Frankly Speaking About Family Medicine

Credits: 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Overview: In 1995, the US launched a varicella vaccination program, leading to a significant drop in cases. However, breakthrough infections still occur, and clinical diagnosis has become less reliable as the virus has evolved. Join us to hear current recommendations for what to consider in the differential diagnosis and how emerging evidence may impact public health and your practice.

Episode resource links:

• Marin, M, Leung, J, Anderson, TC, Lopez, AS. Monitoring Varicella Vaccine Impact on Varicella Incidence in the United States: Surveillance Challenges and Changing Epidemiology, 1995–2019, The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 226, Issue Supplement_4, 1 November 2022, Pages S392–S399, https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiac221

Guest: Susan Feeney, DNP, FNP-BC, NP-C

Credits: 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Overview: Let’s talk lipid panels and their potential to assess more than cardiovascular disease risk. Through a case scenario, we highlight a study on the potential link between metabolic markers and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Join us to learn how lipid panels could aid in early detection and intervention for these conditions.

Episode resource links:

• Chourpiliadis C, Zeng Y, Lovik A, Wei D, Valdimarsdóttir U, Song H, Hammar N, Fang F. Metabolic Profile and Long-Term Risk of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress-Related Disorders. JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Apr 1;7(4):e244525. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.4525. PMID: 38564219; PMCID: PMC10988352.

Guest: Jillian Joseph, MPAS, PA-C

Credits: 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Overview: Tune in as expert faculty cover common upper respiratory infections in children and their treatment options, with a focus on achieving the best outcome while also lowering the risk of subsequent adverse events. Hear guideline recommendations and evidence on treatment durations to confidently make informed clinical decisions.

Episode resource links:

• Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, piae034, https://doi.org/10.1093/jpids/piae034

Guest: Jillian Joseph, MPAS, PA-C

Credits: 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Overview: Measles incidence in the US was low, with the CDC issuing it “elimination status.” In 2024, a cluster of measles cases threatened this status. Join us while we discuss this phenomenon and its impact on public health and practice, including who is at risk, how to recognize measles, and ways to manage this contagious and vaccine-preventable illness.

Episode resource links:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Measles Cases and Outbreaks. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html

Guest: Susan Feeney, DNP, FNP-BC, NP-C

Credits: 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Overview: Physical activity can be a key component of treating depression. In this episode, we discuss the powerful impact of exercise as a nonpharmacologic option, with a spotlight on the benefits of dance. Gain strategies to guide patients on depression therapies and discover why dance stands out among forms of exercise.

Episode resource links:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10870815/

Guest: Alan M. Ehrlich, MD, FAAFP

Credits: 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Overview: Through the framework of a case-based scenario, this episode explores both pharmacological and surgical treatment options for obesity. We discuss the efficacy and cost challenges of injectable medications, insurance coverage, and alternative payment solutions. Gain valuable insights into the cost-effectiveness of treatments, including recent research on endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, to better advise patients.

Episode resource links:

• Haseeb M, Chhatwal J, Xiao J, Jirapinyo P, Thompson CC. Semaglutide vs Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty for Weight Loss. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(4):e246221. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.6221

Guest: Jillian Joseph, PA-C

Credits: 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Overview: This episode investigates the inaccurate correlation made between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, in children. Expert faculty discuss the history of these claims, followed by a study evaluating outcomes in children, and emphasize the importance of evidence-based decision-making for patients and clinicians.

Episode resource links:

• Ahlqvist VH, Sjöqvist H, Dalman C, et al. Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children’s Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability. JAMA. 2024;331(14):1205–1214. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.3172

Guest: Aylin Madore, MD, MEd

Credits: 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Overview: This episode highlights a growing concern—the prevalence of food allergies is on the rise. We underscore the importance for clinicians to help keep vulnerable populations safe through risk reduction strategies as well as the use of medication therapy. Feel empowered to prepare and safeguard patients from adverse reactions to food allergies.

Episode resource links:

• Abrams, E. M., & Becker, A. B. (2015). Food introduction and allergy prevention in infants. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne, 187(17), 1297–1301. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.150364

Guest: Mariyan L. Montaque, DNP, FNP-BC

Credits: 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Overview: Tune in as we discuss the AHA’s newly validated risk calculator designed to assess the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and heart failure in certain patients. We review which risk factor variables were included in the development of this new tool and whether to consider incorporating it in your practice.

Episode resource links:

• https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.067626

Guest: Robert A. Baldor MD, FAAFP

Credits: 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Overview: While the aerosol in e-cigarettes does contain toxicants and carcinogens, since it is not burned like combustible tobacco cigarettes, vaping exposes the user to fewer toxicants and chemicals. Many consider using e-cigarettes for smoking cessation, but evidence has been conflicting. Tune in as we discuss a recent review examining the efficacy of e-cigarettes in aiding smoking cessation and explore potential adverse effects associated with their usage.

Episode resource links:

• Lin, H. X., Liu, Z., Hajek, P., Zhang, W. T., Wu, Y., Zhu, B. C., Liu, H. H., Xiang, Q., Zhang, Y., Li, S. B., Pesola, F., & Wang, Y. Y. (2024). Efficacy of Electronic Cigarettes vs Varenicline and Nicotine Chewing Gum as an Aid to Stop Smoking: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA internal medicine, 10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.7846. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.7846

Guest: Susan Feeney, DNP, FNP-BC, NP-C