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Medical Cannabis: Not just a passing fad
It behooves us to be prepared to discuss the pros and cons of Cannabis use with our patients—even if we decide not to prescribe it.
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Doing our part to dismantle the opioid crisis
We were part of the problem and must be part of the solution.
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We all benefit from this powerful pairing
Patients are more likely to engage with treatment when the physician introduces them to the mental health professional and expresses confidence in...
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Guidelines are not mandates
I find the recommendations for adults ages 75 and older and for children and teens to be problematic.
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Aspirin for primary prevention: It depends
No wonder our patients are confused!
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Getting that Dx right, keeping patients safe
Listening closely to the patient's and family's concerns can lead in a direction other than my initial impression.
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To refer—or not?
My mentor often told me that a competent family physician should be able to manage about 80% of patients’ office visits without consultation.
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3 steps we can take to address childhood adversity
The research strongly supports a causal relationship between adverse childhood experiences and a host of mental and physical ailments.
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A (former) skeptic’s view of bariatric surgery
My skepticism, however, has changed to cautious optimism for carefully selected patients.
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4 pearls for treating musculoskeletal pain
Studies remind us to harness the placebo effect, rather than dismiss it.
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A bright—not bleak—future for family medicine
I remain bullish on family medicine and believe the future remains bright for those who practice high-quality primary care.
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When our biases derail the diagnosis
My partner saw the patient's myxedematous face and knew she had hypothyroidism—not hyperlipidemia.
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When the correct Dx is elusive
Reevaluate your asthma patients to be sure they have the correct Dx, and keep Parkinson's in the differential for patients with atypical symptoms...
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We need to treat gun violence like an epidemic
Imagine it—a day when violence goes the way of polio.
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Reduce unnecessary imaging by refining clinical exam skills
A thorough physical exam and selective plain x-rays are all that is needed for initial evaluation of most knee injuries.