WEB
EXTRA!
To the editor:
| To the reader Write us a letter of 200 words or fewer (subject to editing). FP Report, 11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Leawood, KS 66211-2672; fax them to (913) 906-6089; call (800) 274-2237, Ext. 5230; or contact fpreport@aafp.org via e-mail. |
I'm writing in response to the article "Group Medical Visits Enhance Residents' Educational Experience" in the February FP Report.
As a second-year resident currently working on a research project involving group visits with diabetic patients in an indigent population, I have found group visits to be educational for both patients and residents. There is a certain satisfaction gained from seeing a group of patients finally understand their disease after so many years.
My patient population is predominantly Hispanic. Using an interpreter, group visits allow us to communicate effectively and efficiently with an underserved population.
It is also interesting to observe the group's dynamic -- their sense of accountability and compassion for one another. They are able to share problems knowing that others may have similar struggles.
I have been asked to do similar group visits with young patients, talking about sexually transmitted diseases and sexual education. I hope to one day incorporate this educational tool into my practice. This may be a useful model for treating patients with chronic illnesses such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, obesity and congestive heart failure.
Andy Le, M.D.
Tulsa, Okla.
To the editor:
The February FP Report informed AAFP members of the Congress of Delegates' recommendation to the FDA regarding Plan B, the emergency contraception pill.
As a medical student, I have no prescription rights, no license at risk and no patients currently depending on me for immediate care. Having said that, I would like to focus on the ramifications of FDA approval of Plan B as an over-the-counter medication in the near future. I am concerned that this medication is being shuffled away from the hands of licensed, trained and properly educated physicians down to the public for the wrong reasons.
By pushing the pill OTC, physicians seem to be wiping their hands and happily remaining laissez-faire on the issues that demand their attention. This pill does not enjoy the long-term safety record of most prescription medications that have been made available OTC. This pill has very significant risks, especially if the directions are not followed -- risks that will no doubt be overlooked by the general public until it is too late.
I would like to strongly urge the Academy to reconsider its opinion on such a critical issue.
David Miller
Davie, Fla.
FP Report is published by the
AAFP News Department.
Copyright © 2004 by
American Academy of Family Physicians.