A single scroll, like, or share can spark joy or ignite controversy. Researchers are still determining the impact of social media on mental health. For pediatricians and other healthcare specialists, navigating social media usage with parents and their families can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. Dr. Chad Rodgers, AFMC’s chief medical officer and board-certified pediatrician at Little Rock Pediatric Clinic, shares expert advice and personal wisdom to help you have more constructive, non-judgmental conversations about social media with your patients. Whether you’re a seasoned pediatrician or a newly minted healthcare professional, get ready to arm yourself with knowledge and strategies that make a difference in the digital well-being of the families you serve.

Pew Research Center’s recent poll of news habits shows that half of Americans get their news from social media, with the majority of people reading the news on their digital devices than on TV or print publications. It is now more critical than ever for patients to discern evidence-based science over misleading pseudoscience. With an overwhelming influx of information accessible at our fingertips, healthcare professionals have the important job of safeguarding the integrity of medical science and patient care. Dr. Chad Rodgers, AFMC’s Chief Medical Officer, sheds light on the dangers of pseudoscience in the medical community. He explains how providers have the knowledge to recognize and combat these dangerous misconceptions and foster a culture of trust and respect.

Trauma has a way of clinging to us, lingering long after its initial sting. This reality becomes starkly apparent in healthcare settings, where traditional patient encounters can unintentionally reopen old wounds. However, embracing trauma-informed care within these spaces promises a more compassionate and healing approach, ensuring patients leave feeling genuinely nurtured and understood. It's a crucial step towards addressing the holistic needs of those we aim to help.

Chris Spearn, AFMC’s Trauma-Informed Resiliency Coordinator, discusses the importance of Trauma-Informed Care, its connection with ACEs, and its impact on patients’ mental health.

Isolation and loneliness can negatively impact anyone’s mental health. For the elderly population, however, this is even more true. While independence is one of many factors clinicians look for to determine whether an older patient is considered “healthy” or not, it’s also important that our older patients remain engaged with their family, friends, and the community to increase their quality of life. AARP provides several insights and resources for addressing social isolation in the elderly community.

Many patients endure years of pain and discomfort before finally discovering that their symptoms are caused by a single, often rare condition. This narrative is all too familiar for individuals with scleroderma. Take Dee Burlile’s story, for instance: her suggestion of a potential underlying condition was met with skepticism by her doctor, who remarked, “I’m not going to look for zebras if the zoo isn’t in town.” It took four more years before Dee received a scleroderma diagnosis. Reflecting on her journey, she wished her doctor would have been more willing to "look for zebras"— or consider rarer diagnoses—when common explanations did not fit.

Healthcare professionals across the state are seeking innovative approaches to combating the opioid crisis by delivering comprehensive care to those struggling with substance use disorder (SUD). Dr. Kristin Martin, CEO of River Valley Medical Wellness (RVMW), is spearheading the Arkansas Mobile Opioid Recovery (ARMOR) project, a nonprofit program dedicated to serving rural and vulnerable populations struggling with SUDs. She recently went on AFMC TV to discuss the project.