Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · May 2020
Geographic Variations of Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Late-Stage Diagnosis of Childhood Cancer in Texas.
This study aimed to identify small geographic areas where the childhood cancer yearly incidence and late-stage diagnosis rates were disproportionately higher among racial/ethnic minorities (Hispanics and non-Hispanic African Americans) in Texas. ⋯ Most of the significant census tracts with a higher late-stage diagnosis rate for Hispanics were located on the outskirts of the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio areas. In contrast, geographic disparities of childhood cancer late-stage diagnosis for non-Hispanic African Americans were found inside the large metropolitan areas of Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth. The findings of this study will help prioritize the geographical allocation of resources, which, in turn, will help to facilitate preventive healthcare services and alleviate the disease burden in children.
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Southern medical journal · May 2020
Frequency of Animal Leptospirosis in the Southern United States and the Implications for Human Health.
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with symptoms in humans and animals, ranging from subclinical to serious and fatal. The disease occurs worldwide, but there is limited recognition of the public and animal health risks it poses in the southern United States. A systematic review of the frequency of animal leptospirosis in 17 states and jurisdictions covering the southern continental United States was performed to advance our understanding of the pathogen's distribution and identify transmission patterns that could be targeted for prevention efforts. ⋯ Exposure to potentially contaminated surface waters were documented for at least seven of the events, and interactions with infected or likely infected animals were documented for at least six of the events. This analysis highlights the need for stronger partnerships across the public and animal health fields to enhance diagnostics, surveillance, and reporting. The early identification of leptospirosis in animals may serve as an indicator of environmental contamination and trigger prevention measures, such as vaccinating companion animals and livestock, use of potable water, and the wearing of waterproof protective clothing near water that may be contaminated.
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Southern medical journal · May 2020
Keeping Children Safe at Home: Parent Perspectives to Firearms Safety Education Delivered by Pediatric Providers.
The aims of this study were to assess parent acceptance of firearms education delivered by clinical providers, determine whether parents engage in firearms safety dialog with their children, and evaluate reasons for ownership and storage behaviors. ⋯ Talking about firearms safety in a healthcare setting was not a contentious issue in the majority of our sample. Parents were accepting of provider-led firearms guidance regardless of ownership status. This provides an opportunity for providers to focus on effective messaging and time-efficient delivery of firearms safety education.
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Southern medical journal · May 2020
Does Formal Training in Medical Education and Professional Development Lead to Better Career Outcomes for Clinician Educators?
Medical school and residency training programs rely on skilled clinician-educators to provide high-quality educational experiences. In 2002, the University of Pittsburgh's Institute for Clinical Research Education created a master's-level degree-granting program in medical education, which now has more than a decade of graduates. ⋯ Program graduates attributed their competence in several key domains that are crucial to excellence as a clinician-educator to their participation in the degree-granting program. The results of this study suggest that receipt of a graduate-level degree in medical education develops and enhances teaching skills and academic productivity among clinician-educators.