Tom Collins is a freelance writer in South Florida who has written about medical topics from nasty infections to ethical dilemmas, runaway tumors to tornado-chasing doctors. He travels the globe gathering conference health news and lives in West Palm Beach.
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Gaps in ulcerative colitis care expectations, perceptions
- Author:
- Thomas R. Collins
The results point to the ongoing need to foster a good relationship between physicians and patients, even as treatment methods become more...
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Ultra-processed: Doctors debate whether putting this label on foods is useful
- Author:
- Thomas R. Collins
Some experts say increased awareness and labeling of ultra-processed foods can only be a good thing. Others say that the classification system...
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New eosinophilic esophagitis severity score may guide treatment
- Author:
- Thomas R. Collins
The index, called I-SEE, includes symptoms, endoscopic findings, and histology and is meant to help steer clinicians to the best treatment...
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Medical ‘myths’ persist despite evidence, says professor of medicine
- Author:
- Thomas R. Collins
Dogma about shellfish allergies and contrast agents, “sinus headaches,” and other beliefs continue to affect patient care, even though the...
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Telehealth continues to loom large, say experts
- Author:
- Thomas R. Collins
Nine out of ten patients would recommend telemedicine to friends and family, and most physicians say they’re willing to devote significant time to...
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Surgery handoffs still a risky juncture in care – but increasing communication can help
- Author:
- Thomas R. Collins
Experts say understanding the full clinical picture of a surgery patient and ongoing communication between hospitalists and the surgery department...
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New research holds promise for fighting obesity, says expert
- Author:
- Thomas R. Collins
A growing understanding of adipose tissue as an endocrine organ responsible for weight control opens avenues for treatment, she says.
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How to communicate effectively with patients when tension is high
- Author:
- Thomas R. Collins
Calling to mind a couple of acronyms can help, said a moderator of a panel discussion at the annual meeting of the American College of Physicians...
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Homelessness seems to have greater link to death than common diseases, says physician
- Author:
- Thomas R. Collins
The health challenges facing those experiencing homelessness are straightforward, but the U.S. health system isn’t built to deal with them, an...
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How to address social determinants of health, according to expert panel
- Author:
- Thomas R. Collins
A panel of experts talked about policies to address social determinants of health at the annual meeting of the American College of Physicians.
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Gut bacteria linked with long COVID
- Author:
- Thomas R. Collins
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Drink up: Large study confirms coffee beneficial to liver health
- Author:
- Thomas R. Collins
“This is the closest we’re ever going to get to a linkage between what people are eating or drinking and the health of their liver.”
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Psoriatic arthritis health care costs continue to rise over time
- Author:
- Thomas R. Collins
In a database claims review, the average person with PsA had higher inpatient, outpatient, and pharmacy costs, compared with those with only...
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Experts debate merits of dual therapy for lupus nephritis
- Author:
- Thomas R. Collins
Brad Rovin, MD, and Richard Furie, MD, discussed the merits of dual therapy with voclosporin or belimumab in lupus nephritis but said response...
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New options explored for sarcopenia in rheumatic diseases
- Author:
- Thomas R. Collins
Targeting mitochondrial pathways has produced the most promising results so far, but other avenues are still being explored as well, experts said...