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February 2010 23 2 Issue of JAAPA

From the Academy

Using research to map a strategy for the future of the PA profession

Gaps in our research into the characteristics of the PA profession diminish our effectiveness as advocates for the profession in the legislative and regulatory arenas.

Dermatology Digest

What approach should be used for a lesion on black skin?

The diagnosis and treatment of a skin disorder that is uncommon in black persons is reviewed.

A Day in the Life

A day in the life of Alexandra Braunstein Scott, MS, PA-C, MPH

A PA who works in the Michigan Clinical Research Unit at the University of Michigan Hospital describes an average day in the unit.

CME

Tobacco dependence: How should a busy clinician intervene?

A combination of brief counseling and appropriate pharmacotherapy produces the most promising outcomes for patients willing to quit.

Indications and strategy for surgical repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms

Rupture of an aortic aneurysm is most often fatal, but a systematic approach to surgical repair can achieve a good outcome.

CME Posttests

CME Posttest: Smoking cessation; Aortic aneurysm repair

February 2010

AAPA Special Article

Apathy toward patient safety: Has 10 years made a difference?

Almost 100,000 Americans die each year of preventable medical mistakes -- a number equivalent to a 747 jet crashing every day. Where is the public ...

Case Reports

Exploratory laparotomy for a pancreatic pseudocyst uncovers an adrenal mass instead

In the patient with an abdominal mass, good communication, collaboration, and an evidence-based approach are essential.

Review Articles

Remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema

RS3PE must be distinguished from other forms of arthritis and PMR to avoid exposing the patient to inappropriate therapy.

What's New

What's new in diabetes: A1C assay emerges as a diagnostic test for diabetes

A committee of international experts recommends use of the A1C assay as the new standard diagnostic test for diabetes.

POEMs

Depression screening is effective only with follow-up

Clinical question: Should clinicians screen adults for depression?

HPV-16 vaccine may be effective for vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia

Clinical question: Does immunization with HPV-16 vaccine lead to clinical improvement or regression in patients with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)?

Steroids are better than montelukast in acute asthma exacerbations in children

Clinical question: In children stabilized in emergency departments (EDs) for acute asthma exacerbations, does short-term maintenance with steroids result in better outcomes than maintenance with ...

USPSTF: No routine mammography for women younger than 50 years

Clinical question: When and how should women be screened for breast cancer?

Lifestyle changes are better for delaying diabetes in patients with IGT

Clinical question: Are lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) more effective than metformin in delaying the onset of diabetes in patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)?

Long-term statin use decreases the risk of gallstone disease

Clinical question: Does long-term statin therapy reduce the risk of gallstone disease?

PA Quandaries

Why physician assistants should consider joining the hospital ethics committee

Service on an ethics committee allows PAs to learn how to apply bioethical principles, and it allows their colleagues to learn more about PAs.

Diagnostic Imaging Review

Bowing of the right lower leg in an infant

The baby's tibia exhibited a lytic lesion and medial cortical disruption, and the fibula showed mild cortical thickening.

Humane Medicine

A grief observed: A belated bill must finally be paid

An encounter with a patient last seen 6 years previously reminds the author that there's no escaping grief. It always catches up with us.

Case of the Month

A very abnormal ECG in a relatively healthy person

An ECG obtained during the routine physical of a healthy, active man indicates serious heart disease.

Ask a Librarian

Ask a Librarian!—February 2010

A guest columnist from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine discusses the Open Access movement for medical journals.

Eliminating Health Disparities: What Works?

Eliminating health disparities: What works?—February 2010

This column examines recent literature on health disparities, emphasizing tools that can help clinicians to assess and address disparities in their own practices. This month's ...