Tailoring antihypertensive drug therapy for the black patient.

Blacks experience greater incidence, morbidity, and mortality from hypertension in comparison with whites. Blacks also respond differently to antihypertensive agents. While whites tend to respond in similar fashion to many of the different classes of antihypertensives, blacks consistently have the best response to thiazide diuretics.

A small-group approach to teaching family medicine.

The authors describe a method for teaching preclinical medical students some important family medicine concepts utilizing a seminar format which allows for improved student-teacher interaction and individualization of material. These seminars, on family health behavior, compliance, behavioral interventions for life-style change, and managing stress, were designed to encourage freshman medical students to understand and apply concepts concerning health behavior and attitudes, both personally and professionally. The format of these sessions included the use of self-assessment instruments, discussion, role play, and case studies.