Back Complaints in the Elders (BACE); design of cohort studies in primary care: an international consortium

Background: Although back complaints are common among older people, limited information is available in the literature about the clinical course of back pain in older people and the identification of older persons at risk for the transition from acute back complaints to chronic back pain. The aim of this study is to assess the course of back complaints and identify prognostic factors for the transition from acute back complaints to chronic back complaints in older people who visit a primary health care physician. Methods/design. The design is a prospective cohort study with one-year follow-up. There will be no interference with usual care. Patients older than 55 years who consult a primary health care physician with a new episode of back complaints will be included in this study. Data will be collected using a questionnaire, physical examination and X-ray at baseline, and follow-up questionnaires afte

Race/Ethnicity and Surgery

A well-respected surgical professor is the invited speaker for a conference at a large academic surgical department. As part of the events, there is a meet-and-greet to allow residents, fellows, and faculty speak with the professor. Dr. Z is a junior surgeon second-generation American citizen of Ecuadorean descent. The professor turns to Dr. Z and says, “you know, I told my fellow Mohammad to change his name to Matt so he could get a chief job.” The group of residents appear uncomfortable, but no one says anything in response