J Natl Med Assoc
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The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is highly contagious pathogen that primarily causes respiratory illnesses. Howerver, multiple gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms have been reported in Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19). We conducted a retrospective cohort study of inpatients with COVID-19 at the George Washington University Hospital (GWUH) to assess the prevalence of GI symptoms and their association with clinical outcomes. ⋯ Our study suggests that GI symptoms portend a less-severe clinical course of COVID-19 which may reflect a different disease phenotype and lower overall immune response. Additional research should focus on more robust symptom reporting and longer follow-up.
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The aims of this study were to understand the prevalence and sociodemographic characteristics associated with diabetes among adults in Namibia and South Africa. ⋯ Prevalence of diabetes is high in South Africa and relatively low in Namibia using reliable laboratory diagnostic indices. Strategies to address the rising burden of non-communicable diseases like diabetes are needed in sub-Saharan Africa.
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The field of dermatology is one of the least racially diverse specialties. We aimed to identify ways in which minorities become underrepresented within dermatology. ⋯ URM are taking out more loans, pursuing research fellowships more often than their White counterparts, publishing more, completing the same number of away rotations and interviews, yet have lower match rates leading to underrepresentation in the field. It is important to realize how Step scores might reflect and reproduce disparities between different racial/ethnic backgrounds, in turn influencing the racial composition of dermatology residency programs.
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Despite advances in healthcare and improved chemotherapy, disparities in breast cancer outcomes continue to persist. Our aim was to evaluate socioeconomic factors that may impact timing of treatment for patients receiving chemotherapy in underserved communities. ⋯ Older age and non-English language were associated with prolonged time from surgery to adjuvant chemotherapy. Targeted interventions directed at patient education and decreasing language barriers especially post-operatively may decrease delays in treatment and subsequently reduce disparities seen in the breast cancer population.
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Racial health disparities persist despite increased public awareness of systemic racism. Due to the inherent subjectivity of pain perception, assessment and management, physician-patient bias in pain medicine remains widespread. It is broadly accepted that increasing racial diversity in the field of medicine is a critical step towards addressing persistent inequities in patient care. ⋯ Of the total eligible resident pool for pain fellowships (n = 30,415) drawn from core specialties, 44% were non-Hispanic White, 4.9% non-Hispanic Black and 5.1% Hispanic. Similar proportions were observed for pain medicine and regional anesthesia fellows. We briefly discuss the implications of the shortage of non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic representation in pain medicine as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic and suggest approaches to improving these disparities.