The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association
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Several aspects of osteopathic graduate medical education have gained momentum in recent years. Although the number of 2006 osteopathic graduates dropped slightly compared with the previous year, 2007 graduates totaled 3103, surpassing 3000 for the first time in osteopathic history. A total of 1196 (41%) and 1267 (40%) graduates and previous graduates participated and matched in the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) "Match" program in 2006 and 2007, respectively. ⋯ Likewise, the number of filled osteopathic residency positions for the 2006-2007 academic year increased by 5%. In light of these increases, the authors compare AOA data with data from the American Council of Graduate Medical Education regarding osteopathic physicians in allopathic residencies. A brief summary of the restructured traditional osteopathic internships, which will go into effect July 1, 2008, is also provided.
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J Am Osteopath Assoc · Jan 2008
Emergency department screening and intervention for patients with alcohol-related disorders: a pilot study.
Physicians in emergency departments (EDs) treat more patients with alcohol-related disorders than do those in primary care settings. ⋯ Implementation of an effective SBIR program for alcohol-related disorders can be accomplished in the ED.
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J Am Osteopath Assoc · Dec 2007
ReviewHelping patients, families, caregivers, and physicians, in the grieving process.
Physical experiences of the body and those that are emotional, cognitive, and spiritual are inextricably related. The author, a hospice bereavement coordinator and counselor, discusses how medical professionals can become personally prepared to assist in the often intense and intimate passage of life into death and later through both didactic and personal preparation. She also describes the major models of grief processes and illustrates the power a caring professional can have during the dying process and in the aftermath of a patient's death by relating personal case scenarios.
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Cancer remains the second most common cause of death in the United States despite advances in prevention, early detection, and newer treatment protocols. Pain continues to be the most feared complication of this diagnosis. ⋯ Although clinical evidence is convincing that opioids are effective in treating patients for cancer pain, physician reluctance to prescribe them and patient unwillingness to take such medication continue. Barriers to opioid use are multifactorial, but with education of healthcare providers and patients, pharmacotherapy for pain management will be more effective.
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J Am Osteopath Assoc · Dec 2007
ReviewManaging cancer pain with nonpharmacologic and complementary therapies.
Nonpharmacologic interventions are important adjuncts to treatment modalities for patients with cancer pain. A variety can be used to reduce pain and concomitant mood disturbance and increase quality of life. Physicians may feel relatively uninformed about which modalities have been used for patients with cancer and have scientific support. ⋯ It focuses on those having empirical support or promising preliminary evidence, with the goal of familiarizing physicians with therapies that may complement regular oncologic care. This review updates an article published in November 2005. An anecdotal case study has been added to illustrate incorporation of nonpharmacologic and complementary therapies in the treatment of a patient with cancer-related pain.