Osteoporosis significantly impacts morbidity and mortality in the U.S., with approximately 12.3 million adults (USPSTF) in the United States aged 50 and over expected to be living with the disease. Osteoporotic fractures result in severe consequences such as functional impairment, chronic pain, reduced quality of life, and loss of independence. Fur…

Topics covered: - Defining antimicrobial stewardship - New randomized clinical trial looking at how stewardship prompts improve antibiotic selection for pneumonia - Resources and how CommonSpirit Health is taking action and addressing this important topic Guest expert: Dr. Renuga Vivekanandan, Infectious Disease Expert, Division VP and CMO Physicia…

Infectious Disease expert Dr. Renuga Vivekanandan joins us for a preview of what to expect this season. Topics covered: - Viruses - Influenza - COVID-19 - RSV - West Nile - MPox - Vaccines Guest: Dr. Renuga Vivekanandan, infectious Disease expert and Division VP and CMO Physician Enterprise - Midwest, Professor, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs,…

Back by popular demand, our mythbusting team takes looks at two new health topics making headlines and compares popular beliefs to the latest evidence: Is exercise as effective as other treatments to help depression? Meta-analysis: https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj-2023-075847 Do tattoos cause lymphoma? Study: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/e…

Components of social connection are associated with mortality, but research examining their independent and combined effects in the same dataset is lacking. That has now changed thanks to a recent study published in BMC Medicine. We're joined by the primary author of that study to discuss the results and to get his perspective on social connectivit…

Back by popular demand, the latest myth-busting episode of the 5-Minute Check In with Dr. McGinn takes a closer look at another popular and controversial topic: Are full body, preventative scans helpful or harmful for healthy individuals? Watch as we separate fact from fiction and compare popular beliefs to the evidence. Previous Myth-Busting Episo…

Learning Objectives (and corresponding articles): Identify medications best avoided by older adults in most circumstances or specific clinical scenarios (JAGS) Discern the benefits, harms, and efficacy of different smoking cessation pharmacotherapies and e‐cigarettes (Annals of Internal Medicine) Evaluate the effectiveness, harms, and benefits of n…

Learning Objectives: -Review the history and flawed assumptions in the use of race and how race-specific PFT reference equations might lead to health disparities. -Understand the evidence behind the recommendation to use race-neutral reference equations. -Review the quantitative impact of switching from race-specific to race-neutral reference equat…

First-of-its-kind medication shows promise for liver disease patients Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is estimated to affect nearly one-quarter of adults in the United States. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a form of MASLD that can cause liver fib…

This special session will explore the transformative impact of gene therapy for sickle cell disease. The session includes the firsthand perspective of Ms. Victoria Gray. Ms. Gray is the first patient in the United States to undergo revolutionary CRISPR treatment for Sickle Cell Disease. After decades of pain and struggle, Ms. Gray's CRISPR procedur…

As part of our ongoing commitment to advancing health equity and evidence-based medicine, CommonSpirit Health has been leading the way in adjusting the use of race and ethnicity in various clinical calculators, first with eGFR and now with pulmonary function tests. In this 5-minute check in, we take a look at: The history and flawed assumptions in …

This is our 50th episode! Thanks to everyone that has participated as a guest or has watched our videos. In this episode of the 5-Minute Check In with Dr. McGinn, we take a closer look at CommonSpirit Health's updated breast cancer screening guidelines. Topics discussed in this episode include: - Reviewing screening best practices on risk stratific…

Learning Objectives: - Differentiate between usual care, palliative care, and hospice care - Identify patients who may benefit from palliative care or hospice - Discuss outcome data supporting early palliative care intervention - Describe opportunities for integrating palliative care into the management of the patient with serious illness Speakers:…

Learning Objectives: - Discuss the barriers and the necessary resources required for successful rapid up-titration of GDMT - Recognize the appropriate timing for referral of patients with advanced heart failure for percutaneous/surgical intervention - Understand indications/contraindications for HF patients requiring advanced therapies (i.e., trans…

In this episode of clinical mythbusting, we’re taking a look at two commonly held health beliefs and comparing them to the evidence: * Do we really need to drink so much water? * Is a vegetarian or vegan diet healthy? Watch and see what the evidence shows. See the first Mythbusting Episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1903646/13919434…

In honor of March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we are taking a closer look at our updated colorectal cancer screening guidelines, including risk-based screening, engaging patients, the best approach to screening, incidence and prevalence by age group (including rising incidence with younger patients) and more. Guests: Ankita Sagar, Devi Mu…

Learning Objectives: Define the key pharmacologic therapies for HFrEH and HFpEF and describe their optimal use in specific patient population Discuss the barriers and the necessary resources required for successful rapid up-titration of GDMT Identify how improvement in medical therapy influences patient outcomes, including hospitalizations, re-admi…

