Sharon Smith

High malpractice costs, restrictive legislation, and rising burnout are driving Ob/Gyns out. What can be done? Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/why-some-ob-gyns-are-walking-away-2025a10007lj?src=rss

Subcutaneous pembrolizumab reduces time demands for both the patient and clinician, all while providing a consistent efficacy and safety profile with IV pembrolizumab. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/subcutaneous-pembro-par-iv-administration-lung-cancer-2025a10007lc?src=rss

Deficiency of the pancreatic progenitor cell differentiation and proliferation factor gene was identified as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease in preclinical studies, representing a potential therapy target. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-chronic-kidney-disease-risk-gene-could-be-future-2025a10007ld?src=rss

Patients with MASLD had nearly twice the all-cause mortality rate as the general population, suggesting the need for multidisciplinary care to reduce excess mortality, researchers said. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/fatty-liver-disease-nearly-doubles-mortality-risk-2025a10007l7?src=rss

Just as effective as the high dose, low-dose apixaban prevents long-term recurrent venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer, and lowered bleeding rates, in API-CAT. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/low-dose-apixaban-best-long-term-use-cancer-2025a10007l1?src=rss

A show of hands at the ACC town hall demonstrated unity as specialists investigate options for a new certifying board outside the current one or with two parent sponsors. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-cardiology-board-dispute-intensifies-town-hall-2025a10007kt?src=rss

Oral semaglutide, already approved for type 2 diabetes, led to a reduction in CV events in patients with established atherosclerotic disease, CKD, or both. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/oral-glp-1-receptor-antagonist-reduces-cv-risk-2025a10007kr?src=rss

The GLP-1 agonist has shown convincing benefits in yet another population, patients with peripheral arterial disease, in a practice-changing trial, according to experts. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/semaglutide-shows-major-benefits-peripheral-arterial-disease-2025a10007kp?src=rss

A Northwestern medical student has found a better way of measuring heart health by smartwatch using a formula of steps per day and heart rate data. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-smartwatch-metric-points-overall-heart-health-2025a10007kk?src=rss

Final overall survival results show amivantamab plus lazertinib beat out osimertinib for first-line treatment of advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC, but the combination comes with more toxicities. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/take-photograph-trial-shows-big-survival-gain-advanced-egfr-2025a10007fr?src=rss

Meta-analyses show a modest but clearly significant association between higher dairy intake and lower colorectal cancer risk. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/does-higher-dairy-intake-reduce-crc-risk-2025a10007fn?src=rss

Approval was based on findings from the pivotal CABINET trial showing improved PFS and response rates vs placebo. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/fda-oks-cabozantinib-pancreatic-neuroendocrine-tumors-2025a10007bi?src=rss

The FDA has approved a new medication to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women and girls aged 12 years or older. WebMD Health News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/fda-green-lights-new-antibiotic-utis-2025a10007bg?src=rss

Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy is associated with significantly improved survival outcomes compared with standard chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced ESCC. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/chemoimmunotherapy-vs-standard-chemoradiotherapy-escc-one-2025a100076g?src=rss

The recent federal cancellation of a 30-year-old study over a nonrelated dispute with the study coordinator, Columbia University, leaves investigators ‘reeling.’ Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/diabetes-prevention-program-cancellation-colossal-waste-2025a100076h?src=rss

Both add-on therapy and substitution monotherapy are equally effective as second-line treatments for women with idiopathic generalized epilepsy, new research suggests. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/second-line-treatment-epilepsy-women-what-works-2025a100076e?src=rss

Researchers map critical gene locations for fetal hemoglobin production, showing promise for treating sickle cell disease. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/flt1-gene-next-breakthrough-sickle-cell-therapy-2025a100076c?src=rss

The University of Pennsylvania has taken a novel approach to ensure that women with suspicious adnexal lesions are referred to gynecologic oncology as quickly as possible. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/electronic-medical-record-prompt-speeds-referral-gyn-2025a100070f?src=rss

Guselkumab is the first and only interleukin-23 inhibitor that offers both subcutaneous and intravenous induction options for moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/fda-oks-guselkumab-crohns-disease-2025a100070a?src=rss

Developers of the test hope to spare women the distress and pain of unnecessary endometrial sampling. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/tampon-based-test-detects-endometrial-cancer-using-vaginal-2025a1000706?src=rss

The author of the ‘Leonard List’ that highlights emerging hematologic research to be presented at annual ASH meetings is also a blood cancer specialist noted for exceptional patient care. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/weill-cornells-leonard-noted-his-ash-list-patient-care-2025a10006wm?src=rss

