Dr. Scott Rennie

Measles Is Back In The Exam Room: What Urgent Care And Telemedicine Clinicians Need To Watch For Measles is back in our daily practice in a way many of us have never seen in our careers. In just the first weeks of 2026, the United States has already recorded more than 900 confirmed measles cases, with most linked to active outbreaks rather than isolated travel related infections. Those numbers are not abstract. They reflect real patients who often first appear with what looks like an ordinary viral upper respiratory infection.

Measles Is Back In The Exam Room: What Urgent Care And Telemedicine Clinicians Need To Watch For

Measles is back in our daily practice in a way many of us have never seen in our careers. In just the first weeks of 2026, the United States has already recorded more than 900 confirmed measles cases,…

Direct Primary Care, Access, and the Problem With Modern Primary Care Clinics When I talk to patients about how they access care, I hear a lot of frustration with the way primary care is delivered today. People describe having to wait weeks for a routine appointment at a clinic owned by a large corporation. They tell me they freeze up when they see a copay, even for simple follow-ups. And they often end up sitting in urgent care lines for something that should have been sorted out by a doctor who knows their story.

Direct Primary Care, Access, and the Problem With Modern Primary Care Clinics

When I talk to patients about how they access care, I hear a lot of frustration with the way primary care is delivered today. People describe having to wait weeks for a routine appointment at a clinic owned by a large…

I hear it almost every day now. “I think I just need a Z-Pak.” Sometimes it’s phrased as a question. Sometimes it isn’t. In telemedicine especially, many patients request azithromycin by name within the first minute of the visit. The symptoms are familiar. Runny nose. Congestion. Post-nasal drip. Scratchy throat. Maybe a cough that started yesterday. No fever. No shortness of breath. No focal findings anyone could reasonably point to as bacterial. But they’re convinced the Z-Pak will help them get better faster.

I hear it almost every day now. “I think I just need a Z-Pak.”

Sometimes it’s phrased as a question. Sometimes it isn’t. In telemedicine especially, many patients request azithromycin by name within the first minute of the visit. The symptoms are familiar. Runny nose. Congestion. Post-nasal drip.…

2026 Travel Medicine Guide: Vaccines, Antibiotics, Safety Tips, and What You Don’t Need Travel has fully returned, and many patients are planning international trips again with a wide range of destinations and styles. The conversations in clinic often begin with questions about vaccines or antibiotics, but the real foundation of travel medicine is understanding the specifics of the trip. When I talk with someone preparing to travel, I start with where they are going, how long they will be away, what kind of environment they will be in, and whether they have chronic conditions that might influence risk.

2026 Travel Medicine Guide: Vaccines, Antibiotics, Safety Tips, and What You Don’t Need

Travel has fully returned, and many patients are planning international trips again with a wide range of destinations and styles. The conversations in clinic often begin with questions about vaccines or…

Treating Menopause Symptoms Through Telemedicine: A Modern Shift in Women’s Care For many women, menopause care has long been an afterthought in traditional medicine. The conversation often starts late, if it happens at all. Now, thanks to telemedicine, that’s beginning to change. Over the last few years, virtual menopause clinics have emerged to fill a long-standing gap in women’s health. Clinics like Midi Health and Menopause RX connect women directly with clinicians trained in menopause care.

Treating Menopause Symptoms Through Telemedicine: A Modern Shift in Women’s Care

For many women, menopause care has long been an afterthought in traditional medicine. The conversation often starts late, if it happens at all. Now, thanks to telemedicine, that’s beginning to change. Over the last…

Why Menopause Management Is the Missing Piece of Women’s Preventive Care Women often come to their primary care provider with vague but frustrating symptoms. Trouble sleeping. Brain fog. New anxiety. Irregular or heavy periods. Weight creeping up despite no major changes. Sometimes joint pain, palpitations, or new migraines. Many times, the provider and the patient both suspect something hormonal, but the connection to menopause is not always recognized right away. It is not that primary care clinicians do not care.

