March 2009


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Asking right questions key to detecting abuse

Unexplained bruising or injuries are red flags for intimate partner violence, but less obvious signs might include chronic pain, depression or anxiety. Experts advise how to help victims at risk.

Elusive Sjogren's manageable—if diagnosed

Lack of awareness compounds a condition that is exceedingly difficult to diagnose. Experts offer signs and symptoms for ruling it out or diagnosing it more quickly.

Internal Medicine mixes new offerings with old favorites

Clinical news inspired new offerings at this year's annual meeting, but so did current event, with sessions planned on President Barack Obama's first 100 days and the influence of Islam on modern medicine.

New workshops, clinical skills sessions are on tap

A listing of clinical skills courses at the Herbert S. Waxman Clinical Skills Center.

Find mentoring and networking events that work for you

Celebrate, network and learn with special courses tailored to ACP members.

Peanut butter recall issued, reminder for topical anesthetics

A summary of approvals, recalls, warnings and alerts.

National Trends

The American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control 2008 report graded the 50 states and District of Columbia.

Time is a hurdle on path to right diagnosis

Two frequently missed diagnoses—intimate partner violence and Sjögren's syndrome—are the focus of this month's issue.

Meld intuition with deliberation to sidestep diagnostic trap

Would you pass “the eyeball test” if the patient in this case study presented in your hospital's emergency room? Find out how one physician pressed for a better answer on a patient who presented with cardiac pain but no evidence of a heart attack.

Tumors' shared pathways may hold key to cancer cures

The tremendous diversity of genetic alterations in cancer samples leads a governmental senior advisor to look for shared pathways among all tumors for a possible cure.

Meetings offer doctors personal, professional enrichment

ACP provides internists with a wealth of learning opportunities at Internal Medicine 2009.

What do Obama's first weeks tell us about health care reform?

Searching the first 100 days of President Barack Obama's administration for clues about health care reform.

2009 brings some changes to Welcome to Medicare exam

Medicare's initial exam adds new benefits, including end-of-life planning and body mass index measurements. Find out how this will benefit your practice.

The Medicare e-prescribing incentive—a carrot and a stick

A how-to column on earning an additional $4,000 this year, and practical tips on choosing an electronic health record system.

Nominations underway for 2010 Regent positions and treasurer

The Nominations Committee has begun the process of seeking candidates to fill Regent positions on the Board that will become vacant in 2010. The position of Treasurer will also open in 2010.

ACP seeks proposals for clinical skills workshops for Internal Medicine 2010

The Clinical Skills Subcommittee is now accepting proposals for Internal Medicine 2010.

ACP honors outstanding chapter activities with Evergreen Awards

At Internal Medicine 2009, ACP will present Evergreen Awards to ten chapters.

New Executive Committee Board of Governors

ACP announces those who will officially take office as Class Representatives at the close of the upcoming Annual Business Meeting and serve in that capacity for one year.

ACP's Top Five 2008 IMIG Finalists

Learn more about the top five 2008 ACP Internal Medicine Interest Group (IMIG) programs, medical students who meet regularly to learn about internal medicine and to establish communication with faculty.

Guidelines on chest pain therapy; antidepressants ranked

Joint criteria offer a practical tool to help physicians choose between therapy and intervention for chest pain, and other news.

Obituaries

Jack H. Baur, FACP.

A woman with severe vertigo with nausea, vomiting, tinnitus

A 42-year-old woman is evaluated for occasional episodes of severe vertigo with nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, and a feeling of ear fullness.