Gender-affirming hormone therapy is linked to lower rates for moderate to severe depressive symptoms in transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse adults, a new study suggests. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/hormone-therapy-tied-lower-depression-risk-trans-adults-2025a10006wf?src=rss

This post first appeared on March 6, 2018, during the first Trump administration's failed attempt to eliminate the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Now the Department of Government Efficiency is trying again, threatening 90% staff reductions that would decimate the agency. Please join me and hundreds of medical organizations in standing with AHRQ and preserving its vital contributions to the health of all Americans. ** For the past 30 years, a little-known U.S. health agency has supported and produced  volumes of groundbreaking research  on how to make health care safer, less wasteful, and more effective. Dubbed " the little federal agency that could ," AHRQ has accomplished this feat with a small fraction of the budgets of its higher-profile cousins, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. Nonetheless, its work has often been  politically unpopular  and  unheralded  outside of a small com...

A WHO study reveals that hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders remain the top causes of maternal deaths, with stark regional disparities. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/maternal-deaths-continue-surge-despite-healthcare-advances-2025a10006ri?src=rss

As bariatric surgery evolves to make the most of GLP-1 drugs, issues of when and how to use them for best results are a key focus. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/glp-1s-and-bariatric-surgery-before-after-or-both-2025a10006rg?src=rss

Infectious disease experts weigh in on the short- and long-term consequences of defunding ID research. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/cuts-id-research-threaten-public-health-local-economies-2025a10006ra?src=rss

Automated three-dimensional total-body photography improves the efficiency of positive malignant biopsies and reduces unnecessary biopsies of skin lesions, a study showed. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/3d-total-body-photography-shown-decrease-biopsies-improve-dx-2025a10006r7?src=rss

Doubling the dose of tuberculosis treatment did not drive up rates of depression and anxiety. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/twice-daily-tb-therapies-show-similar-neuropsychiatric-2025a10006n8?src=rss

Heavy alcohol use is taking an earlier toll, landing more young Americans onto transplant lists. The obesity epidemic makes matters worse. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/rite-passage-or-road-early-liver-damage-2025a10006n5?src=rss

Partial heart transplants provide a range of lifesaving options for children with complex congenital heart conditions, and can lead to a domino effect of life-saving procedures. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/partial-heart-transplant-because-kids-grow-valves-dont-2025a10006n2?src=rss

In patients with T1D, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome and diabetic gastroparesis have similar symptoms but different treatments, highlighting the need to differentiate between the two. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/when-consider-cannabinoid-hyperemesis-syndrome-t1d-2025a10006n1?src=rss

A protocol for transitioning patients with heart failure and a left ventricular assist device to a stepdown unit from the ICU is more cost effective, among other advantages. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/heart-failure-care-outside-icu-can-lower-cost-2025a10006iy?src=rss

A meta-analysis found no significant link between vaccination exposure and rheumatoid arthritis risk, but short-term data suggest that vaccines may have a protective effect. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/vaccinations-show-no-link-risk-rheumatoid-arthritis-2025a10006ir?src=rss

In a phase 4 trial, dupilumab effectively reduces airway inflammation and mucus plugging, improving lung function and asthma control in patients with moderate to severe type 2 asthma. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/dupilumab-boosts-lung-function-patients-type-2-asthma-2025a10006fb?src=rss

AI is rapidly gaining traction in medicine, offering benefits like reducing administrative burdens and supporting diagnoses, but experts stress the need for safety and regulation to ensure its effectiveness. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/medicine-meets-ai-boom-promise-and-caution-go-hand-hand-2025a10006fa?src=rss

Paying for medical school often means facing big bills and today, high uncertainty. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/med-school-opens-new-worlds-pile-debt-may-tag-along-2025a10006f7?src=rss

A simple stool test may reveal why some people are sensitive to food emulsifiers such as CMC, offering insights into IBD risk and potential dietary solutions. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/stool-test-detects-sensitivity-food-additives-2025a10006bn?src=rss

Twice-daily application of ruxolitinib cream demonstrated an ability to reduce itching and blistering in prurigo nodularis, a phase 3 trial shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/topical-ruxolitinib-improves-itch-blistering-prurigo-2025a10006b2?src=rss

Dolutegravir plus lamivudine shows comparable efficacy and safety with standard-of-care three-drug regimen in patients with HIV without preliminary drug resistance testing in a phase 4 trial. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/two-drug-hiv-regimen-matches-standard-care-therapy-absence-2025a10006aw?src=rss