Why Menopause Management Is the Missing Piece of Women’s Preventive Care

Women often come to their primary care provider with vague but frustrating symptoms. Trouble sleeping. Brain fog. New anxiety. Irregular or heavy periods. Weight creeping up despite no major changes. Sometimes joint pain,…

Compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide: What Physicians and Patients Need to Know Now When patients ask me about compounded weight loss drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide, I take a deep breath. The topic is complicated and keeps changing. It’s tempting to say, “Just avoid them,” but the truth is that patients are already looking for these options. Our job is to help them navigate the risks safely. Dr. Beverly Tchang’s “swim safely” analogy fits well.

Compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide: What Physicians and Patients Need to Know Now

When patients ask me about compounded weight loss drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide, I take a deep breath. The topic is complicated and keeps changing. It’s tempting to say, “Just avoid them,” but the truth…

Why Weight Loss Plateaus Happen and What to Do About Them Most people losing weight eventually run into a plateau. It can feel frustrating when the number on the scale stops moving, especially after months of effort. The important thing to know is that plateaus are normal. They’re not a sign you’re doing something wrong. They’re the result of biology. At a lower body weight, your body burns fewer calories. Hormones like leptin also shift in ways that make you hungrier and slow down further weight loss.

Why Weight Loss Plateaus Happen and What to Do About Them

Most people losing weight eventually run into a plateau. It can feel frustrating when the number on the scale stops moving, especially after months of effort. The important thing to know is that plateaus are normal. They’re not a sign…

Binge Eating Disorder in Adults and Loss of Control Eating in Children: Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment Binge Eating Disorder, or BED, is one of the most common eating disorders I see in practice. It is defined by repeated episodes where someone eats a large amount of food in a short period of time while also feeling a loss of control during the episode. It’s not just eating a second helping at dinner or enjoying dessert. These are episodes that feel compulsive, where the person cannot stop even when full or uncomfortable.

Binge Eating Disorder in Adults and Loss of Control Eating in Children: Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Binge Eating Disorder, or BED, is one of the most common eating disorders I see in practice. It is defined by repeated episodes where someone eats a large amount of food in a short period of…

When the Kitchen Calls at Midnight: Understanding Night Eating Syndrome Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is one of those conditions that many patients and even some clinicians overlook. It isn’t the same as snacking after dinner once in a while. NES is a recognizable eating disorder where the timing of food intake is shifted into the evening and nighttime hours. People with NES may feel embarrassed or dismiss it as a bad habit, but it has real consequences for weight, sleep, and overall health.

When the Kitchen Calls at Midnight: Understanding Night Eating Syndrome

Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is one of those conditions that many patients and even some clinicians overlook. It isn’t the same as snacking after dinner once in a while. NES is a recognizable eating disorder where the timing of…

Wegovy and Zepbound Cash Pay Options Patients and colleagues ask me often about the cost of GLP-1 medications when insurance does not cover them. Wegovy and Zepbound are both FDA approved for weight management, but many patients run into the same barrier. Their insurance plan excludes the drug entirely. In those cases, people end up paying cash, and the list price can be thousands of dollars a month.

Wegovy and Zepbound Cash Pay Options

Patients and colleagues ask me often about the cost of GLP-1 medications when insurance does not cover them. Wegovy and Zepbound are both FDA approved for weight management, but many patients run into the same barrier. Their insurance plan excludes the drug…

The 2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccine: What Patients and Providers Should Know As physicians, we’re now starting to see questions about the newly approved 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine. The FDA has officially authorized the updated version. That’s the first step. The next step usually comes from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, which sets the vaccine schedule for the CDC. At the moment, ACIP has not yet issued its formal recommendations for this updated vaccine.

The 2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccine: What Patients and Providers Should Know

As physicians, we’re now starting to see questions about the newly approved 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine. The FDA has officially authorized the updated version. That’s the first step. The next step usually comes from the…

Making the Shift to Telemedicine: Reflections for Colleagues In the last week, two of my medical school classmates reached out to me. One is an emergency room physician. The other is a dermatologist. Both wanted to talk about telemedicine and whether they should make the transition. Their questions reminded me of my own when I started, and it got me thinking about how different this kind of work really is compared to in-person care.

