Overview
Course should result in participants being able to accurately recognize presenting signs and symptoms of commonly seen disorders, identify available tests for diagnosis, and their appropriate application in making a diagnosis; apply available treatment options and relevant long-term care, as may be indicated. Successful completion of this interactive program should increase confidence in diagnostic skills, prescribing the most accurate and effective course of treatment and follow up care, for improved patient outcomes.
Target Audience
Family Physicians and all Physicians and other Healthcare Professionals seeking clinical information about Internal Medicine issues.
Topics and Objectives
Cancer Screening: Cervical, Colon, Breast, and Prostate Screening Update
Objectives: 1) Review current USPSTF recommendations regarding cervical, colon, breast, and prostate cancer screening 2) Review the literature that those USPSTF recommendations are based on 3) Consider how to discuss controversial topics such as breast and prostate cancer screening with patients.
Lung Cancer Screening Update and Evaluation of Solitary Pulmonary Lung Nodules
Objectives: 1) Review the latest research on lung cancer screening in high risk populations 2) Consider how this might impact clinical practice 3) Review the workup of solitary pulmonary lung nodules
Workup of Anemia and Thrombocytopenia
Objectives: 1) Review the differential and workup of anemia 2) Review the differential and workup of thrombocytopenia 3) Consider when a hematology referral is appropriate
Ophthalmologic Issues for the Primary Care Physician
Objectives: 1) Review basic eye anatomy 2) Review common ophthalmologic problems seen in primary care such as eyelid disorders and red eye 3) Consider when an ophthalmology referral is needed and when it is urgent
Musculoskeletal Exam Issues in Primary Care: Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, Back Pain
Objectives: 1) Review shoulder anatomy and workup of shoulder pain 2) Review knee anatomy and workup of knee pain 3) Review spine/low back anatomy and workup of low back pain
Common ENT problems: Vertigo, Allergic Rhinitis, and Sinusitis
Objectives: 1) Review causes for and workup of vertigo 2) Review management of perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis 3) Review the management for sinusitis
A Clinical Approach to the Management of Hypothyroidism, the Elevated "TSH." and the Patient with a Thyroid Nodule
Upon completion of this session, by applying recommendations from the AAFP, AACE, ACP, ATA, USPSTF, IOM, and ACOG, the participant should be able to: 1) Appreciate the role of the screening TSH and what to do with the results 2) Develop a reasonable and cost-effective approach to diagnosing the thyroid nodule 3) Discuss the management of hypothyroidism
A Clinical Approach to the Diagnosis and Treatment of a Suspected Deep Venous Thrombosis
Upon completion of this session, using multiple research trials as well as applying recommendations from the ACCP, AAFP/ACP, and the AHA/ACC, the participant should be able to: 1) Obtain an appropriate medical history to better identify those patients at risk. 2) More confidently evaluate and assess the patient suspected of having DVT. 3) Better manage patients with the confirmed diagnosis of DVT.
A Clinical Approach to the Diagnosis and Treatment of the Patient with Headache
Upon completion of this session, while applying recommendations from the IHC, NHF, AAFP, AAN, ACP, the participant should be able to: 1) Review the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with the complaint of headache 2) More confidently evaluate the patient with headache and appreciate the indications for imaging. 3) Develop a treatment plan that considers lifestyle changes as well as medications.
Non-Surgical Approaches to the Patient with Obesity
Upon completion of this session, using multiple research trials as well as applying recommendations from the AGA, NIH – NHLBI, ACP, AHA, ASBS, and ACS, the participant should be able to: 1) Determine the indications for bariatric surgery in addition to the nonsurgical approaches to weight loss. 2) Assess the outcomes, and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of bariatric surgery. 3) Review the current popular diets available and marketed to your patients. 4) Take in to consideration unique needs of the obese patient in order create a comprehensive approach to the treatment of obesity. 5) Explain the basic physiology of obesity. 6) Manage the medications available for the treatment of obesity.
A Clinical Approach to the Diagnosis and Treatment of the Patient with Hyperlipidemia
Upon completion of this session, using multiple research trials as well as the recommendations of the NCEP (ATP III), the participant should be able to: 1) Apply the current NCEP guidelines. 2) Develop a practical approach for considering the new medications available. 3) Consider the new targets developed for cholesterol end point
A Clinical Approach to the Diagnosis and Management of the Patient with Suspected Dementia
Upon completion of this session, while applying recommendations from the AAN and the USPSTF, the participant should be able to: 1) Formulate a practical approach to screening for dementia. 2) Discuss medication management to include Polypharmacy, drug-drug interactions, as well as new drugs and their potential efficacy and side effects. 3) Develop a long-term follow-up and referral process that considers cost effective and resource management.
