Interest in rural medicine among osteopathic residents and medical students.

INTRODUCTION: This study examines US osteopathic residents' and medical students' attitudes and willingness to practice in rural medicine. The multiple aims of this study were to determine: (1) if there are any significant differences in interest in rural medicine among various levels of training; (2) the relative age, gender, and race of those who are intending to pursue a career in rural health; and (3) whether a number of demographic characteristics (age, race, year of study) or participation in a rural elective significantly impacted the students' and residents' interest in practicing in a rural area. In particular, differences between osteopathic students and residents are emphasized, because few previous studies have focused on this topic. METHODS: De-identified, cross-sectional, descriptive techniques utilizing 2 distinct web-based electronic surveys were used in this study. Each survey was sent electronically to medical students and physicians-in-training. Statistical methods included means, frequencies, and t-tests to determine significant differences among groups. Logistic regression was used to determine the impact of various factors on overall rural interest for each group. RESULTS: A total of 161 students from two osteopathic colleges completed and submitted the survey as well as 51 residents/fellows from a variety of training programs. Approximately 43% of the student respondents and 67% of residents expressed an intention of practicing rural medicine. Several notable differences were found among the opinions of students and residents, particularly regarding the perceived prestige of rural physicians. Among medical students, overall interest in rural practice decreased in years 2 to 4; however, there was a positive influence if the students were aged 34 years or over. As expected, being raised in a rural area had a positive impact on rural interest. Additional findings included the lack of significance for gender or race, and the positive influence of taking a rural elective. For residents, some results are similar, although interest in rural medicine actually increased with time. CONCLUSION: It is imperative that osteopathic medical schools recruit individuals who will be most likely to pursue rural medicine, and then train them to provide health access for rural populations. Further, financial incentives are important to both students and residents, suggesting that 'loan forgiveness' programs or scholarships may be useful in promoting rural location. In order to facilitate the training of individuals who will likely pursue rural medicine, there must be institutional dedication to this goal.

Contrast Induced Thyrotoxicosis in a Patient with New onset Atrial Fibrillation: A Case Report and Review.

The development of thyrotoxicosis following the administration of iodinated contrast is a rare occurrence. The effect, referred to as the Jod-Basedow effect, is often observed in patients with underlying thyroid disease who develop thyrotoxicosis subsequent to the exposure of exogenous iodide. An example of an iatrogenic cause for this event may be seen when a large iodide load is given intravenously for studies or procedures. Thyrotoxicosis can also lead to cardiac arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation. This is a case presentation of a 74 year old female who developed thyrotoxicosis as well as new onset atrial fibrillation approximately one week after receiving iodinated contrast dye for a diagnostic CT of the abdomen. We further review the prior published literature in regard to atrial fibrillation and thyrotoxicosis.

Isolated left ventricular noncompaction causing stroke in a 30-year-old woman: case report and literature review.

Isolated left ventricular noncompaction is a rare form of cardiomyopathy characterized by prominent left ventricular trabeculations and intertrabecular recesses. The typical clinical manifestations are severe systolic and diastolic dysfunction, conduction abnormalities, and cardiac embolic events theorized to result from thrombus formation within the intertrabecular recesses. Evidence-based recommendations for preventing thromboembolic events in isolated left ventricular noncompaction have not been established. We report the case of a woman who, at 10 years of age, had been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy without systolic dysfunction. At age 30, she presented with left hemiparesis consequent to a large right-hemispheric ischemic stroke, and she was diagnosed with isolated left ventricular noncompaction. In addition to discussing the patient's case, we review the medical literature that pertains to isolated left ventricular noncompaction.