Read the article
Happy New Year and welcome to 2019! I hope your year is starting well and thanks for reading our first issue of the year. This issue contains excellent articles of value for the practicing physician. The lead article on Hepatitis C provides a review of a chronic disease process that has undergone an incredible journey from the discovery of the causative agent a mere 30 years ago in 1989 to now being one of the few curable chronic diseases in humans. Third in the hepatitis virus discovery process (behind Hepatitis B in 1967 and Hepatitis A in 1973), the medical progress associated with this virus can be seen as a shining star in the medical scientific community. This bench work scientific progress has directly translated to Osteopathic Family Physicians being able to provide improved care to patients. This is one disease that many practicing physicians can pull out the phrase “when I was in medical school…” referring to the strides taken in diagnosis and treatment.
Related to the lead article, "Chronic Abdominal Pain: Tips for the Primary Care Provider," addresses the wide differential diagnoses seen with this common patient presentation. The additional two review articles address common dermatologic concerns seen in the office. While MRSA is always a worry when seeing a patient with a skin infection, the "Skin and Soft Tissues" article reviews other diagnoses that may be seen. "Treat the Whole Not Just the Whole: Holistic Wound Care Approach" provides information on care of more complex skin infections.
Thanks for reading and have a wonderful, prosperous 2019!