ABSTRACT
The findings of this study of family practice program graduates are consistent with the mission of SC AHEC "to educate and retain primary health care providers." The graduates of these programs are providing a variety of medical services to a diverse patient population in South Carolina and surrounding states.
Subject(s)
Family Practice/education , Family Practice/statistics & numerical data , Internship and Residency/statistics & numerical data , Professional Practice/statistics & numerical data , Ambulatory Care/statistics & numerical data , Female , Health Care Surveys , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Obstetrics/statistics & numerical data , Pediatrics/statistics & numerical data , Professional Practice Location/statistics & numerical data , South CarolinaABSTRACT
The breast mass is a clinical problem commonly encountered by family physicians. Fine-needle and core biopsy techniques require training and cytopathologist support. In contrast, breast cyst aspiration using a 21- or 22-gauge needle is a simple, cost-effective, minimally invasive procedure. The technique is easy to learn and can be practiced on a breast model. Breast cyst aspiration may be attempted in many women who present with a palpable, dominant breast mass. If clear fluid is aspirated and the mass resolves, malignancy is unlikely, and breast cyst is the probable diagnosis. In this situation, reevaluation in four to six weeks is appropriate; if the cyst has not recurred, only routine mammographic surveillance is required. Referral for fine-needle or excisional biopsy is indicated if the aspirate is bloody or extremely tenacious, if no fluid can be aspirated, or if there is residual mass after aspiration. Complications such as local discomfort, bruising, and infection are uncommon.
Subject(s)
Breast/pathology , Fibrocystic Breast Disease/pathology , Biopsy, Needle/instrumentation , Biopsy, Needle/methods , Exudates and Transudates , Family Practice/education , Family Practice/methods , Female , Humans , Models, AnatomicABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This report describes a curricular experience designed to improve EKG arrhythmia recognition skills in third-year medical students in a required family medicine clerkship. INTERVENTION: An innovative 1-hour seminar that teaches a systematic approach to EKG arrhythmia recognition was added to the family medicine clerkship. Students were tested on ability to identify arrhythmias at the end of the clerkship. Scores were compared between the intervention group and a control group consisting of students in the year before the seminar was added. RESULTS: Students who received the didactic session recognized more arrhythmias correctly. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic approach to arrhythmia recognition improves the ability of third-year medical students to interpret EKGs.
