JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
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The Council on Long Range Planning and Development has undertaken an analysis of the future of medicine. The purpose in undertaking this study was to examine how the changing environment might effect the AMA and to identify measures the AMA could take to ensure its success in the future. The study involved developing three scenarios that covered a broad range of possibilities for the future. ⋯ After completing its study of the future of medicine, the Council concluded that the need for the AMA will persist in the future. The market for the Association's products and services will remain strong. By taking steps today, the AMA can position itself to benefit from the emerging environment and, thereby, ensure that the Association has a positive future.
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Chlamydia trachomatis genital infections often go unrecognized where specific culture diagnosis is not easily accessible. We studied the prevalence and clinical correlates of C trachomatis in a geographically isolated Alaskan Eskimo population with a high rate of gonorrhea but for whom specific chlamydial diagnosis had never been available. ⋯ Genital symptoms, clinical signs, and the presence of concomitant gonorrhea were ineffective means of identifying chlamydial infection. This study demonstrates the successful use, and public health importance, of nonculture direct testing to document the unrecognized high prevalence of C trachomatis infection where culture diagnosis is not available.