Beyond Hormones: Family, Faith, and Fertility in PCOS with Hyperthyroidism

Infertility is a complex, multifactorial condition influenced by endocrine, psychological, familial, and social factors. The coexistence of hyperthyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) significantly disrupts reproductive function through compounded hormonal dysregulation, anovulation, and metabolic disturbances. Social pressures, cultural expectations, and emotional stress further exacerbate the psychosocial impact of infertility, highlighting the need for holistic care…

Psychotic Depression Initially Presenting With Fatigue and Weakness in Primary Care: A Case Report

Depression is a common psychiatric disorder characterized by depressive mood, anhedonia (loss of pleasure), decreased energy, and impaired daily functioning. In primary care, patients often present with nonspecific somatic complaints such as fatigue or malaise rather than overt psychological symptoms. The continuity of care and comprehensive approach in family medicine enables early recognition of psychiatric…

Dagok ng Lagok

Caustic chemical ingestion is a significant public health concern. Household bleach (3–6% sodium hypochlorite) is commonly involved in intentional or accidental poisonings. In adults, ingestion is often deliberate and associated with psychosocial stressors, family dysfunction, or mental health challenges, leading to substantial morbidity. This case presents a 35-year-old female who ingested bleach following a family…

Prescribing Change: The Physician’s Guide to Effective Advocacy

Physician advocacy is a core professional competency, yet many practitioners feel unequipped due to a lack of formal training and systemic barriers. The COVID-19 pandemic and heightened awareness of social inequities have intensified the need for physicians to advocate for their patients and public health policies. This presentation addresses the gap between this professional expectation…

Early exclusion of acute pancreatitis in a first-contact emergency department: Diagnostic uncertainty and laboratory limitations

Acute pancreatitis is a common cause of acute abdominal pain and may result in significant morbidity if diagnosis is delayed. In first-contact care settings, including emergency departments serving as initial points of access, early diagnosis can be challenging. Atypical symptom presentation, limited access to key laboratory tests, and low sensitivity of early imaging may lead…

Balancing suspicion and diagnosis in suspected child abuse in a rural primary care setting: A practice-based reflection

Family physicians are often the first health professionals to encounter signs that may suggest child abuse. In rural settings, where social relationships are closely intertwined and access to specialist support is limited, distinguishing between pathological findings and normal variants presents significant ethical and clinical challenges. Managing diagnostic uncertainty while protecting both the child and the…

Metabolic syndrome in patients with primary aldosteronism: a retrospective study with implications for primary care

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is an underdiagnosed cause of secondary hypertension in primary care settings. Beyond increased blood pressure, patients with PA often exhibit metabolic disturbances including obesity, dyslipidaemia, and impaired glucose regulation. These abnormalities aggregate as metabolic syndrome (MetS), a significant contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. For ordinary care physicians, identifying metabolic patterns in…

A Study on General Practitioners’ Knowledge, Awareness and Current Management Status of Mild Cognitive Impairment

To investigate the knowledge and current management status of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) among general practitioners (GPs) in primary care.A questionnaire survey was conducted among GPs in primary care. The electronic questionnaire was distributed via the Fengtai District Community Health Service Administration Center from January 2024 to May 4, 2025, and completed by the participating…

It’s Time! To Be Tested: Strengthening Local Tuberculosis Detection Through Community-Oriented Primary Care

Tuberculosis remains a major public health challenge in the Philippines, which ranks among the highest TB-burden countries globally. Despite effective treatment, substantial gaps in case detection persist, particularly in rural and underserved communities. In San Manuel, Isabela, TB case detection rates consistently fell below provincial targets, contributing to delayed diagnosis, continued transmission, and preventable morbidity.…