Mastering Family Medicine: Essential Knowledge for Medical Exams

Comprehensive Guide to Family Medicine for Medical Exams and Practice

Family medicine encompasses a wide range of knowledge essential for both medical exams and practical patient care. This article covers the key points in family medicine, including screening recommendations, disease management, and preventive care, to help medical students and professionals excel in their exams and practice.

Screening Guidelines

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening

• Age: 65 years and older
• Criteria: History of smoking
• Method: Abdominal ultrasound

Lung Cancer Screening

• Age: 55 years and older
• Criteria: 30-pack year history of smoking, current smoker or quit within the last 15 years
• Method: Low-dose CT scan

Colon Cancer Screening

• Age: Starts at 50 years, earlier if family history
• Criteria: Family history of colon cancer before age 60
• Method: Colonoscopy every 10 years

Breast Cancer Screening

• Age: Starts at 40 years
• Frequency: Annually or every two years

Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Smears)

• Age: Starts at 21 years
• Frequency: Every three years

Osteoporosis Screening

• Age: 65 years and older
• Method: DEXA scan

Management of Common Conditions

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Treatment based on the severity categorized by FEV1
• Mild: SABA (e.g., Albuterol)
• Moderate: Add LABA (e.g., Salmeterol)
• Severe: Add inhaled corticosteroids; consider oxygen therapy for very severe cases

Gout

• Acute management: NSAIDs (e.g., Indomethacin) or Colchicine
• Chronic management: Allopurinol or Probenecid based on uric acid levels

Prenatal Care

• Initial visit screenings include CBC, urinalysis, STDs, and more
• Gestational diabetes screening at week 28
• Group B Strep test at weeks 35-37

Pediatric Care

• Emphasize vaccination schedules and developmental milestones

Migraine Management

• Acute treatment: Sumatriptan
• Prophylaxis: Beta-blockers or TCAs

Preventive Care

• Vaccinations schedules based on age and risk factors
• Dietary and lifestyle modifications for chronic disease prevention
• Importance of physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight

This guide provides a snapshot of essential family medicine knowledge, focusing on screening, management, and prevention. While comprehensive, it serves as a starting point for deeper exploration into each topic to ensure thorough preparation for medical exams and effective patient care.

For more detailed information and updates on guidelines, always refer to the latest recommendations from relevant health authorities and organizations.

Watch the original video for a more in-depth discussion.