The emphasis will be on current guidelines and evidence-based medicine, as indicated within each topic’s specific objectives. Since Internal Medicine takes a lead role in medicine in general, this course was designed for all practitioners at the level of a practicing physician to provide a review and up-date in their medical knowledge and abilities to diagnose, treat, and improve patient care.
Target Audience
Family Physicians and all physicians and other healthcare professionals seeking clinical information about Internal Medicine Issues.
Topics and Objectives
Medication Adherence: We Didn’t Ask, and They Didn’t Tell
Objectives: 1) Integrate the practice of screening for medication non-adherence into daily patient encounter 2) Identify common barriers that involve the interactions among patients, physicians, and the health care system 3) Design a plan tailored to the patient to address non-adherence
Managing Complex Patients
Objectives: 1) Develop a time efficient approach to the patient with numerous comorbidities 2) Implement a team based approach to meet the needs of the complex patient 3) Identify and engage external resources to meet the needs of the complex patient
Type 2 Diabetes - How Sweet It Is
Objectives: 1) Describe obstacles to diabetes control 2) Identify solutions to overcoming barriers to diabetes control 3) Identify goals of therapy for individual patients-case based 4) Review medication therapies
Adult Immunizations - Getting from “No Thanks” to “Of Course”
Objectives: 1) Increase awareness of vaccine preventable diseases 2) Identify and implement ACIP guidelines for adult immunization 3) Recognize physician barriers to immunization 4) Implement solutions to physician’s barriers in your office
Choosing Wisely - Conversations about Overuse
Objectives: 1) Identify the benefits and potential harms associated with ordering many frequently ordered tests 2) Effectively communicate the need or lack thereof for many common tests or treatments 3) Apply an evidence based approach to the evaluation and treatment of common problems in patients including venous thrombosis, preop evaluation, preventive screening and neurologic conditions
Management of Hypertension Update
Objectives: 1) Review the JNC-8 (Joint National Committee) guidelines 2) Review the pros and cons of different classes of hypertension medications 3) Review the effect of diet and exercise on hypertension
Cancer Screening: Colon, Breast, Prostate and Lung Screening Update
Objectives: 1) Review current USPSTF recommendations regarding colon, breast, prostate, and lung 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
Musculoskeletal Problems in Primary Care
Objectives: 1) Review shoulder anatomy and workup of shoulder pain 2) Review knee anatomy and workup of knee pain 3) Review causes and treatments of hip pain
Common Rashes in Primary Care
Objectives: 1) Review the identification of common rashes encountered in primary care 2) Review approaches to treatment of common rashes 3) Review the recommendations regarding referral to dermatology
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
Common ENT and Oral Disorders in Primary Care
Objectives: 1) Review causes for and workup of vertigo 2) Review management of perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis 3) Review common oral conditions
Lipids: When and How to Treat Based Upon the AHA/ACC and NLA Guidelines
Objectives: 1) Discuss the evidence-based pharmacotherapy of patients with reduced ejection fraction heart failure to include the AHA/ACC updated guidelines
New Drugs Approved in the Last Year that Have Implications for Primary Care Providers
Objectives: 1) Discuss the new data that should be considered when making drug therapy decisions related to primary care
