All articles

Dr. Natasha Press
March 5, 2014

Update on the guidelines for Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis (SBE) prophylaxis

The most recent AHA guidelines (2007) have limited antibiotic prophylaxis to those patients at highest-risk for developing endocarditis and who are undergoing high-risk invasive procedures. read more...

Dr. Kara Jansen
February 18, 2014

Using domperidone to enhance lactation

In 2009 I spent a year studying Breastfeeding Medicine in Melbourne, Australia. I now understood more about the physiology of lactation and the role we think domperidone plays in supporting lactation. read more...

Dr. David Sheps
February 4, 2014

Midshaft Clavicle Fractures

When a patient with a displaced mid-shaft clavicle fracture presents to you, is there a need to consider a referral for surgical management, or can you treat these patients non-operatively? read more...

Drs. Kam Shojania and Neda Amiri
January 21, 2014

Five clinical points on Rheumatoid Arthritis in Family Practice

The Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA), American College of Rheumatology (ACR), and European League against Rheumatism (EULAR)7 have put forward revised guidelines in the recent years in their treatment approaches for rheumatoid arthritis. More than ever there is an emphasis on early diagnosis and appropriate treatment with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). read more...

Alison Hoens and Dr. Alex Scott
January 7, 2014

Lateral Epicondyle Tendinopathy (Tennis Elbow) Toolkit

Tendinopathy of the lateral epicondyle can be a difficult problem to resolve. The Lateral Epicondyle Tendinopathy Toolkit is an excellent resource for physicians looking to quickly advise patients on interventions to manage both acute and chronic tennis elbow. read more...

Dr. Steve Wong
December 23, 2013

Letter from the editor

Thanks again to all of our readers, authors, editors and support team. On behalf of all of us at This Changed My Practice, I’d like to wish everyone a safe, happy and healthy holiday season! See you in 2014. read more...

Dr. Rosemary Basson
December 3, 2013

When vulvovaginal atrophy involves loss of genital sexual sensitivity: local (vaginal) dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) shows promise

Recent studies have shown that the local delivery of the main precursor hormone of testosterone and estrogen, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) effectively treats dyspareunia and dryness from VVA and does not increase serum levels of estrogen and testosterone. read more...

Dr. Keyvan Hadad
November 18, 2013

Swaddling and developmental dysplasia of the hips

Hip dysplasia can lead to degenerative hip disease and is a leading cause of early arthritis of the hip. Risk factors for this condition include female gender, breech delivery and positive family history. Some recent data has shown a significant increase in the prevalence of this condition. read more...

Dr. Glen Burgoyne
November 4, 2013

B.C. Cancer Agency Colon Cancer Program

In 2009 the BC Cancer agency initiated a pilot population-based approach to colon cancer screening. I was fortunate to be located in Penticton, the first site of the pilot program. A provincial colon cancer screening program is now being implemented province-wide. read more...

Dr. Craig Goldie
October 21, 2013

Choosing Wisely – A resource to help reduce unnecessary or harmful tests and interventions

www.choosingwisely.org is a resource provided by the ABIM Foundation (Advancing Medical Professionalism to Improve Health Care) and is focused on encouraging physicians and patients to think and talk about medical tests and procedures that may be unnecessary or could cause harm. read more...

Dr. Sarah Stone
October 7, 2013

HIV in Family Practice: testing & diagnosis

As a family physician practicing at St Paul’s Immunodeficiency clinic in Vancouver, I have cared for patients living with HIV for over 10 years. Many patients are referred to the clinic at a stage of disease where treatment would have been beneficial if started earlier. read more...

Drs. Kam Shojania and Neda Amiri
September 23, 2013

Effects of glucocorticoids on cardiovascular risks in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis has been described to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This risk appears to be multifactorial in nature. However, there is emerging evidence that glucocorticoids play a role. read more...