Canadian family physician Médecin de famille canadien
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The new genetic technologies are becoming increasingly applicable to clinical medicine. At present, however, diagnostic capabilities far exceed treatment options. Pregnancy termination, with its attendant moral-ethical problems, remains the major therapeutic option for mothers bearing fetuses with genetic abnormalities. In this article, the author outlines the major ethical issues facing family physicians, in the context of our expanding genetic diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, and their possible effects on the traditional physician-patient relationship.
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A field survey of 273 residents in both years of the five family-practice residency programs in Ontario was undertaken to identify perceived sources of stress and to examine the relationship of stressors to work and career satisfaction, personal distress, and marital life. Differences were examined as between first-and second-year residents, and female and male residents, regardless of their year of training. ⋯ These results support previous work in this area. Future directions and recommendations for residency training programs are suggested.
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Environmental hypersensitivity disorder is reputed to cause multiple allergic responses in susceptible people after exposure to common substances in the environment. The seriously afflicted, who believe themselves to be unable to live in the modern world, often become severely disabled. ⋯ It concludes that these patients are a heterogeneous group, and that many of them suffer from treatable psychiatric disorders. Guidelines are given for their management.