The Invisible Impact of Adolescent Obesity: A Primary Care Case Report

Adolescent obesity is a chronic, multifactorial condition recognised as a major global health challenge. Beyond metabolic complications, early adolescents frequently experience hidden psychosocial consequences such as body-shame, peer comparison, emotional eating and avoidance of social situations involving food. Primary care, with its continuity, accessibility and relational safety, is uniquely positioned to identify these invisible dimensions…

Improving communication to enhance COVID-19 vaccination uptake: Insights from a 2025 survey of French primary health care workers

In 2024-2025, French Health Authorities organized two COVID-19 vaccination campaigns: a combined Flu/COVID-19 campaign in autumn, and an additional spring COVID-19 campaign targeting populations at higher risk. However, uptake for these campaigns remained modest, particularly during the spring campaign. Assessing the determinants of this low uptake is of particular interest.A consortium of non-governmental primary care organizations established during…

International Undergraduate and Postgraduate Electives in General Practice – a Scottish Model. The Auld Alliance?

In family medicine training Internationalism Is Good!  Students should experience different health care systems and cultures. In Scotland, with partners worldwide, we have designed and implemented an international elective programme for undergraduate and postgraduate students. We have done so without institutional backing or finance. Our programme depends upon the collaboration of a network of enthusiastic…

Use of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in the diagnosis and follow-up of arterial hypertension in Primary Care: preliminary data.

To analyse the use of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in Primary Care, describing patients’ clinical characteristics by sex, the contribution of ABPM to the diagnosis of hypertension (HTN), and subsequent therapeutic changes.A retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted using electronic health records from the Federica Montseny Health Centre (Madrid) between 2020–2022. Sociodemographic variables, comorbidities,…

Ethical and legal dimensions of biohacking for astronauts’ health in long-duration space missions: A literature review for primary care

Long-duration spaceflight is rapidly shifting from governmental programmes to expanding commercial ventures. Missions beyond low Earth orbit—especially lunar and Martian initiatives—pose significant physiological risks, including muscle atrophy, bone loss, neuro-ocular changes, and radiation exposure. Emerging literature discusses “biohacking” approaches such as pharmacological optimisation, somatic gene therapy, and technological augmentation to enhance resilience. Although largely experimental,…

When the eyelid falls… but the alarms rise

Ptosis is a relatively common reason for consultation in primary care and is usually linked to benign conditions such as Bell’s palsy, local eyelid disorders, or muscular diseases. However, when it appears in isolation, it may represent a diagnostic challenge and serve as a sentinel sign of serious neurological disease. The ability of family physicians…

The paradox of proximity: re-centering equity, liberty, and humanism in primary diabetes care

As a first-generation doctor practicing in a community where chronic disease literacy is low and cultural norms heavily influence health choices, I often witness preventable complications arising from gaps in primary care engagement. This reflection examines the case of a 53-year-old woman—my relative—whose death from uncontrolled diabetes revealed systemic vulnerabilities and highlighted the need to…

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Violence Against Women in Brazil: A Comparative Analysis of Femicide Rates and Hotline Reports (2020–2025)

Violence against women (VAW) remains a major public health and human rights concern in Brazil. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified social stressors, potentially modifying patterns of domestic violence. Understanding these trends is essential for strengthening primary care responses and informing international public health policy.To compare femicide rates and national hotline reports of VAW during the pandemic…

Classical Phased Evolution of EGPA: Importance of Early Recognition in Primary Care

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare ANCA-associated vasculitis characterized by asthma, eosinophilia, and multisystem involvement. Early phases often mimic isolated allergic or respiratory disorders, leading to delayed diagnosis in primary care. Recognizing “red flags” in patients with persistent eosinophilia and atypical asthma is essential to prevent organ damage.A 51-year-old woman presented with a…

“Getting Ready’’ for my GAP consultation!

In Quebec (Canada), the Primary Care Access Point (Guichet d’accès à la première ligne – GAP) enables patients without a family physician to access primary care for non-urgent concerns. However, GAP consultations pose several challenges: clinicians are unfamiliar to patients, many of whom present complex needs, and appointment times are short. These conditions can create…