April 2026

ACP IMpact

In Case You Missed It

Dr. Jokela on KevinMD: In Defense of Courageous Humanity

Janet Jokela, MD, MPH, and immediate past ACP Treasurer, reflects on what it means to serve humanity — a principle at the heart of every physician's oath. Inspired by a visit to the Ronald Reagan Museum in Eureka, IL, she draws a parallel between Reagan's words on dignity, diversity, and human rights and the medical profession's enduring commitment to care for all patients regardless of background, beliefs, or immigration status. Read Dr. Jokela's article or listen to the accompanying podcast to learn more.

Feature

Climate's Impact Driving Bug-Borne Diseases

(from the March 2026 I.M. Matters from ACP)

Last year's surge of West Nile virus cases in Colorado highlights the increasing prevalence of arboviral diseases, posing a particular risk for the elderly and other vulnerable patients.

I.M. Matters from ACP is ACP's member newspaper, providing news and information for internal medicine physicians about the practice of medicine and reporting on the policies, products, and activities of ACP.

I.M. Internal Medicine Spotlight

Brian Stout, MD, MBA, MHA

Dr. Stout talks about how his initial interest in general surgery changed to rheumatology because of its diagnostic complexity and emphasis on longitudinal care.

Medical Student Perspective Essay

The Power of Narrative Medicine: Unveiling the Unspoken Stories

In the complexity of medicine, the principles of narrative medicine may seem deceptively simple, almost effortless to incorporate into our practice. Yet, as physicians undergo years of rigorous training and navigate the demands of a fast-paced profession, it can be all too easy to lose sight of these foundational aspects.

Advocacy Update

ACP Advocates Against Harmful Changes to Medical Student Loans

Elimination of Graduate PLUS loans, limits to Direct Unsubsidized Loans and changes to deferment and forbearance will effectively worsen the physician shortage.

Visit the ACP advocacy page for more information about how you can advocate for internal medicine physicians and your patients.

Analyzing Annals

The Prevalence and Characteristics of Difficult Patient Encounters. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis and “Difficult Patients,” Persistent Symptoms, and the Biopsychosocial Model

(from March 2026 Annals for Educators)

Some physician–patient interactions are perceived as difficult. This systematic review searched 10 databases and included 43 articles of 45 studies to estimate the prevalence of difficult patient encounters among adults being seen in nonpsychiatric settings. The authors also assessed patient and provider characteristics associated with difficulty as well as patient outcomes. The accompanying editorial discusses the findings in light of the challenges of being and caring for patients with persistent physical symptoms.

Annals for Educators is a Web Exclusives feature of Annals of Internal Medicine which includes activities using selected Annals articles to help medical educators in their teaching activities.

Winning Abstracts

Acute Inhaled Cannabis and Oral Alcohol: Simulated Driving Performance and Subjective Driving Confidence in Humans

As cannabis becomes more widely available, determining its effects on driving performance is imperative to public health. The aim of the current study was to compare a range of inhaled cannabis doses (relevant to current medical/recreational products) to the effects of an intoxicating dose of oral alcohol (0.08 breath alcohol concentration).

Want to have your abstract featured here? ACP holds National Abstract Competitions as part of the ACP Internal Medicine Meeting every year.

Get Involved

Fund Your Internal Medicine Interest Group for 2026-2027

The ACP Internal Medicine Interest Group Sponsorship Program is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 academic year. The program provides funding, resources, and learning opportunities to support medical students and their interest in internal medicine. Don't delay—the application deadline is Monday, June 15, 2026. Apply now.

Chapter Chatter

Expand Your Professional Network with ACP Local Chapter Opportunities

ACP chapters offer local programs and activities for medical students, such as scientific meetings and awards programs. Each chapter is uniquely tailored to the needs and interests of ACP members in that area. More importantly, chapters provide a professional home for medical students and offer opportunities for networking, leadership, and submitting abstracts. Visit your chapter website to learn more about upcoming events and opportunities to get involved.

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