer screening and a story describing why medical improv can offer physicians a new mindset and help improve both communication and care.

Also in this issue, our Pearls from I.M. Peers column features a perioperative expert's opinions on timing of elective surgery after stroke and medication management in patients with atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and a stent. Finally, ACP's President, Isaac O. Opole, MBChB, PhD, MACP, discusses private equity in health care and the Washington Perspective outlines the priorities ACP took to Capitol Hill in May during its annual Leadership Day.

Did you attend this year's meeting, virtually or in person? Let us know what you thought at immatters@acponline.org.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Kearney-Strouse
Executive Editor