In a traditional health care setting, many administrative burdens and barriers stand in the way of patients receiving evidence-based care. Paperwork required to sign up for health insurance and to establish care with a practice. Calling to schedule the next available appointment and taking time off work. Travel to the doctor’s office. Wait times. More travel to a laboratory or a different office for a test or procedure. Remembering to eat or not eat, or what to eat, before being tested. The list goes on. A 2022 article in the Harvard Business Review introduced the term sludge to describe “these types of situations in which the design of a specific process consistently impedes individuals from completing their intended action.” A sludge audit is “a systematic approach to identifying the presence and cost of sludge and figuring out how to eliminate it.” Although not originally applied to health care processes, sludge audits can improve the efficiency of health systems and patients’ e...

Altimmune said on Thursday that it plans to test its lead experimental obesity drug, pemvidutide, to potentially treat alcohol use disorder and alcohol-associated liver... Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/altimmune-test-obesity-drug-alcohol-use-disorder-and-related-2025a100066m?src=rss

Patients with active inflammatory bowel disease and coexisting psychological disorders have an increased risk for flares, glucocorticosterioid use, hospitalisations, and death. Medscape News UK source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/psychological-disorders-may-adversely-impact-ibd-prognosis-2025a100061u?src=rss

While AI hallucinations can be risky, they may also help drive scientific creativity. Medscape News UK source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ai-hallucinations-are-changing-medicine-should-we-worry-2025a1000647?src=rss

Laparoscopic liver resection in posterosuperior segments was linked to a shorter functional recovery time and postoperative hospital stay than open surgery in a recent clinical trial. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/laparoscopic-liver-resection-can-speed-patient-recovery-time-2025a100062w?src=rss

New trends data show significant reduction in the incidence of precancerous lesions in young women since advent of vaccine. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/hpv-vaccine-succeeds-against-cervical-precancers-2025a100062r?src=rss

People who experience unplanned c-sections and failed vaginal deliveries during childbirth are more likely to develop PTSD and other mental health issues, according to a new study. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/unplanned-c-sections-linked-higher-risk-postpartum-ptsd-2025a100062p?src=rss

In an alopecia areata trial, a novel bifunctional therapy that blocks signaling of the interleukin-7 and TSLP pathways produced impressive improvements in hair regrowth during and after therapy. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-bifunctional-drug-shows-sustained-effect-alopecia-areata-2025a10005zb?src=rss

A 6-week telephone-delivered Walk With Ease Program improves physical function, arthritis management self-efficacy, and impairment of daily activities in adults with arthritis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/telephone-delivered-walk-ease-program-shows-improved-2025a10005z8?src=rss

Exposure to greater lithium levels in drinking groundwater may be associated with a lower risk for cancers, a US cohort study finds. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/lithium-drinking-water-linked-reduced-cancer-risk-2025a10005z4?src=rss

With no standard guidelines on premed courses, students may find choosing coursework a big challenge. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/hedging-your-bets-medical-school-admission-2025a10005vf?src=rss

A new study of a migraine-specific tool reveals that patients are most concerned about misconceptions about migraine and the minimization of their disease burden. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-insight-migraine-stigma-2025a10005ve?src=rss

When a 60-year-old woman with severe abdominal pain shows positive Carnett’s and pinch signs, physicians suspect ACNES — but they are wrong. Medscape News UK source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/acnes-diagnosis-wasnt-it-was-herpes-zoster-2025a10005va?src=rss

A new study supports a link between obstructive sleep apnea and increased risk for Parkinson’s disease and suggests early use of CPAP may reduce risk. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/cpap-sleep-apnea-may-lower-risk-parkinsons-disease-2025a10005ra?src=rss

A simple treatment algorithm to aid in the selection of appropriate DMTs reduces racial disparities in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis, new research showed. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/simple-algorithm-reduces-racial-disparities-ms-2025a10005r3?src=rss

The FDA has approved a new gene therapy for macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel), a rare eye disease that causes vision loss. WebMD Health News source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/fda-oks-first-gene-therapy-implant-rare-eye-disease-2025a10005r0?src=rss

Half of patients who used delgocitinib cream for chronic hand eczema had a profound response, and a third who stopped treatment stayed clear or nearly clear for 8 weeks. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/analysis-takes-deep-dive-robust-response-delgocitinib-2025a10005qv?src=rss

A pediatric dermatologist calls out cosmetics retailers for aggressive marketing of products that may harm the skin of preteens and younger girls. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/concerning-trend-cosmetics-retailers-targeting-tweens-and-2025a10005qo?src=rss

