The Southern Medical Journal 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.
SMJ // Browse the Southern Medical Journal
SMJ Article | Original Article
Understanding Trends in Pediatric Drowning Injuries in North Carolina
Objective: Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death in the pediatric and adolescent population. This epidemiologic study describes the trends in emergency department (ED) visits for pediatric drowning injury in North Carolina and the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on incidence rate. Methods: Data were obtained...
SMJ Article | Original Article
Examining Provider Attitudes and Barriers toward Prescribing PrEP within Primary Care Settings in Alabama
Objectives: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention tool. Expanding PrEP access and utilization is made possible by incorporating it into primary care practice. This study explored the barriers in and attitudes toward prescribing PrEP to adults among primary care providers (PCPs) in Alabama, a...
SMJ Article | Original Article
Patient Interest in Mental Health Screening by Endocrinologists
Objectives: Endocrine disorders often coexist with mental health issues. Little is known about patient beliefs regarding endocrinologists’ involvement in mental health screening. We studied the beliefs of patients with endocrine disorders regarding endocrinologists’ asking about mental health and whether patients perceive that endocrinologists are capable of recognizing mental health concerns....
Posted in: Dermatology12
SMJ Article | Original Article
Optimizing the Dermatologic Formulary at a Free Clinic
Objectives: Free clinics provide care to underserved populations nationwide. The Birmingham Free Clinic offers dermatology care and operates an onsite dispensary. Little is known about specialty care services and medication optimization in the free clinic setting. This study analyzed dermatologic diagnoses and medication distribution patterns to optimize the dermatologic formulary...
Posted in: Dermatology12
SMJ Article | Original Article
Medical Communication Training: The Effect of Gender and Experience and Goals of Care Discussions
Objectives: Communication skills are increasingly recognized as a crucial component of medical training; however, little is known about the efficacy of various training methods when considering diverse student backgrounds, such as gender and prior training experience (ie, year of residency). This study explores medical learners’ perceptions of effective communication in...
SMJ Article | Original Article
Reducing Unnecessary Laboratory Testing: A Quality Improvement Initiative at Wellstar Spalding Medical Center
Objectives: The healthcare industry is grappling with escalating expenses, partially attributed to the inefficient use of medical resources, particularly by ordering unnecessary laboratory tests. Such practices not only increase costs but also result in extended hospital stays, patient discomfort, and potential clinical complications such as iatrogenic anemia. Blood tests, although...
SMJ Article | Original Article
Qualitative Exploration of Contraceptive Knowledge in Men and Women
Objectives: The level of knowledge about contraceptives overall is low in the United States. This qualitative study adds to the literature that explores gendered differences in contraceptive knowledge. Specifically, we examined knowledge regarding different contraceptive methods, directions on use, mechanism of action, efficacy, and adverse effects. We also looked at...
Posted in: Family Planning & Reproductive Health15
SMJ Article | Multidisciplinary Clinical Case Study
Hyperphosphatemic Familial Tumoral Calcinosis
Hyperphosphatemic familial tumoral calcinosis (HFTC) is a rare, autosomal recessive condition characterized by fibroblast growth factor 23 signaling pathway dysregulation, hyperphosphatemia and ectopic calcifications (which manifest as joint motion limitations), inflammatory bony pain, and disability. Given the rarity and multiorgan involvement of HFTC, a multidisciplinary approach including Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Dentistry,...
SMJ Article | Original Article
Comparison of Standard and Extended Dexamethasone Duration on Mortality in Patients with Severe COVID-19
Objectives: Current guidelines recommend dexamethasone 6 mg/day for up to 10 days in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requiring supplemental oxygenation or mechanical ventilation. The practice has significant variation, however, and dexamethasone has been used for >10 days for many patients with severe COVID-19. The aim of this...
Posted in: Infectious Disease131
SMJ Article | Original Article
Medical Resident Perceptions of Distress during Training
Objectives: This study used a qualitative research approach to grounded theory to identify factors that contributed to resident distress during 2021–2022 in multiple different specialties and at different postgraduate years of residency. By better understanding these contributors to distress, the aim was to inform the design of optimal interventions to...
