Aust Fam Physician
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Vitamin D is essential for the normal functioning of a diverse range of metabolic processes, especially bone health. It is widely appreciated that the elderly are at increased risk of vitamin D insufficiency, but it is less well known that people with intellectual disability are also at increased risk. ⋯ The prevalence of intellectual disability in the Australian population has been estimated at just over 1%, implying that most general practitioners will care for several people with intellectual disability. Relatively simple steps are likely to have a significant impact on the health of this vulnerable group of people.
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Medical student numbers in Australia have increased significantly in recent years. A resulting increase in medical graduates is inevitable and desirable. ⋯ This article reviews innovative general practice training schemes for new medical graduates in Australia and overseas. It examines whether Australian general practice can play a role in training the rising numbers of new doctors.
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The treatment of hearing impairment is rapidly evolving. Despite this, a significant number of adults with hearing impairment receive inadequate treatment or rehabilitation, resulting in functional impairment and social isolation. ⋯ Severe to profoundly hearing impaired individuals of any age, including infants and geriatric patients, are now considered as candidates for cochlear implant surgery, rather than only the profoundly hearing impaired. Until recently, cochlear implant surgery led to the loss of all natural hearing in the implanted ear, but emerging technology now provides the potential for combining natural hearing and cochlear implant function within the same ear. There is now recognition of the need to treat both ears, combining two cochlear implants and/or hearing aids. Treatment options for conductive and less severe sensorineural hearing loss have expanded, with the osseo-integrated hearing prosthesis providing new alternatives for individuals with microtia and canal atresia, single sided deafness, or when corrective surgery or a hearing aid are problematic.
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There has been a big change in the way I see things. The big picture is fine, but the devil is in the detail. ⋯ It is a reminder that all is not necessarily as it seems - some things appear a certain way not because that is the way they are, but because of observer factors - and that life experiences enhance our ability to see health issues from the patient's perspective. All valuable reminders for general practitioner, medical editor and human being alike!
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Medical student teaching in the community has been shown to produce equivalent or improved learning outcomes compared to teaching based in the hospital setting. It is well recognised by Australian universities that there is a current shortage of clinical teachers, that these teachers are both under-resourced and underfunded and that the majority of clinical teachers have no formal training in medical education. ⋯ Need for improved support was identified in all Australian articles that assessed GP support requirements. There is sufficient evidence to guide improved support for GP clinical teachers. However, funding for more support programs is needed, as is further research into the area.