Primary care internal medicine: a challenging career choice for the 1990s

Article Abstract:

The reasons for choosing primary care internal medicine as a career include the recognition that this specialty suits one's ideals, temperament, intellectual interests and personal lifestyle. Primary care internal medicine is a rapidly growing, dynamic, and scientifically challenging field of medicine, and a specialty for which there will be an increased demand. This specialty can accommodate a wide variety of lifestyles and methods of practice. Those internists involved in the development of primary care internal medicine have taken such factors into consideration when making changes in this medical field. During the last decade, fewer medical students have chosen training in internal medicine. Information is provided about the current status of this medical discipline. This information includes the definition of this medical specialty, comparisons with traditional internal medicine and family practice, and features of strong primary care internal medicine training programs. In addition, the common misconceptions and concerns about the training programs and the career, as well as potential career paths open to the internal medicine graduates, are discussed. The authors encourage medical students to consider primary care internal medicine as a possible career choice. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Practice, Training, Internal medicine, Graduate medical education, Postgraduate medical education

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Effect of Clinician Communication Skills Training on Patient Satisfaction

Article Abstract:

A program that teaches communications skills to doctors did not improve patients' satisfaction with their visit to the doctors. The program consisted of two 4-hour workshops and self-evaluations of audiotaped patient visits. Sixty-nine primary care physicians, surgeons, medical subspecialists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners were randomized to participate in the program or continue their usual communication style. Patient surveys showed that patients whose healthcare providers took the course were actually less satisfied with the office visit. Doctors and nurses may need more extensive training in communication skills.

Surveys, Patient satisfaction, Study and teaching, Interpersonal communication

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To change or not to change: "sounds like you have a dilemma"

Article Abstract:

Tips are provided for doctors who want to help patients change unhealthy behaviors, including sample words and phrases. The model is applied to smoking, but can be used for other behaviors.

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