We teach medical students, residents and fellows evidence-based medicine to lay the groundwork for rational prescribing and good clinical judgment. But should we stop our rheumatology fellows from interacting with pharmaceutical companies as part of this foundation? It is not surprising that pharmaceutical companies can influence physician prescribing through gifts. At least, it should not…
Case A 46-year-old Caucasian female presented to the outpatient rheumatology clinic where she had been followed for several years. Her chief complaint was pain in her right knee, posterior right thigh and right hip that had begun gradually over the previous three weeks. Her past medical history was significant for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), obesity and…
On May 11, ACR leadership representatives from the Board of Directors, the Affiliate Societies Council and the Committee on Government Affairs and RheumPAC will take the ACR’s policy messages to Capitol Hill for the Advocacy Leadership Conference. There is power in numbers, so we hope you will participate in our Virtual Hill Day by visiting…
As clinicians, we are familiar with pain, stiffness and soreness—subjective nouns that define our métier. These helpful words serve as signposts that direct us along the path to the proper diagnosis. Consider the young man with a stiff, sore back (a case of ankylosing spondylitis?) or the postpartum woman experiencing newly painful, stiff and sore…
The side effects of rheumatic conditions and their treatments can cause symptoms some may find awkward or embarrassing to discuss with their physicians. But Ara Dikranian, MD, says rheumatologists must address intimacy issues, both physical and emotional, with all patients…
New research evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of 10 clinical tests of hip pathology typically used to diagnosis greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). However, pain provocation tests, such as the FABER test, proved most useful for ruling out the condition rather than diagnosing it…
Rheumatology is a relatively small subspecialty, but our patients need us to be strong advocates for them, ensuring access to the care they need. That’s why the ACR is calling on all of our members to join the American Medical Association (AMA) or renew your membership. Without a unified voice, we have no voice. We’ve…
RheumPAC’s first quarter progress indicates that it’s right on track to meet its monetary goals, but it’s not just about the money.
Two rheumatologists share why they became educators, the challenges they face and what keeps them teaching young physicians…
New research examined the use of transcranial direct current stimulation over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of the brain to modulate attention in patients with fibromyalgia. The study found that the active current increased heat pain threshold and tolerance. However, a regression analysis showed the effect on executive attention appeared to be independent of the effect on pain…