Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Dec 2023
Undergraduate College Pathway Programs Designed to Attract and Matriculate Students from Underrepresented Groups into Medicine.
Undergraduate college pathway (or pipeline) programs support students' interests as they explore advanced degree and career pathways. Many programs aim to diversify the medical workforce by reducing barriers that may have otherwise prevented desired academic and career goals; however, variability in structure, expectations, benefits, and outcome data exist. This systematic review was conducted to identify and evaluate undergraduate college pathway programs designed to increase the diversity of medical school matriculants. ⋯ Pathway programs support the acquisition and enhancement of professional skills. Lacking longitudinal or comparison data leads to questions of the long-term impact on diversifying the medical workforce. This article highlights a need for rigorous data collection methods and transparent reporting of participant outcomes to inform programmatic efficacy.
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Southern medical journal · Dec 2023
Observational StudyEnhanced Notification of Radiographic Incidental Findings in Trauma Does Not Guarantee Follow-Up Compliance.
Follow-up care for incidental findings (IFs) on trauma computed tomography scans is a component of comprehensive healthcare. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of our IF predischarge disclosure practice guideline and identify factors contributing to follow-up failure. ⋯ Predischarge disclosure of IFs can contribute significantly to overall patient health. Nonetheless, fewer than half of patients do not pursue follow-up recommendations, most often citing failure to recall verbal/written instructions. More effective communication with attention to health literacy, follow-up telephone calls, and postdischarge appointments are potential catalysts for improved patient compliance.
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Southern medical journal · Dec 2023
Does Mild Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pneumonia in Healthy Adults Cause Permanent Small Airway Injury?
Impulse oscillometry (IOS) is a type of oscillation technique that measures the input impedance (Z) of the respiratory system and can be used to detect pathological changes in the small airways at an early stage. Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects the vascular and parenchymal structures in the lung, chronic postinfection coughs also may be attributed to small airway pathologies. Our research aimed to use IOS for the assessment of the presence of small airway resistance (R) in patients who have had COVID-19. ⋯ The fact that there was no difference between respiratory system impedance, airway resistance, and spirometry values between groups with and without past COVID-19 infections supported the hypothesis that small airways were not affected 3 months after COVID-19.