September 2019


Factors that often stop physicians from reporting impairment in colleagues include fears of professional consequences interpersonal issues and being wrong Image by David Cutler

Prevent, recognize impairment

Professional duties require physicians to recognize and address physician illness and impairment, but it is often difficult to recognize a colleague's condition and find an appropriate way of reporting and resolving it.

New options no panacea for depression

Internists can have the greatest impact by continuing to be the first point of contact, treating mild to moderate depression, and explaining what may be available if first-line options fall short.

Defining our identity does not include the ‘P word’

The term “health care provider” implies that health care can be conceptualized as just another commodity, when it is really about helping people who are suffering, managing complex problems, and counseling them how to live.

Time to call out scare tactics blocking needed reform

The American College of Physicians aims to offer health care reforms that will ensure that all Americans have access to coverage and care at a price that they, and the country, can afford.

Explaining the increase of eosinophilic esophagitis

The prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis, a disease virtually unknown 25 years ago, has risen dramatically as more endoscopies are done and more early-life exposures occur that can induce the condition.

Addressing the gut-brain connection in IBS

While psychotherapies are effective treatments for some digestive disorders, stigma around both functional gut disorders and mental health diagnoses limits uptake, both for physicians and patients.

Helping patients manage generic drug price increases

Generic drugs have recently become more expensive, from colchicine for gout to EpiPens for allergic reactions. Physicians are having trouble managing patients when their medicines suddenly rise in price.

Four types of food vouchers, same dietary outcomes

Voucher restriction and frequency did not appear to affect fruit and vegetable intake.

Latest updates on ACP's priorities, initiatives

ACP Spotlight offers readers a look at ACP's current top priorities and initiatives, as well as highlights from our e-newsletter, ACP Internist Weekly.

Tackling gender disparities from the ground up

The WEL (Women's Wellness Through Equity and Leadership) Program is aimed at address early- to mid-career female physicians and health care leaders, with the goals of providing networking and education regarding leadership skills and other support mechanisms.

Those lost

A physician recounts colleagues she lost to physician suicide in her seven-year career as an attending hospitalist physician.

MKSAP Quiz: Evaluation for increasing fatigue

An 81-year-old man is evaluated for increasing fatigue. He has no other symptoms to report. Medical history is significant for diabetes mellitus and hypertension. He does not drink alcohol or smoke. Following a physical exam and lab studies, what is the most appropriate diagnostic test to perform next to evaluate this patient's anemia?

Warning for tofacitinib; generic pregabalin approved

This column reviews details on recent recalls, warnings, and approvals.

Letters to the Editor

Readers respond to ACP Internist's coverage.

Candidates announced for BOG Chair-elect Designee

Two candidates are seeking election as Chair-elect Designee of the Board of Governors, with voting and results announced in late October.

Increasing help for physician impairment

This issue also covers new drugs for depression, conference coverage about gastroenterology, and escalating generic drug prices.