Must-Read Family Medicine Research—Glucosamine/Chondroitin Supplements and Mortality, Telomere Length and the Doctor-Patient Relationship, Reducing Opioid Use, and More

Abstract

This issue of the Journal contains some exceptional research articles. A few are truly “must-reads,” including a fascinating look at the relationship between having a usual source of care and telomere length. Glucosamine/chrondroitin supplementation seems to be helpful for more than just arthritis pain. There is a very practical advice on keeping patients discharged from the emergency department out of the hospital and on reducing patient requests for inappropriate antibiotics. This issue also features 5 articles addressing how family physicians can combat the opioid epidemic. Three articles highlight research on diabetes and another 3 on breast cancer. Payment reform, dermoscopy, and telemedicine are among many other topics covered.