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Biomedical subjects

D J Mersy

Publications and source records attributed to D J Mersy.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein testing: physician experience and attitudes and their influence on patient acceptance.

BACKGROUND: Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) testing is complex and controversial. Although patient response to testing has been studied extensively, physician experience with and attitudes toward the test have not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to describe family physician experience with MSAFP testing and determine if physician characteristics and attitudes influence whether the test is offered and whether patients accept it. METHODS: Eight hundred forty-nine Minnesota members of the American Academy of Family Physicians who provide prenatal care were surveyed by mail. Statistical analyses were performed, comparing physician characteristics, their offering of the test, and patient acceptance of the test. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 84%. Eighty-seven percent of the physicians offered MSAFP testing, most of them routinely. However, relatively few patients chose to have the test done. Physicians had concerns about the cost of the test and its effect on maternal anxiety. The strongest predictor of offering the test was whether the physician agreed it was "medically-legally necessary." CONCLUSIONS: Although most Minnesota family physicians offer MSAFP testing they have concerns about the test and its limitations and appear to convey these concerns to their patients.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed1991

Health benefits of aerobic exercise.

Regular aerobic exercise has significant cardiovascular benefits, including a reduction in incidence of and mortality from coronary artery disease--probably because of positive effects on blood lipid levels and blood pressure. Aerobic exercise can also be an important adjunct to a weight-loss program. Many persons who continue an exercise program do so because of its positive mental benefits, including reduction in anxiety and depression and modulation of stress levels. Aerobic exercise has a place in the management of diabetes, pregnancy, and aging. The problems associated with aerobic exercise are minimal compared with its benefits.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Rubella immunity in chemically dependent adolescent females.

Congenital rubella syndrome continues to be a problem in this country because of the continued existence of a substantial susceptibility to rubella in young women of childbearing age. The objectives of this study were to determine the percentage of chemically dependent adolescent women in a residential treatment center at risk for rubella infection and to correlate their immune status with history of immunization. Although only one individual was reported as not having been vaccinated for rubella, 12.4% of the 129 subjects were found to be nonimmune by titer. No statistical relationship was found between self- or parent-reported immunization status and actual titer finding. Of the 16 women found to be not immune, only 56% were successfully vaccinated. Patient history appears to be of little value in establishing immunization status in this population. We recommend vaccination of young women in residential treatment centers who do not have documented histories of vaccination.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Chemical dependency. What to do once you suspect it.

Chemical dependency is a serious but treatable disease frequently encountered in primary care. By carefully gathering as much data as possible, the physician can successfully intervene and help the patient and family begin a program of recovery. In the case of a resistant patient, formal intervention can facilitate breaking through the wall of denial. As a last resort, commitment to a treatment program is also an option in many states. If a patient steadfastly refuses to admit that he or she has a problem with alcohol or other drugs, the physician should continue to care for the patient and to help his or her family members find a recovery program for themselves.

Alcoholics Anonymous↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Gay and lesbian physicians in training: family practice program directors' attitudes and students' perceptions of bias.

BACKGROUND: Disclosure of homosexual orientation by medical students or physicians has generally been regarded as having dire professional consequences. We surveyed family practice residency directors to determine how knowledge of homosexual orientation might affect a residency applicant's ranking. We then surveyed gay and lesbian medical students to better understand their attitudes and beliefs about disclosure of orientation during residency application. METHODS: A survey was mailed to all family practice residency directors and a convenience sample of third- and fourth-year gay and lesbian medical students. RESULTS: The program director response rate was 73%. Of these respondents, 67% showed accepting attitudes toward homosexuality, 25% were neutral, and 8% had negative views. One of four directors admitted they "might rank" or "most certainly" would rank an applicant known to be gay lower than a heterosexual one. The medical student response rate was 81%. When choosing a specialty, 42 students (71%) considered how other physicians might accept them as a lesbian or gay provider. Psychiatry and family practice were perceived as the most accepting specialties. Thirty-one student respondents (52%) agreed that at most residency programs, an applicant known to be gay or lesbian would be ranked lower than an applicant assumed to be heterosexual. CONCLUSIONS: Most family practice residency directors have accepting attitudes toward gays and lesbians in general, but 25% of directors express hesitation in matching openly gay residents. Gay and lesbian medical students want to match in residency programs where they will be welcomed and respected but fear discrimination if they disclose their orientation.

Administrative Personnel↗