Articles related to PRACTICE PEARLS

According to Dr. Keshav Khanijow, a hospitalist and an instructor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore: “Research has shown that using appropriate pronouns and terminology with transgender youth can be lifesaving. And I would posit that using appropriate pronouns and terminology for all LGBTQ people helps to build and foster trust with a medical provider, and that ultimately saves lives. It’s not the patient’s job to teach us while they’re battling illness. Rather, the onus is on us to learn it.”

Many patients have devoted time and effort to learning about their diagnosis and have engaged (or want to) in a collaborative relationship that benefits their care. This represents a shift from the more traditional health care paradigm, where the doctor is the primary content expert providing education and recommendations. To engage with expert patients, clinicians must acknowledge their existence as experts on their own diseases and that they can be a valuable resource and want to become more deeply involved.

A special tribute to Dr. John Cox, a Professor at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and a practicing medical oncologist for more than 25 years in Dallas, Texas. He remains committed to transforming cancer care and enhancing the quality of patient care.

In an editorial published in KevinMD.com, a neurosurgeon discusses the myriad reasons she chooses to stay in clinical practice when many of her colleagues are leaving. The reasons range from job satisfaction from treating patients to family and financial considerations.

The finding of a soft tissue mass on the trunk or limbs can be the source of anxiety and distress for patients, and a diagnostic challenge for physicians. In most cases the masses are benign. But when the mass is soft tissue sarcoma, the benefit of skilled early detection by the astute primary care clinician is enormous.

Admit or treat them on an outpatient basis? Too often it is the health plan that makes the decision, leaving the medical team and patient to bear the burden.