Posts about Primary Care
Recently, one of my primary care patients sent me a routine question through the electronic medical record, asking when they should get a specific blood test to guide their medication dosing. When an hour went by and I hadn’t responded, my patient called the front desk of our clinic to ask the question over the phone and inquire why I hadn’t written back. They also wrote me another message, voicing their disappointment that I hadn’t...
In the high-stakes world of medicine, where every decision holds weight, the inevitability of human error can loom large over clinicians. It's a reality we all face, yet admitting our mistakes and grappling with their aftermath can be one of the most challenging aspects of our profession. How do we reconcile our desire for perfection with the reality of fallibility? How do we move forward gracefully and resiliently after making a clinical...
In primary care, we are seeing more and more patients using complementary or integrative medicine approaches. Understanding these treatment options and being able to counsel our patients about them is an important part of providing good care. But this can leave us wondering: What exactly is integrative medicine?
Long COVID continues to perplex clinicians and researchers alike. With its myriad symptoms and unpredictable course, it's no wonder it's been frustrating for both patients and healthcare providers. Whilethe prevalence seems to be declining, it still presents significant challenges, often lingering for weeks, months, or even years after the initial COVID-19 infection.
The buzz around hormone therapy for cisgender women is undeniable, with a surge of interest in testosterone. Big shoutout to Emilie, one of our astute RAP listeners, for spotlighting this topic! (Psst, you can also listen to us unpack this further on Primary Care RAP’s April episode).
In the realm of pediatric sleep management, melatonin has emerged as a popular yet contentious tool. As healthcare providers dedicated to the well-being of our pediatric patients, it's essential to understand both the potential benefits and risks associated with melatonin use. In this blog, we'll explore the latest recommendations and guidelines, along with practical insights to educate parents on the use of melatonin in children.
Eating disorders are often misunderstood, sometimes overlooked, and tragically underestimated in their severity, especially in the healthcare setting. Contrary to common misconceptions, they are not phases or lifestyle choices but rather serious, biologically influenced illnesses. With an estimated 28 million Americans grappling with eating disorders, it's crucial to recognize that these conditions are far more prevalent than once believed.
The recent explosion of GLP-1 agonists has led to an increase in the number of patients asking about medication for weight loss. Although you may be happy to encourage patients to achieve their weight loss goals, you may also wonder about the best ways in which to support them.
Have you ever been asked about ashwagandha? Or had a patient who prefers valerian root over trazodone for sleep? In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, patients frequently turn to dietary supplement use to address a variety of health concerns. As healthcare professionals, it is our responsibility to guide our patients with evidence-based recommendations while also supporting their holistic well-being. However, most of us have had...
Shave and punch biopsies are essential procedures for those who manage skin conditions and skin diseases. They can provide helpful information about undiagnosed skin lesions such as neoplasms, bullous disorders, keratoses, or dysplastic nevi. A diagnostic biopsy can also be the definitive treatment for malignant, irritated, or precancerous lesions. There's a right and a wrong way to do things, though. Here are our top 10 tips to prevent...
As we usher in a new year, we find ourselves at the forefront of healthcare, continuously providing vital services and compassionate care to those in need. Amidst the challenges of the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, we must remember that we, too, deserve care and attention – not just for the sake of our well-being but also for the benefit of those we serve. According to an article published by the Journal of General Internal Medicine,...
Ah, pneumonia – the not-so-welcome guest that always seems to overstay its welcome. But what happens when pneumonia lingers? Do we whip out the trusty X-ray machine for a follow-up, or do we cross our fingers and hope for the best? Today, we're diving into the mysterious waters of follow-up imaging after pneumonia.