Guests: Dr. Ankita Sagar, System VP for Clinical Standards and Variation Reduction and Dr. Suchitra Pilli, Interventional Pulonologist and Critical Care, Creighton University School of Medicine Discussed: updated lung cancer screening guidelines including the move to risk-based screening, screening criteria recommendations, integrating the criteria…

Learning Objectives: - Define the clinical definition of HFrEF, HFmidREF, and HFpEF - Describe the current epidemiology, economic burden, and quality standards - Explain the underlying pathophysiology of HFrEF and HFpEF with associated signs and symptoms Speakers: Ajith P. Nair, MD, FACC, FAHA, Assistant Professor, Cardiology, Baylor College of Med…

In this 5-minute check in we're reviewing how CommonSpirit has created streamlined preventative screening algorithms for lung, breast, and colon cancer. Issues addressed include: - Updated and simplified guidelines: changes we've made using best available evidence - Combining USPSTF and NCCN - Why we're shifting from age- to risk-based screening - …

Learning Objectives: Discuss updates in medical weight loss Identify ongoing barriers to weight loss management Speakers: Layla A. Abushamat, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Baylor College of Medicine Mahmuda Tasneem, MD, Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Panelists: Anila Chadha, MD, Obesity Medicine Specialist,…

The FDA has approved the first cell-based gene therapies for sickle cell disease. In this extended episode, Dr. McGinn is joined by Creighton Geneticist and Bioethicist Fr. Kevin FitzGerald and Dr. Ankita Sagar, System Vice President for Clinical Standards and Variation Reduction, to dive into this significant milestone. Together they discuss CRISP…

Guest: Dr. Christopher Huerter, Professor and Division Chief Dermatology at Creighton University School of Medicine Breakthrough treatments: Checkpoint inhibitors like Ipilimumab have changed the way we treat melanoma. Now, a new cutting-edge adoptive cell therapy with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) has shown promise in metastatic melanoma tr…

Learning Objectives: Promoting evidence-based cancer screening and prevention strategies Understanding risk factors related to eligibility for lung cancer screening Identifying the key aspects of a successful lung cancer screening program Recognizing the ways in which technology can be leveraged for identifying patients eligible for lung cancer scr…

What does the winter virus season have in store? Dr. McGinn and Dr. Vivekanandan (Division Chief, Infectious Disease and Professor at Creighton School of Medicine) look at the winter virus trends including where we currently are and what to expect this season with COVID, Influenza, RSV and pneumonia. They also discuss the so-called "White Lung" syn…

Dr. Thomas McGinn and cardiac electrophysiology expert Dr. Arash Aryana focus on afib and the use of ablation, including a new randomized controlled trial that compares the success of Pulmonary Vein Isolation (PVI) against PVI plus Posterior Wall Isolation (PWI) using the posterior "Box" isolation approach. Dr. McGinn and Dr. Aryana discuss: PVI vs…

Learning Objectives: -Promoting evidence-based cancer screening and prevention strategies -Discerning between patients with average, below average, and above average risk -Recognizing the differences between modalities available for colorectal cancer screening Speakers: -Devi Mukkai Krishnamurty, MBBS, Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery, CHI Healt…

Learning Objectives: Promoting evidence-based cancer screening and prevention strategies Discerning between patients with average, below average, and above average risk Recognizing the differences between imaging modalities available for breast cancer screening Speakers: Jessica Croley, MD, Breast Medical Oncologist, OCI Breast Clinical Council Lea…

Myth vs. Fact: New series on mythbusting, comparing the culture of medicine with the evidence. Dr. Thomas McGinn and Dr. Ankita Sagar, System VP for Clinical Standards and Variation Reduction, tackle two commonly held beliefs and compare them to the data: 1) Statins and whether they cause muscle aches 2) Fasting before labs…

New Guidelines for Asthma Management and Changes in Biologics featuring Dr. Rajan Merchant, Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology Specialist at Woodland Clinic. Discussed: 1) key recommendations for primary care from the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) update and 2) S.M.A.R.T. (Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy 3) Biologics Articles re…

Learning Objectives: Review best practices in screening for suicidal ideation Illustrate strategies for addressing suicidality in primary care using standard suicide risk scales Speaker: Jonathan DeHaan, MD, Psychiatry, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Medical Group Andrew Trindle, LICSW, Manager, Outpatient Behavioral Health, Virginia Mason Hospit…

Learning Objectives: - Describe the epidemiology of depression among adults - Discuss the assessment of depression among adults - Enumerate the treatments for depression among adults Speakers: Rajesh Tampi, MD, Professor and Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, Bhatia Family Endowed Chair in Psychiatry, Creighton University School of Medicine Paneli…

Learning Objectives: - Review best practices in screening and diagnosis - Illustrate treatment strategies - Identify and strategize to overcome common challenges Speaker: Jyotsna Ranga, MD, FAPA, DFAACAP, Associate Professor of Medicine at Creighton University School of Medicine, Program Director of Psychiatry Residency and Child/Adolescent Fellows…

