October 2013


Illustration by Sarah Ferone

Measuring hospitalist workload

In hospital medicine, workload cannot simply be measured by hours on the clock, but must encompass more intangible factors such as the type of work, the acuity of patients, the time of day, etc. Hospitalist programs are taking a hard look at ways to distribute workload fairly.

Act early to avert AKI

Incidence of acute kidney injury is increasing, due in part to advances in medical care and an aging population, and hospitalists need to know how to manage it.

Kickstarting your academic hospital medicine career

Building networks, finding mentors and staying open to new experiences and opportunities are recommended strategies.

Opioid management, constipation key challenges in cancer pain

Adding methadone to opioids can help with intractable pain.

Communication skills vital to cancer conversations

Common phrases can sound different through the filter of a cancer diagnosis.

Sexual health in cancer patients important, often overlooked

Keep in mind the types of dysfunction that are likely in different patients.

Advice on the most difficult conversation

Hospitalists often find reasons to avoid asking patients about goals of care.

Revisiting respiratory failure

Patients with congestive heart failure, pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are particularly susceptible.

The unusual occurrences in room 687

An earnest young doctor finds himself practicing medicine in a whole other dimension.

More than just a dischargist: A moment of connection

An encounter with a self-aware patient reminds the writer why he went into medicine.

Letter from the Editor

This month's issue includes stories on hospitalist workload, acute kidney injury, and academic careers, as well as coverage from the American Society of Clinical Oncology 2013 conference.

MKSAP quiz on acute kidney injury

These cases and commentary, which focus on acute kidney injury, are excerpted from ACP's Medical Knowledge Self-Assessment Program (MKSAP16).

Recent Research

Post-stroke depression risk, side effects from statins, and more.

In the News

Acute venous thromboembolism treatment, flu vaccines, and more.