Journal of community hospital internal medicine perspectives
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J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect · Sep 2020
Predictability of CRP and D-Dimer levels for in-hospital outcomes and mortality of COVID-19.
Systemic inflammation elicited by a cytokine storm is considered a hallmark of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aims to assess the clinical utility of the C-reactive protein (CRP) and D-Dimer levels for predicting in-hospital outcomes in COVID-19. ⋯ CRP value greater than 100 mg/dL and D-dimer levels higher than 500 ng/ml during hospitalization might predict higher odds of in-hospital mortality. Higher levels at presentation might indicate impending clinical deterioration and the need for IMV.
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J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect · Sep 2020
Case ReportsDiagnostic dilemma, an incidental diagnosis of COVID 19.
COVID 19 or SARS-CoV-2 infection was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan City of China. Since then, it continues to spread globally and has been declared a pandemic. These patients present predominantly with respiratory complaints; however, in this article, we describe a case that was detected incidentally during workup of another suspecting diagnosis. We also elaborate on the benefits and importance of rapid testing.
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J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect · Sep 2020
Internal medicine resident perspectives on scoring USMLE as pass/fail.
The scoring rubric on the USMLE Step 1 examination will be changing to pass/fail in January 2022. This study elicits internal medicine resident perspectives on USMLE pass/fail scoring at the national level. ⋯ Our results suggest that a majority of internal medicine residents, currently training in the USA prefer that USMLE numerical scoring is retained and not changed to pass/fail.
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J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect · Sep 2020
Patients' reasons for missing scheduled clinic appointments and their solutions at a major urban-based academic medical center.
Patients that do not show up for scheduled clinic appointments affect the quality of healthcare provided. This study aimed to recognize the reasons behind missing scheduled appointments and understand possible solutions from the patient's perspective. ⋯ The patients should be aware of different appointment reminders options and have the freedom to choose a suitable reminder. Patients should be educated about the importance of calling to cancel the appointment since some of the reasons for no show are unpreventable.
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J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect · Sep 2020
An interfaith dialogue with Sir William Osler: crossing the divide of COVID-19 pandemic.
With the recent COVID-19 pandemic and George Floyd protests, the USA (US) has become extensively polarized across social and political divides. The COVID-19 pandemic has left tens of thousands dead and several million American citizens without work. Furthermore, the months of quarantine and uncertainty with the COVID-19 virus impacted the economic stability and health of Americans. ⋯ A physician that exemplified many aspects interfaith dialogue in his clinical practice and personal life was the late Sir William Osler. This will be accomplished through a fictional dialogue between Sir William Osler and Dr. Mark Webb.