Expert Interviews

Primary care clinicians see a higher share of visits for depression than mental health professionals largely because they know their patients so well, Lovins said.

Teresa Lovins, MD, highlights a study that showed a 14% increase in rates of safety planning within 2 weeks of a negative screening led to a 25% decrease in attempted suicides.

Infectious disease and family medicine experts share guidance on vaccine policy changes, patient communication, and boosting vaccine confidence.

Teresa Lovins, MD, sees at least 1 or 2 patients a week who have suicidal ideation. Too many of them are at risk for an attempt within a month of those visits.

Mental health issues affect half the population at some point during a lifetime. Teresa Lovins, MD, says FPs are often the first to learn that "something is going on."

Shagun Bindlish, MD, board member of the American Diabetes Association, discusses challenges to diagnosing and treating venous disease in patients with obesity.

William Schaffner, MD, a long-time liaison from the NFID to the ACIP working groups, is concerned about fragmentation of US vaccine recommendations.

William Schaffner, MD, advises first and foremost to stay away from politics, to acknowledge and normalize patient fear and concern, and to answer quickly and with confidence.

Sarah Sams, MD, emphasizes education, empathy, and proactive communication to support families and protect public health.

William Schaffner, MD, ID specialist and vaccine expert, advises following state guidance on back-to-school shots and thinking through new guidance on COVID shots for kids.

Infectious disease expert Amesh Adalja, MD, discusses new vaccine policies, misinformation, and how PCPs can build confidence during National Immunization Awareness Month.

"The foundation of science in the new iteration of the ACIP is uncertain at best," William Schaffner, MD, observed. He is concerned about where that might lead.

William Schaffner, MD, a veteran infectious disease expert and public health thought leader is concerned that rapidly shifting federal policy could impact future options.

Family physician Sarah Sams, MD, shares how to improve pediatric vaccine coadministration using pre‑visit planning and staff coordination.

Jonathan Bonnet, MD, MPH, board certified in lifestyle and obesity medicine, explains how the 6 pillars of the former are essential to success in the latter.

Schaffner describes the mood among his colleagues in infectious disease right now as anxious, perplexed, distressed, and angry. They expect the disruptions and their feelings to continue.

Effective pediatric vaccine conversations require trust and facts. Family physician Sarah Sams, MD, offers tips for addressing concerns without harming patient relationships.

From EMR reports to targeted nurse visits, Sarah Sams, MD, outlines practical ways PCPs can catch up pediatric vaccinations before school starts.

The obesity and lifestyle medicine specialist says while research on the question continues, a focus on optimizing nutritional health during treatment is essential.

Board-certified family physician Sarah Sams, MD, urges physicians to actively engage their communities to build vaccine confidence and combat misinformation.

Jonathan Bonnet, MD, MPH, encourages primary care clinicians to embrace GLP-1 therapy where appropriate to stem multiple risk factors for downstream chronic diseases.

Infectious disease physician Amesh Adalja, MD, explains how PCPs can reframe vaccines as health technology to boost confidence and counter hesitancy.

If primary care clinicians are to meet the cognitive screening demands that are growing with an aging population, they need the sharpest tools in the box, this expert says.

Amesh Adalja, MD, urges physicians to use their trusted position to counter widespread vaccine misinformation and strengthen patient confidence in immunization.

A cognitive health assessment will soon be as routine as taking blood pressure or pulse ox, says neurocognitive researcher David J Libon, PhD. He talks more about that future.

Amesh Adalja, MD, advises physicians turn to specialty societies for evidence-based, reliable recommendations this respiratory virus season.

Acoustic variables, like shimmer and jitter, that are typically undetectable in human speech can be detected with tablet technology and serve as biomarkers for mental acuity.

Amesh Adalja, MD, explains how physicians can rebut social media vaccine claims with concise, referenced facts and patient-centered communication.

Bonnet says a clear understanding of a patient's weight and emotional history are critical to ensure optimal use of GLP-1 therapy in a successful weight management program.