To Many Patients, “Clinical-ese” Might as Well Be Greek
October 22nd 2013When it comes to the prostate, most men in this study couldn’t locate it or identify its function. Translation: patients and physicians don’t speak the same language. Clinicians need to be “bilingual” when they’re talking with patients.
Why You Shouldn’t Ask “What Do You Mean, Dizzy?”
October 18th 2013Here: a fruitful approach to the evaluation of dizziness that focuses on timing, triggers, and associated symptoms, followed by a complaint-directed physical exam with special attention to specific germane aspects of the neurologic exam and (when indicated) selective testing.
Good Culinary News for Statin-Intolerant Patients
October 17th 2013The real impact of nutritious menu changes at fast food chains like McDonalds remains to be seen, but these-along with modifying the dosage schedules of patients who appear to be statin-intolerant-may prove to have long-term salubrious effects.
Breakthrough at ACG 2013: Oral-Only Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis C
October 17th 2013Data from pivotal international phase III clinical trials showed superior efficacy, safety, and convenience for a new wave of direct-acting oral agents. The breakthrough will benefit physicians in all practice settings, including primary care.
Black-Boxed Drugs We Still Use: Weigh the Risk
October 17th 2013The “take home” from this presentation: be cautious with inappropriate use of drugs with or without black box warnings, but maintain a healthy skepticism about some of these warnings. Cases in point: droperidol, antidepressants, clindamycin.