March 2021


Image by Darwin Brandis

Detecting unhealthy drug use

The COVID-19 pandemic and its ensuing isolation and stress have been associated with a sharp increase in substance use as a coping mechanism, as well as drug overdose deaths.

Why to screen for anxiety

Anxiety can fly under the radar when combined with other conditions and symptoms that may be more immediately recognizable, such as stomach problems or migraines.

Continuous glucose monitoring gains traction in hospitals

Real-time continuous glucose monitoring is seeing a real-world trial after the FDA stated it would not object to its use during the COVID-19 pandemic

What's in an eponym? Discussing namesake diseases

Where do medical eponyms come from? Consider their origins, the reasons why they've fallen out of favor, and why some still, against the odds, endure.

Q&A: Cannabis use increasing among older adults

Cannabis use is on the rise among older adults, by almost 50% from 2016 to 2018, even in states where it hasn't been legalized for medicinal or recreational use.

How COVID-19 affects the liver

There is increasing evidence of direct, virally mediated liver injury caused by SARS-CoV-2, leading to enzyme elevations, lobular necroinflammation and/or portal interface hepatitis, and steatosis.

A call to action: Align well-being and antiracism strategies

For too many clinicians, racism is a defining component of work culture. Health care organizations should adopt antiracist practices that result in sustained, meaningful change.

FDA releases action plan on artificial intelligence software

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

Internal Medicine Meeting 2021 goes virtual

This year's Internal Medicine Meeting includes more than 125 virtual sessions of varying lengths, from bite-sized presentations to one-hour clinical sessions.

Spring planting for a new harvest

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken half a million American lives. Amid this loss, the new year offers new political leadership, new insights, and new plans for the future.

Early acts by president presage bigger health care changes

President Biden wants to shake up health care policy in a direction that ACP has long called for on many issues. Congress will have a big say in whether grander and bigger changes occur.

MKSAP Quiz: 1-week history of sore throat, odynophagia

A 30-year-old man is evaluated for a 1-week history of sore throat and odynophagia. He reports no fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms. He was recently diagnosed with HIV infection and began antiretroviral therapy 2 weeks ago. Following a physical exam, oral exam, and lab studies, what is the most appropriate management?

Officers and Regents election results announced

The election of Officers and Regents has been completed. Terms become effective at the conclusion of the Annual Business Meeting and Town Hall scheduled to take place virtually on Sunday, May 2, 2021, from 1 to 2 p.m. EDT.

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.

Screening for substance use, anxiety gains new significance

This issue also covers the origins of medical eponyms, continuous glucose monitoring in the hospital, and a preview of ACP's virtual Internal Medicine Meeting.