Making the Shift to Telemedicine: Reflections for Colleagues

In the last week, two of my medical school classmates reached out to me. One is an emergency room physician. The other is a dermatologist. Both wanted to talk about telemedicine and whether they should make the transition. Their…

Virtual Care Has Limits: Why Some Conditions Still Require an In-Person Visit Telemedicine has become part of everyday care, and for good reason. It allows patients to connect with a physician from the comfort of home, at work, or even while traveling. Many problems can be managed safely and effectively through video visits. But not everything belongs in a virtual setting. As physicians, we follow guidelines—like those used by Teladoc, MDLive, and Amwell—that help us decide what can be safely managed online and what must be seen in person.

Virtual Care Has Limits: Why Some Conditions Still Require an In-Person Visit

Telemedicine has become part of everyday care, and for good reason. It allows patients to connect with a physician from the comfort of home, at work, or even while traveling. Many problems can be managed safely and…

Gabapentin and Dementia Risk: What Patients and Colleagues Should Know Gabapentin is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S. It’s often used for nerve pain, seizure disorders, and sometimes off-label for sleep or anxiety. Many patients I see have been on it for years. Most of the risks we talk about are dizziness, fatigue, or potential misuse. Now there’s new research raising concern about its possible link to dementia.

Gabapentin and Dementia Risk: What Patients and Colleagues Should Know

Gabapentin is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S. It’s often used for nerve pain, seizure disorders, and sometimes off-label for sleep or anxiety. Many patients I see have been on it for years. Most of the…

The 2025 COVID-19 Vaccine: Eligibility, Prescriptions, and Professional Disagreements When I talk with patients this week, many ask me: “Is the new COVID-19 vaccine out yet?” The answer, as of late August 2025, is that updated shots targeting the LP.8.1 subvariant have been approved by the FDA and are expected to be distributed this fall—but not everyone will be able to get one. The FDA has cleared vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax.

The 2025 COVID-19 Vaccine: Eligibility, Prescriptions, and Professional Disagreements

When I talk with patients this week, many ask me: “Is the new COVID-19 vaccine out yet?” The answer, as of late August 2025, is that updated shots targeting the LP.8.1 subvariant have been approved by the FDA and…

Why Some U.S. Physicians Are Heading to Canada I’ve had several conversations recently with colleagues who are seriously thinking of leaving the U.S. to practice in Canada. This shift isn’t happening quietly. The interest from U.S.-trained doctors wanting to head north has jumped dramatically in recent months, and the reasons go beyond administration changes and healthcare policy. Before the recent political landscape, American physicians still looked at Canada as an appealing option.

Why Some U.S. Physicians Are Heading to Canada

I’ve had several conversations recently with colleagues who are seriously thinking of leaving the U.S. to practice in Canada. This shift isn’t happening quietly. The interest from U.S.-trained doctors wanting to head north has jumped dramatically in…

Trigger finger – aka Stenosis tenosynovitis

I often see patients who come in complaining that one of their fingers gets stuck when they try to bend or straighten it. They’ll describe how the finger locks in a bent position, and when they force it straight, it pops painfully back into place instead…

Recognizing and Managing the Signs of Perimenopause and Menopause Menopause is one of those topics that comes up often in clinic, but it’s still an area where many patients feel unsure of what to expect. It helps to start with definitions. Perimenopause is the transition period before menopause. Hormone levels fluctuate, and cycles can become irregular. This phase can last several years. Menopause itself is defined as twelve straight months without a menstrual period, and the average age in North America is around 51.

Recognizing and Managing the Signs of Perimenopause and Menopause

Menopause is one of those topics that comes up often in clinic, but it’s still an area where many patients feel unsure of what to expect. It helps to start with definitions. Perimenopause is the transition period before menopause.…

Why More Family Physicians Are Seeking ABOM Certification—and Why It Matters to You In recent years, more family physicians—including myself—have pursued an additional board certification in obesity medicine through the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM). At first glance, it might seem like just another credential. But in reality, this certification reflects a significant shift in how we approach one of the most pressing health issues of our time: obesity and its related metabolic conditions.

