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 Article | Perspectives

On the Tip of Our Tongue: Sublingual Cyclobenzaprine and Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex disease that affects 2% of the US population.1 The etiology and pathophysiology of FM are largely unknown2,3; however, genetic factors, infections, and physical or emotional events are known aggravating factors. Patients with FM typically report muscle pain and tenderness, most commonly in the upper mid-trapezius...

Posted in: Rheumatology and Orthopedics18

SMJ Article | Original Article

Associations between Present-on-Admission Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders and Short-Term Outcomes in Patients with Pneumonia

Objectives: Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders are used to express patient preferences for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This study examined whether early DNR orders are associated with differences in treatments and outcomes among patients hospitalized with pneumonia. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of 768,015 adult patients hospitalized with pneumonia from 2010 to...

SMJ Article | Review Article

The Epidemiology and Clinical Presentation of Pancreatic Divisum: A Case Series of 57 Case Reports

Objectives: Pancreatic divisum (PD) is the second most common congenital abnormality of the pancreatic duct, which affects 2% to 3% of the population. Most of the population remains asymptomatic, but in people who present with symptoms, it can be a cause of anguish and should be recognized. The main goal...

Posted in: Gastroenterology40

SMJ Article | Original Article

Exercise, Sleep Quality, and Physical Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objectives: Sufficient exercise and high-quality sleep are important for good health, and they may be particularly crucial during the coronavirus pandemic. Sleeping difficulties and insufficient exercise are prevalent in the United States, however, and data indicate little to no change—or even worsening—of these health behaviors before the pandemic. This study...

Posted in: Infectious Disease120

SMJ Article | Original Article

Impact of Sling Use on Functional Mobility in a Geriatric Population

Objectives: Sling immobilization is commonly used following rotator cuff repair. The purpose of this study was to determine the detrimental impact of sling usage on mobility and balance in an older adult population through validated gait and balance testing. The authors hypothesize that sling use will negatively affect balance and...

Posted in: Rheumatology and Orthopedics18

SMJ Article | Original Article

Trends in Anthropometric Measurements of Internationally Adopted Children

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe anthropometric measures from internationally adopted children. Internationally adopted children are at risk for poor growth and development and there is no standardized growth chart evaluation for internationally adopted children due to variations in growth, genetics, and environmental exposures. Methods: This is...

SMJ Article | Perspectives

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as Part of Professionalism and Ethics in Dermatology

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Ethics Pledge is an opportunity for dermatologists to commit to a higher moral and ethical standard. The pledge has five components, with the latest added in 2021, to “support diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI).1 This addition emphasizes that DEI, professionalism, and ethics are intertwined....

SMJ Article | Original Article

Perceived Value of a Women’s Health Journal Club in Rural Hawai‘i

Objectives: Rural Hawai‘i faces a shortage of physicians specializing in women’s health. Improving clinician collaboration and access to the scientific literature are potential strategies for improving physician retention in this community. In 2021, a monthly women’s health journal club was established for local clinicians and trainees on Hawai‘i Island. Although...

SMJ Article | Original Article

Impact of Faculty Mentorship in the Orthopedic Surgery Interest Group at a New Medical School: A Blueprint for Future Initiatives

Objectives: Orthopedic surgery is a highly competitive field. The residency applicant pool is expected to grow with the increasing number of new medical schools in the United States, posing significant challenges for applicants. This study explored the impact of an engaged faculty mentor in an orthopedic surgery interest group (OSIG)...

Posted in: Rheumatology and Orthopedics18

SMJ Article | Original Article

Internal Medicine Residents’ Perceptions of Their Continuity Clinic Training

Objectives: Internal Medicine (IM) residents have reported dissatisfaction with continuity clinic (CC) training, which may contribute to the increasing shortage of primary care physicians. Studies show balancing inpatient and outpatient duties as a driver of dissatisfaction, but few studies have compared CC with inpatient (IP) training, following transition to an...

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