The early years of physiology education in medical curricula provide unique challenges. As well as inculcating concepts that are seen as difficult, modern curricula require that students learn in context in case-based learning courses. Additionally, regulating bodies stress that the soft skills of compassion, communication, and empathy are…

The cancer survival rate has increased and family physicians (FPs) follow cancer survivors who experience long-term problems. Clinical practice guidelines outline best practices in cancer survivor care, but most FPs are unaware of this information. Little is known about specific barriers to survivorship guideline implementation in primary health…

This study reaffirms our previous work documenting a higher number of Emergency Department (ED) visits by adolescent females with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as compared to adolescent males with ASD, as well as significantly more ED visits by older adolescents than younger adolescents with ASD. Combined externalizing and internalizing…

Indicates that perceived rational communication between physicians and patients is strongly related to affective, cognitive, and behavioral satisfaction. Also indicates more expressions of receptivity, immediacy, composure, similarity, and formality and less dominance by the physician are associated with greater patient satisfaction. (NKA)

A study of 202 physicians' ability to recognize well-established signs of suicide potential showed that certain groups predictably showed greatest recognition (e.g., psychiatrists), but that most physicians across specialties were equally knowledgeable about the signs studied. (MSE)

Presents results from two studies of how lower-back-pain patients communicate to health care providers. Suggests specific directions for future research. (MS)

Results of in-depth interviews with 32 elderly Mexican Americans revealed minimal potential hazardous drug interactions. Mexican Americans showed a disinclination to utilize over-the-counter drugs to alleviate minor ailments. Professionals involved in health care delivery systems for the aging should become aware of the special needs of ethnic…

Addresses the impact of patients' beliefs about health care on their decisions to follow medical advice and to undertake different actions to prevent illness. Concludes that among other things, doctors need to become more willing to modify their treatment plans according to patient needs. (VLC)

A survey of 155 third- and fourth-year medical students at Wright State University (Ohio) found 71% of women and 29% of men had encountered some patient-initiated sexual behavior, frequently more than once. Because such behavior can be damaging to patient care, training in managing such behavior is recommended. (Author/MSE)

A University of New Mexico medical school program to evaluate students having difficulty with noncognitive professional traits (responsibility, reliability, maturity, self-assessment, communication, honesty, integrity, respect for patients and peers) has identified 10 students with difficulties and provided interventions and remediation over a…