April 2014

Panic attacks are common, but by themselves, they are not a disorder. When the attacks become the focal point of one's mental life, then the diagnosis of panic disorder is appropriate.

Family physicians have the opportunity to become leaders in the chronic pain care blueprint.

A 57-year-old man presented to clinic with this persistent skin lesion on his thumb. Three months ago, he lanced the lesion, producing some purulence and blood. Since then, it has bled almost daily and has not healed. He was treated with silver nitrate by another clinician after one month, but the lesion persists. His past medical history is significant for diabetes and his family history is significant for 2 cousins with melanoma.