The Southern Medical Journal (SMJ) is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Southern Medical Association. It has a multidisciplinary and inter-professional focus that covers a broad range of topics relevant to physicians and other healthcare specialists.
Per the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, summer 2024 was the hottest on record since 1880,1 rising more than 1.5ºC (34.7ºF) from preindustrial levels. As we start to experience unprecedented heat waves globally and instances of snow in northern Florida, physicians need to consider how these previously uncommon weather patterns…
Because the US Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 (Step 1) has transitioned to pass/fail scoring, US Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 has emerged as a primary standardized metric in residency selection. In response, many medical schools have implemented hard deadlines for Step 2 completion before Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) submission. Although intended…
At a time when many physicians feel frustrated and burned out, the author invites them to create their own personal philosophies of practice, statements that clarify the purposeful meanings they choose to instill in their work beyond the exigencies of their daily endeavors. Three tasks frame the process of creating…
Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy and internal consistency of GPT-4o (Generative Pre-Trained Transformer-4 omni), Perplexity AI (artificial intelligence), and OpenEvidence when applied to text-based, specialty-level radiology board questions. Methods: A total of 161 text-based multiple-choice questions from the American College of Radiology (ACR)…
Objectives: Recent data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) indicated that despite a higher prevalence of obesity in Hispanic women than non-Hispanic White women, their hypertension prevalence did not differ. Obesity and large upper arm (UA) circumference can affect the accuracy of BP readings. Anthropometric data were…
Objective: Postoperative hand therapy is important for recovery and enhanced functional outcomes following hand surgery. Access to this essential care is limited in Alabama, however, particularly for vulnerable populations in rural areas where public transportation is scarce. These challenges are further amplified for patients who are unable to drive due…
Objective: Incorporating interprofessional education (IPE) into healthcare education programs is essential for preparing future healthcare professionals to meet the demands of modern healthcare environments. This study evaluated whether a condensed IPE session can produce significant changes in student knowledge and attitudes toward interprofessional collaboration. Methods: The session comprised a pre-workshop…
Objectives: The Diversity Engagement Survey (DES) was administered at University of Utah Health (UUHealth) in 2015 and 2023. In 2023, leaders provided an opportunity for participants to express their opinions on equity, diversity, and inclusion work at UUHealth as part of the DES. Methods: E-mails were sent with a survey…
Objective: The objective of our study was to determine the extent of publication bias of clinical trials pertaining to the treatment of coronary artery disease. Specifically, studies are more likely to be published if the results are positive and have a higher citation rate. Methods: The US National Library of…
Objective: Cannabis use is increasing among patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases, often for symptom relief; however, its impact on disease activity remains unclear. This pilot study assessed whether cannabis use was associated with differences in flare frequency or duration among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or…
Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure the incidence and impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) after open thoracotomy versus video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy at an academic medical center. Methods: With institutional review board approval, 899 patients who underwent a pulmonary lobectomy from January 2005 to December 2021…
Objectives: Medical educators often navigate professional isolation, identity dissonance, and limited institutional support, despite strong motivation for growth. KinetiC3 is a year-long cohort-based educator enrichment program that integrates character education with pedagogical development, informed by theories of transformative learning, self-determination, and social identity. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation of…
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