Family medicine
-
Increasing human papillomavirus vaccination (HPVV) uptake is critical to the prevention of cervical cancer. Effective physician communication and clinical workflow policies have a significant impact on vaccination rates. However, resident training programs vary in the inclusion of training in effective HPVV practices. At Dell Medical School in Austin, Texas, HPVV rates at primary care residents' clinic sites vary. We examined HPVV-related knowledge, training, barriers, and practices among residents in pediatrics (Peds), family medicine (FM), obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn), and internal medicine (IM) with the aim of identifying interventional targets to improve vaccination rates. ⋯ There were inconsistencies across programs related to how and where residents receive HPVV training. This may impact the frequency and strength of resident vaccine recommendations. To increase HPVV rates, residency programs should prioritize implementation of multimodal interventions, including opt-out workflows and education on how to give confident vaccine recommendations.
-
Medical cannabis has become increasingly prevalent in the United States, however the extent of family medicine resident education on this topic remains unknown. The objective of this study was to ascertain the current state of medical cannabis education across this population and identify patterns in education based on state legality and program director (PD) practices. ⋯ The current trajectory of medical cannabis use in the United States makes it likely that residents will care for patients interested in medical cannabis, therefore it is important residents be prepared to address this reality. Opportunities exist for improving medical cannabis education in family medicine residency programs.
-
Medical schools aim to admit talented learners who are honest, patient centered, and caring, in addition to possessing the required cognitive skills. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) describes core competencies for entering medical students in three categories: science, preprofessional, and thinking and reasoning. The authors sought to determine desired characteristics of medical school applicants at a rural, community-based medical school in light of the published core competencies. ⋯ This study demonstrates that there are unique characteristics that a rural community and its medical school consider when admitting applicants to their medical program. Further research is needed to explore the need for additional competencies for rural medical schools to consider for entering medical students.
-
Family physicians play an important role in delivery of family planning services, but many factors impact scope of practice. One important factor is the development of subspecialties, such as the new subspecialty within obstetrics and gynecology called complex family planning (CFP). ⋯ Few chairs are aware of the new subspecialty of CFP, but most would advocate to maintain some form of abortion care in family medicine's scope of practice. Given family medicine's role in the health care safety net, supporting faculty champions in family planning is important to preserve access to family planning services for marginalized communities.