New tools and approaches for family physicians

This issue of the journal is filled with useful information for practicing family physicians. Several articles introduce new ideas for family physicians to use in the care of their patients, whereas other articles cover new approaches to old problems. Several studies report on procedures performed by family physicians: battlefield acupuncture, colonoscopy, and ultrasound. Some unique alternative care models are described and evaluated. An innovative method of delivering diabetes education seems to work well. Ways to use technology to improve patient care, an update on chronic hepatitis B, and a novel use of social media to understand a rare disease are also included. Readers will come away from this issue with many ideas to consider implementing in their own practices.