#United States #New Orleans #ACP 2025 #Internal Medicine #Healthcare Research

ACP's Internal Medicine Meeting 2025: A Platform for Cutting-Edge Research

The recent gathering of the American College of Physicians (ACP) for the Internal Medicine Meeting 2025 in New Orleans served as a vibrant platform for the latest scientific discoveries in internal medicine. During this annual event, which took place on April 4, 2025, significant research findings were unveiled, focusing on artificial intelligence in healthcare, diabetes treatment, and cannabis for pain management.

Key Research Highlights

The Annals of Internal Medicine, the flagship journal of ACP, presented three pivotal scientific papers during a live plenary session, where authors discussed their findings firsthand. These topics addressed fundamental concerns in both internal medicine and primary care, aiming to elevate clinical practice.

1. Artificial Intelligence in Virtual Urgent Care

Dr. Zehavi Horowitz-Kugler from K Health, Inc. presented a study examining the effectiveness of AI-driven clinical recommendations compared to traditional physician decision-making in a virtual urgent care scenario. The results indicated that AI recommendations were frequently deemed superior by expert evaluators. This is attributed to the AI’s training on a wealth of high-quality, real-world clinical data, enabling it to identify patterns and insights that may elude even experienced physicians. The combination of AI recommendations and human judgment could enable significant improvements in patient care quality and outcomes.

2. Advancements in Diabetes Management

In another insightful presentation, Dr. Liana K. Billings from NorthShore Hospitals discussed the impact of switching from one diabetes medication, dulaglutide, to another, tirzepatide, among patients struggling to control their type 2 diabetes. The findings revealed that transitioning to tirzepatide led to better glucose regulation and more substantial weight loss than merely increasing the dose of dulaglutide. Achieving optimal glucose control quickly is critical, as delays can exacerbate complications related to diabetes, such as kidney and eye diseases.

3. Cannabis Use for Chronic Pain Management

Finally, Dr. Adam J. Obley from Oregon Health Science University explored the American College of Physicians' Best Practice advice regarding the use of cannabis and cannabinoids in managing chronic non-cancer pain. He emphasized the need for cautious counseling from healthcare providers, as the potential harms of cannabis may exceed its benefits for certain patient demographics, including adolescents and those with mental health issues or substance use disorders. For patients who are pregnant or trying to conceive, the ACP strongly advises against cannabis use.

Conclusion

These presentations highlighted the importance of continuously integrating cutting-edge research into physician practice. According to Dr. Christine Laine, Editor-in-Chief of Annals of Internal Medicine, sharing such pivotal research not only enhances understanding among healthcare professionals but ultimately aims at improving patient care across the board. The ACP continues to lead the discourse on how emerging technologies and humane medical practices intertwine to enhance healthcare outcomes globally.

About ACP

The American College of Physicians stands as the largest professional medical organization of its kind in the United States, boasting over 161,000 members worldwide. Composed of a diverse community of internal medicine physicians and their subspecialties, ACP is committed to translating scientific knowledge into compassionate care for adults at various health stages.

About Annals of Internal Medicine

Within the realm of internal medicine, the Annals acts as an authoritative and widely respected platform for scholarship. It aims to empower physicians and healthcare professionals with timely, relevant evidence to inform their practice, contributing to improved patient health outcomes worldwide.