The landscape of primary care practice has undergone profound transformations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting significant shifts in ambulatory settings and the widespread adoption of virtual medicine. Despite these changes, primary care clinicians must remain steadfast in addressing preventive medicine, cardiovascular risk factors, daily clinical challenges, chronic disease management, women’s health, geriatrics, behavioral medicine, and the effective utilization of diagnostic tests and medications. The focus on health disparities and the care of vulnerable populations remains integral to the mission of maximizing quality, safety, equity, and value in patient care. Collaboration with specialists, inpatient teams, and diverse healthcare professionals is paramount in managing the complexities of patient cases. This course, led by Dr. Robert B. Baron and featuring expert UCSF faculty, offers a comprehensive review of emerging developments in outpatient medicine, contentious issues in primary care, specialty challenges encountered in primary care settings, and best practices for treating patients with COVID-19 and other prevalent conditions. The curriculum includes formal lectures, case discussions, interactive sessions with an audience response system, Q&A segments, a detailed syllabus, and on-demand access to course recordings. Remote learning opportunities are also provided. TARGET AUDIENCE This course is tailored for practicing internists, family practitioners, advance practice providers, and other healthcare professionals dedicated to delivering high-quality primary care. Objectives The primary objectives of this course are to enhance competence and elevate clinician practice in primary care. Anticipated improvements encompass skills and strategies to:
Implement new guidelines for office-based preventive medicine, encompassing innovative approaches to cancer screening, immunizations, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and STIs.
Effectively manage common office problems, including diabetes, coronary heart disease, valvular heart disease, chronic kidney disease, asthma, COPD, stroke, TIAs, osteoporosis, liver disease, obesity, BPH, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, eye disease, skin disease, and chronic pain.
Address common specialty problems in cardiology, endocrinology, infectious disease, pulmonary medicine, rheumatology, hepatology, nephrology, neurology, urology, dermatology, gynecology, sports medicine, otolaryngology, and ophthalmology.
Diagnose and treat prevalent issues in women’s health, spanning cancer prevention, family planning, genitourinary symptoms, and osteoporosis.
Understand the impact of COVID-19 on primary care practice and employ best practices in treating patients with COVID-related conditions.
Grasp the effects of health policy changes on clinical practice.
Optimize diagnostic test selection and enhance value in medical practice.
Utilize best evidence, optimize patient communication, and engage in shared decision-making.
Cultivate a deeper understanding of health disparities and recognize the central role of primary care clinicians in delivering equitable, patient-centered care.
The course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the evolving landscape of primary care, ensuring they remain effective advocates for their patients.
