J Am Board Fam Med
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Comparative Study
Self-reported ability to perform procedures: a comparison of allopathic and international medical school graduates.
Graduates of US allopathic and international medical schools comprise the majority of physicians who began family medicine residency in July 2011. Different procedural skills may be taught in allopathic and international medical schools leading to variation in the procedures that graduates can perform independently at the beginning of residency training. A mismatch between assigned resident tasks and procedural skills mastered during medical school may jeopardize patient safety. ⋯ All graduates self-reported the ability to perform few procedural skills independently upon entry to residency. More allopathic graduates self-reported the ability to perform ambulatory procedures, whereas more international graduates self-reported the ability to perform inpatient and maternity care procedures. Evaluation of individual resident competencies is key to tailor patient care responsibilities and supervision appropriately to resident abilities.
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Review Case Reports
Spontaneous peripartum coronary artery dissection presentation and outcome.
The objective of this study was to determine whether spontaneous peripartum coronary artery dissection (SPCAD) is a cause of acute myocardial infarction in women. ⋯ SPCAD can occur weeks before or after delivery and should be considered in women presenting during the peripartum period with acute chest pain.
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To determine the prevalence of self-reported herpes zoster (HZ) disease and vaccination in a geriatric population and to characterize the deciding factors to receive the HZ vaccine. ⋯ There is a large difference in self-reported HZ and vaccination rates among races. The HZ vaccination rate was low overall, but most patients were interested in receiving the vaccine after the survey. More public awareness and education is needed to improve rates of HZ vaccination.
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Over the last decade, the use of medical marijuana has expanded dramatically; it is now permitted in 16 states and the District of Columbia. Our study of family physicians in Colorado is the first to gather information about physician attitudes toward this evolving practice. ⋯ Despite a high prevalence of use in Colorado, most family physicians are not convinced of marijuana's health benefits and believe its use carries risks. Nearly all agreed on the need for further medical education about medical marijuana.