June Observer Contents

Annual Session

Common symptoms: When to test, treat
Common complaints can be frustrating, but knowing when to refrain from testing is key.
June '04

When should you refer asthma patients for an allergy consult?
While there are no clear cut answers, there are some clues that difficult-to-manage asthma patients could benefit from a subspecialist referral.
June '04

Strategies to help patients change their behavior
While relapses may be seen as a failure, they are a critical time for physicians to intervene.
June '04

Making a case for overhauling the malpractice tort system
A policy expert argues that even extensive tort reform won't fix what's wrong with the current approach to liability.
June '04

Need help giving a presentation? Try tips from two experts
Practice makes perfect when it comes to engaging audiences and getting articles published in prestigious journals.
June '04

Medical 'Jeopardy' rounds score big points with residents
Once a regional rivalry, this Annual Session blockbuster now draws teams of Associates from across the country.
June '04

When it comes to smoking cessation, more is better
From counseling to combination therapies, sustained engagement and education can break a ferocious habit.
June '04

Nature and nurture: twin culprits in obesity epidemic
Counsel patients early, before they become severely obese.
June '04

College calls for physician friendly quality measures.
June '04

Doctor-patient relationship is the key to revitalization.
June '04

College Watch

President's column
To unify internal medicine, look to professionalism
Professionalism is not subject to the vagaries of a payment system, market-driven policies or unprecedented scientific advances.
June '04

Regents address 'interoperability,' content integration
Board approves guidelines to treat chronic stable angina and a new position paper on professionalism.
June '04

Governors discuss recertification, electronic data costs
Governors recommend deadlines for recertification goals.
June '04

College's Evergreen Awards recognize chapter efforts
Twelve chapters were recognized for their efforts to increase participation in internal medicine and the College.
June '04

Benefits of ACP Membership
College membership gives physicians access to a wealth of clinical, educational, advocacy and business tools.
June '04

College Briefs

5K Fun Run raises $15,000 for local clinic.
June '04

Resolutions for fall Governors meeting due June 30.
June '04

Washington Perspective

How to repair our 'dysfunctional' reimbursement system
Although more Medicare dollars have been shifted to cognitive services, internists' gains have been eroded by budget neutrality rules.
June '04

Policy Briefs

College calls for student loan, deferment reform.
June '04

College supports online mechanism for physician complaints.
June '04

ACP makes recommendations on new patient acceptance indicator.
June '04

Quiz

The MKSAP Challenge
A 55-year-old woman with mild hypertension would like to avoid taking medication and asks what else she can do to lower her blood pressure.
June '04

CME

June

This Month's Poll:

• Apr 2013
• Mar 2013
• Feb 2013
• Jan 2013
• Nov/Dec 2012

ACP offers its members many ways to earn ABIM MOC points for Medical Knowledge and to make the process easier. See our MOC Timeline Page for details.