Topics in Family Medicine, Hematology, and Oncology

The practice of medicine is changing constantly at a very fast pace. Staying up to date with current knowledge of diagnosis, treatment and management requires diligence in maintaining a topical approach to common situations. This series of lectures is tailored not only to educate and update with the best medical evidence available, but also to present an appropriate approach to cost effective care.

Self-awareness and team attention to integration of many options for patients is the hallmark of continuity in the specialty of Family Medicine. In this age of increasing attention to outcomes, it behooves all of us to use our knowledge to work closely with colleagues and staff, using professionalism in communication, for the best team approach. Placing patient needs above self-interests is paramount to the best care while enjoying a life outside of medicine.

These series of lectures in hematology/oncology will focus on recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of common malignancies and blood disorders. There will be a focus on the rapidly developing application immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer. It is therefore important for the entire health care team to have a thorough understanding of the biological effects of these agents,especially the anticipated toxicities,which may be serious or life-threatening. With this knowledge the healthcare team will recognize potentially serious complications and the in a position to initiate proper therapy in a timely manner.

1. Travel considerations
   • The clinician will determine and recommend appropriate preparations for travel.
2. Exercise in Pregnancy
   • The clinician will propose appropriate exercise for the pregnant patient.
3. Coding Marine Hazards
   • The clinician will be able to conclude the proper code based on knowledge of injury.
4. Pap smear and USPSTF selected topics
   • The clinician will translate evidence based recommendations into a patient management plan.
5. Thyroid management
   • The clinician will be able to confidently diagnose and devise treatment and follow-up for abnormal thyroid tests.
6. Sports Head and Heart Issues
   • The clinician will be able to recognize the common athletic head and heart issues.
7. Abdominal Considerations
   • The clinician will be able to recognize the likely diagnosis and apply that knowledge to management plans.
8. The cell cycle - a new target in the treatment of breast cancer
   • Describe the role of CDK 4,6 inhibitors in the treatment of breast cancer
9. Harnessing the immune system to fight cancer
   • Explain the biologic and clinical effect of checkpoint inhibitors in cancer treatment
10. Managing patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors - when to suspect potentially serious toxicity
    • Monitor patients for, recognize, and manage the, unique immunologic side effects of checkpoint inhibitors
11. What's all the hype about car T cells
    • Describe the biology and clinical application of CAR-T cells in cancer treatment
12. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Is cure possible with the new highly effective targeted agents
    • Discuss the role of new targeted agents in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
13. When is iron too much of a good thing?
    • Diagnose hemochromatosis and distinguish it from other states of iron overload
14. Iron deficiency anemia: a common problem with multiple solutions
    • Diagnose patients with iron deficiency anemia and be able to prescribe optimal replacement