J Am Board Fam Med
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This study examines the evolution of student and physician interest in primary care from medical school matriculation to practice, focusing on student factors that potentiate primary care (PC) practice. ⋯ Our study suggests that cultivating PC interest at any point during medical school may predict PC practice. Early and sustained interest in primary care was the most substantial predictor of PC practice in our study, highlighting the need for primary care education even before medical school matriculation.
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Despite interacting with a number of other people, doctors are at risk of social isolation. The author shares from his experiences how the use of professional titles may unintentionally hinder the development of meaningful relationships at and away from work. This may increase the risk for physicians to experience isolation, loneliness and burnout.
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People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have a higher risk of mortality from COVID-19 than the general population. Providers may assume that this is due to the burden of comorbidities for this population; however, the disparity in mortality persists even when controlling for comorbidities. ⋯ Due to this bias, poor outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities may become a self-fulfilling prophecy. We make recommendations to address the modifiable factors that are contributing to the higher level of mortality for people with intellectual disabilities who are infected with COVID-19, provide strategies to combat ableism within the medical field, and discuss the unique role of the primary care physician as an advocate.
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Plantar dermatoses (PD) are common, occurring either spontaneously on healthy skin or developing secondarily from previously established foot disease. PD share similar symptoms and morphology, making them challenging to differentiate. A few of the most frequently encountered PD include tinea pedis, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic dermatitis (or recurrent vesicular palmoplantar dermatitis), and juvenile plantar dermatosis. This review offers practical advice for diagnosing and treating the most common PD in the primary care office.
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Coordination between oncology and primary care practices in cancer survivorship is lacking. ⋯ Highly discrepant perspectives between ONCs and PCPs regarding communications and responsibilities for survivorship care may lead to adverse health outcomes. Interventions aimed at improving care coordination for cancer survivors should define each provider group's responsibilities in survivorship care, and create structures and processes that foster clear channels of communication between ONC and PCP practices.