October 2006 19 10 Issue of JAAPA

Editorial

What's the difference between PAs and NPs?

Any PA student or practicing PA has undoubtedly been asked the question, "What is the difference between a PA and a nurse practitioner (NP)?"

Politics and the PA: Caring for patients and your profession

Few PAs choose their profession solely for the paycheck. PAs want to help.

Dermatology Digest

Itch scratches at a multifaceted diagnosis

A 30-year-old Asian woman presents to our clinic with a very itchy rash on her neck that has been present for several months. She had ...

A Day in the Life

A Day in the Life: James M.Taft, PA-C

I always thought I would practice ER or family medicine after I graduated. I never envisioned the combination of clinical practice and research in neurology ...

CME

Health-related implications and management of sarcopenia

This age-related deterioration in functionality is, to some extent, preventable. Furthermore, encouraging patients to adopt healthy eating and exercise habits can even reverse some of ...

Effective topical treatments for atrophic vaginitis

Topical estrogen products and moisturizers can treat and sometimes even reverse the signs and symptoms of vaginal atrophy. These therapies elevate serum estrogen levels only ...

Research Report

PA attitudes toward prescription drug costs

Elderly persons comprise only 13% of the United States population, yet they account for one third of all prescription drugs used. The Kaiser Family Foundation ...

POEMs

Patient-oriented evidence that matters - October 2006

Cholesterol lowering is cost-effective in high-risk elderly; Varenicline reduces nicotine dependence; Rapid A1C testing does not influence outcomes or cost

Special Article

CSAC Special Report: Paradigm shifts in the approach to women's health care

Women's health care has traditionally focused on the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions unique to women. However, the recent recognition of significant differences in ...

Diagnostic Imaging Review

Using CT to diagnose pulmonary embolism

The patient is a 60-year-old man who presents to the emergency department with shortness of breath and tachycardia. He underwent a total hip replacement 2 ...

Case of the Month

Increasing pain after a child's knee injury

An 11-year-old boy was referred to our orthopedic practice after injuring his left knee at football practice. The patient explained that he was hit from ...