This is the official blog for the Family Medicine Residency which is housed within the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at the University of Utah. If you have questions, please email us at fmvitalsigns@hsc.utah.edu
By Melissa See, MD 4 million people. That is how many Americans currently fall into the “Coverage Gap.” The “Coverage Gap” is a gap that results in states that decide not to expand Medicaid under the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA). This means that nationally, there are 4 million poor Americans without health insurance because … More MIND THE GAP.
By Lauren Willis Wood, MD As first year family medicine residents, our patient care experiences really run the gamut, since our training truly encompasses “cradle to grave” care. With the exception of most pediatric care, the issue of narcotic prescribing and addiction is seen in all specialties, as well as frequently in continuity clinic where … More Navigating the Labyrinth of Prescribing Practices for New Residents
by Stephen Merrell I recently confessed to my fellow residents a personal struggle of mine: getting the amount of exercise that I encourage my patients to get. The setting of our discussion was a safe one, so I described multiple reasons why I haven’t run, biked, walked, or moved as much as I want to … More Priority Setting: personal wellness versus getting your job done
By Joel Wecker, MD In a field filled with history, data, and very smart people, it can be difficult to do anything with confidence. And yet, this is one of the most desirable traits a doctor can have, that and a light-hand when it comes to handing out narcotics. However, I have never … More Imposter Syndrome: An Aerospace Engineer Pretending to be a Doctor
By Kyle Bradford Jones Note: This post originally appeared on the AAFP’s Fresh Perspectives website. As a resident, I began taking care of a man I’ll call Jim. He was a trucker in his early 50s and loved being on the road. Jim never married and did not have children, so his fellow truckers and other … More Over the Long Haul, Family Physicians Are Life Savers
By Martha Wilson, MD, FM-OB Fellow, UUMC and CHCs of Salt Lake City. Upon graduating from family medicine residency two years ago, I left the US to work in New Zealand for 6 months for a small rural clinic in Gore, N.Z. near the southern tip of the south island. I delayed entering OB fellowship for … More International Perspectives on Obstetrical Care: What Can We Learn From New Zealand?
Family Medicine Vital Signs 