Dr. Vivekanandan and Dr. Hotez join Dr. McGinn for a deep dive discussion on RSV including vaccine strategy; options for infants, pregnant women and seniors; benefits vs. risks; and why people who qualify should get the RSV vaccine. Guests: Dr. Renuga Vivekanandan, Division Chief, Infectious Disease, Creighton School of Medicine Dr. Peter Hotez, Pr…

FDA says Popular Decongestant is Ineffective and the Impact of Coffee on Arrhythmia Guest: Dr. Kavita Chawla, Chair - EBM Education Committee, Internal Medicine, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Articles referenced: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2204737 In this 5-minute check in, Dr. McGinn and guest Dr. Kavita Chawla review two healt…

Dr. Thomas McGinn discusses what to expect for Fall viruses and their respective vaccinations this year.By CommonSpirit Health Physician Enterprise

Discusses appropriate use of pronouns and terminology to be utilized in communication with members of the LGBTQ+ community in an inclusive and equitable manner, in keeping with the values and ethics of health care delivery. Speakers: Dr. Mark Goodman, Creighton University School of Medicine, American Academy of HIV Medicine Specialist Dr. Michael A…

Guests: Dr. Ankita Sagar, System VP for Clinical Standards and Variation Reduction, Physician Enterprise and Dr. Nick Stine, System SVP Population Health, Physician Enterprise. Overview: Screening and Treatment of Hepatitis C. CommonSpirit Health is pioneering clinical standards in the treatment of Hepatitis C to ensure our physicians and APPs are …

This session will encompass an overview of the management of Hepatitis C in primary care and subspecialty medicine. Dr. Justin Reynolds will review the basic principles of managing Hepatitis C, screening methodologies for advanced fibrosis in Hepatitis C patients, and the framework for initiating treatment with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimen…

The objectives of the presentation include: By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to compare and contrast oral and injectable forms of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, identifying their respective safety profiles, efficacy, and potential advantages or limitations. Following the presentation, participants will …

Can AI like Chat GPT guide clinical decision making and does it have a place in clinical practice? In this 5-minute check in, Dr. McGinn, Dr. Gary Greensweig and Dr. Ankita Sagar run three different case studies with strong evidence for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention through Chat GPT and reviewed the results. Watch the 5-minute check in to …

Grand Rounds/Clinical Update to discuss physician and APP well-being with special guest Diane Thompson, MD, from Centura Health who will share her experiences with their well-being program, "Physician and APP Well-being: Stressors, Strengths and Solutions." Following the presentation, we will reflect on the well-being activities ongoing throughout …

Key points to be covered: Health professionals are uniquely positioned to help bring members of our community into a greater state of readiness to participate in climate solutions. Of all global health care greenhouse gas emissions, the U.S. health care system contributes about 27%, which is more than the health care system of any other nation. Org…

In this episode, the third in our health policy series, Dr. McGinn is joined by health services researcher and thought leader Dr. Peter Cram for a wide-ranging discussion on the issue of readmissions as a quality metric, including looking at the complexity of the measure through the lens of: - Practicing Clinicians - Department Chairs and CMOs - He…

Topic: Second episode focused on policy and impact on patient care. Today's focus is Medicare Advantage, including a primer on what it is, how it works, and CommonSpirit Health's approach including how we're growing in medicare advantage and value-based lives and how we're engaging in comprehensive, proactive care through initiatives like annual we…

Topics Covered: Review the story behind this improvement initiative, focused on identifying the latest guidelines on diagnosis of CKD, the roadmap of improvement, stakeholders involved, and the challenges overcome by teamwork and collaboration across various teams. Acknowledge the needs of the community and the inequity addressed by this initiative…

Today is the first of several conversations about policy updates and their impacts on patient care. On this 5-minute check in, we cover two major issues: the ending of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and Medicaid Redetermination. COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: implications for treatments/prescriptions, vaccines, and testing including covera…

Topic: Treatment of early stage lung cancer, including implications for how we treat lung cancer and standards for lung cancer screening Guest: Dr. Thomas Templin, Thoracic Surgeon, Chief of Surgery, St. Joseph Medical Center, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Article discussed: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa2212083 Lung Cancer Screeni…

Advances in the Diagnosis & Mgmt of Endometriosis Endometriosis affects 176 million women worldwide — around 10% of the population Discussion includes diagnosis and management of endometriosis, with a focus on recent clinical updates. Special Guests: John Coté, MD, OB/GYN, Assistant Professor, Creighton University Medical School Kelly Fairfield, PT…

Mitigating Firearm Violence in Our Communities A conversation around gun safety and gun violence prevention and removing barriers to potentially challenging conversations. Guest Speakers: Shelly Schlenker, EVP and Chief Advocacy Officer Laura Krausa, System Director Advocacy Programs Katie Ryan, System Director, Grassroots Advocacy and NV Governmen…