Family Medicine SmartBrief
Family medicine | Rural areas address mounting care gaps, clinician shortages | GLP-1s may help more people qualify for joint replacement
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December 11, 2025
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In This Issue
 
 
A doctor looking at a computer monitor and talking to a technician after performing a CT scan on a patient in hospital.
(Tom Werner/Getty Images)
Good morning! Scroll down for some of the latest stories on infectious diseases, including norovirus and Legionnaire's disease.

Also, learn how an Arkansas osteopathic school is using artificial intelligence to streamline documentation.
 
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Top Story
 
Rural areas address mounting care gaps, clinician shortages
Telemedicine continues to be a vital solution for rural hospitals striving to maintain access to specialty and acute care. Health organizations like the Piggott Health System are using virtual care to connect patients with specialists in neurology, pulmonology and other fields, bridging gaps created by clinician shortages and travel barriers. Hospitals are moving toward "virtual-first" strategies, integrating telehealth not just within the hospital but also as part of broader community outreach.
Full Story: SmartBrief/Health Care (12/10)
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AI & Analytics Challenges in Retail and CPG
Discover how the 2025 Retail & CPG Data Landscape reveals a shift from AI experimentation to true operational scale. Leaders like GUESS and Vuori unlock reliable intelligence through unified data. Learn how to overcome barriers to empower decision-making and innovation. Read the report.
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Clinical News
 
GLP-1s may help more people qualify for joint replacement
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists may help more patients with higher BMIs become eligible for joint replacement by aiding weight loss, which may also alleviate arthritis and joint pain. "Significant weight loss can delay the need for total joint replacement by reducing stress and inflammation, thereby improving pain and function," said Dr. Cameron Ledford. However, a study presented at a meeting of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine found people taking GLP-1 drugs were more likely to fill opioid prescriptions.
Full Story: Healio (free registration)/Orthopedics Today (12/8)
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Climate change may hinder child development
 
Hot summer day and forty degrees Celsius on a thermometer. Thermometer in summer day shows high temperature degree with sun in background.
(SimpleImages/Getty Images)
A study of nearly 20,000 children found that higher temperature exposure was linked to lower rates of achieving developmental milestones. Research published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry also showed that children in urban areas and lower-income households were especially at risk.
Full Story: National Public Radio (12/9)
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Norovirus cases noted in at least 14 states
Norovirus outbreaks are happening across the US, with 153 incidents reported in 14 states from August 1 to November 13, according to the CDC. Although California has not officially reported outbreaks, its wastewater data indicate rising virus levels. Infectious disease experts including Dr. Peter Chin-Hong are reminding the public about the infection's high transmissibility.
Full Story: SFGate (San Francisco) (12/9)
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Fla. Legionnaires' outbreak is under investigation
Officials in central Florida have noted at least 14 recent cases of Legionnaires' disease, with the state Department of Health potentially linking the outbreak to a fitness facility. Testing has been initiated to gain a clearer picture of the outbreak.
Full Story: ABC News (12/9)
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Practice Management
 
Opinion: Anti-science rhetoric harms patient relationships
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Krutika Kuppalli writes about the challenges posed by rising anti-science and anti-vaccine views, which have altered the relationship between US physicians and their patients. Kuppalli notes that this trend, driven by misinformation and political polarization, has made regular preventive care increasingly difficult, as patients often don't trust medical advice. Kuppalli calls for stronger science-based communication and support for clinicians to combat this issue.
Full Story: STAT (12/10)
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How to smooth transition from pediatric to adult care
 
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