Treatment options for hyperhidrosis have evolved to include well-tolerated therapies with high rates of response. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/therapeutic-advances-help-curb-hyperhidrosis-2025a10005ql?src=rss

Prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at levels above 65 µg/m³ was associated with a sharp rise in atopic dermatitis (AD) in a birth cohort study. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/poor-air-quality-linked-ad-risk-offspring-2025a10005qe?src=rss

Treatment options for hyperhidrosis have evolved to include well-tolerated therapies with high rates of response. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/recent-therapeutic-advances-help-curb-hyperhidrosis-2025a10005q8?src=rss

Hospital sink drains are a hidden reservoir of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, highlighting the urgent need for stricter infection control measures. Medscape News UK source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/antibiotic-resistance-hospitals-worse-than-we-thought-2025a10005mj?src=rss

OUD treatment in opioid treatment programs is associated with a lower risk for COVID-19 diagnoses and COVID-related emergency department visits than other treatment approaches or no treatment. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/oud-treatment-opioid-treatment-programs-linked-lower-covid-2025a10005mb?src=rss

A study of people of African ancestry confirmed myopia raises the risk for conversion to primary open-angle glaucoma, but hypertension appeared to lower the risk. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/can-hypertension-be-protective-against-glaucoma-blacks-2025a10005i0?src=rss

A neuroscientist explains how CO2 engages the sight, sound, taste, and even pain receptors in the brain. Medscape News UK source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/our-brain-loves-bubbles-co2-stimulates-all-five-senses-2025a10005hx?src=rss

Widespread screening, provider training, and better integration of gynecological and mental healthcare could prevent tragedies. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/violence-overdose-threaten-pregnant-and-postpartum-womens-2025a10005et?src=rss

The Chinese immune checkpoint inhibitor has picked up its third indication within a year. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/tislelizumab-receives-first-line-nod-unresectable-metastatic-2025a10005eq?src=rss

Travel costs are the largest expense of residency recruitment with fees varying by specialty and program location. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/price-match-day-med-students-spend-thousands-apply-and-2025a10005en?src=rss

Several common gases used in anesthesia contribute to global warming, but anesthesiologists can reduce the damage in a few simple steps. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/anesthesiologists-point-path-reduce-carbon-footprint-2025a10005ee?src=rss

Emerging research suggests nutritional interventions could offer real solutions. Medscape News UK source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/1-6-face-infertility-nutrition-missing-link-2025a10005ac?src=rss

New research reveals distinct epidemiological trends in liver cancer across Mexico, with gender and regional variations shaping disease presentation. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/liver-cancer-mexico-why-are-men-diagnosed-later-2025a10005ae?src=rss

In patients with advanced melanoma, nivolumab/relatlimab combination therapy shows a cutaneous irAEs prevalence of 21.5%, with rash and maculopapular eruption being most common. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/1-5-patients-experience-skin-toxicity-nivolumab-relatlimab-2025a10005ab?src=rss

Utterances like um, wow, and mm-hmm aren’t garbage — they keep conversations flowing. Knowable Magazine source https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/huh-valuable-role-interjections-2025a1000576?src=rss

Cases of H5N1 have been confirmed in multiple mammal species including pet cats Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/beyond-birds-avian-flu-infects-other-animals-2025a1000578?src=rss

The prediction model predicted risk ranging from 1.5% to 28.5%. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-model-reveals-key-predictors-hepatitis-c-virus-2025a1000574?src=rss

Data suggest that protection from pregnancy continues for years after the expiration of the devices, with no increased safety concerns. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/systematic-review-demonstrates-prolonged-larc-efficacy-2025a1000572?src=rss

Family physicians are being squeezed by two accelerating trends: (1) too few of us to care for the growing US population and (2) the rising number of tasks that we are asked to accomplish for each patient. A 2024 analysis projected that by 2040 a shortage of 58,000 primary care clinicians (including nurse practitioners and physician assistants) will occur. Meanwhile, the estimated time needed to provide guideline-recommended preventive care, chronic disease care, and acute care to a nationally representative panel of 2,500 adult patients is an impossible 26.7 hours per day, with more than one-half of that time (14.1 hours) allocated to preventive care. As science advances, the number of US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) A and B graded recommendations grows, and the size of the affected populations expands. Since 2020, the starting ages for breast, lung, and colorectal cancer screening were lowered to 40, 50, and 45 years, respectively. The USPSTF also has endorsed screenin...