Why More Family Physicians Are Seeking ABOM Certification—and Why It Matters to You

In recent years, more family physicians—including myself—have pursued an additional board certification in obesity medicine through the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM). At first glance, it might seem like…

Mosquitoes: More Than a Nuisance — A Global Health Threat Whether you’re camping in the Rockies, traveling through Southeast Asia, or just enjoying a summer evening on your porch, one small insect could put your health at risk: the mosquito. In this excellent video by the World Health Organization, we’re reminded that mosquitoes are not just a nuisance—they’re the deadliest animals on the planet, responsible for more than…

Mosquitoes: More Than a Nuisance — A Global Health Threat

Whether you’re camping in the Rockies, traveling through Southeast Asia, or just enjoying a summer evening on your porch, one small insect could put your health at risk: the mosquito. In this excellent video by the World Health…

Blame the Brain? Understanding the Physiology and Pathophysiology of Obesity As a physician, I often hear patients ask, “Why can’t I just eat less and lose the weight?” The truth is, it’s not that simple. Modern science has shown that obesity is a complex, chronic disease influenced by far more than diet and exercise alone. Your brain plays a central role in this process, and understanding that role is key to developing effective, compassionate treatment strategies.

Blame the Brain? Understanding the Physiology and Pathophysiology of Obesity

As a physician, I often hear patients ask, “Why can’t I just eat less and lose the weight?” The truth is, it’s not that simple. Modern science has shown that obesity is a complex, chronic disease influenced by far more…

Understanding Nerve and Muscle Pain Associated with Semaglutide (Ozempic): Clinical Insights and Management Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy, has transformed the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity. While its efficacy in glycemic control and weight reduction is well-established, emerging reports highlight rare but significant adverse effects, including nerve and muscle pain. Clinical Presentations Allodynia (Skin Tenderness): A case series reported four patients who developed allodynia—pain from normally non-painful stimuli—after escalating semaglutide to 2.4 mg weekly.

Understanding Nerve and Muscle Pain Associated with Semaglutide (Ozempic): Clinical Insights and Management

Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy, has transformed the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity. While its efficacy in glycemic control and weight…

COVID-19 Variant NB.1.8.1: What Patients and Healthcare Colleagues Need to Know As we move further into 2025, many hoped that SARS-CoV-2 would fade into the background. But viruses rarely follow the scripts we write for them. The newest COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, has been gaining traction globally, warranting our attention as healthcare professionals and members of the community. While not currently classified as a Variant of Concern (VOC), its increasing prevalence and distinct features suggest we should remain vigilant.

COVID-19 Variant NB.1.8.1: What Patients and Healthcare Colleagues Need to Know

As we move further into 2025, many hoped that SARS-CoV-2 would fade into the background. But viruses rarely follow the scripts we write for them. The newest COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, has been gaining traction…

Why Weight Loss Isn’t Just About the Scale: The Importance of Body Composition and Exercise When patients talk about weight loss, they often focus on the number on the scale. But as physicians, we know that what’s lost matters just as much as how much is lost. Are we losing fat, muscle, or both? This distinction—known as body composition—has major implications for health, function, and longevity. Research led by Dr. Dympna Gallagher and colleagues sheds light on how body composition shifts during weight loss, and how…

Why Weight Loss Isn’t Just About the Scale: The Importance of Body Composition and Exercise

When patients talk about weight loss, they often focus on the number on the scale. But as physicians, we know that what’s lost matters just as much as how much is lost. Are we losing fat, muscle, or both?…

Weight Cycling: Is Losing and Regaining Weight Worth It? Many of my patients express frustration over a common pattern in weight management: they work hard to lose weight, see some progress, and then—months or years later—the weight returns. This pattern of losing and regaining weight is often called weight cycling, and it’s not only common but also emotionally and physically complex. As healthcare providers, we’ve often been asked: …

Weight Cycling: Is Losing and Regaining Weight Worth It?

Many of my patients express frustration over a common pattern in weight management: they work hard to lose weight, see some progress, and then—months or years later—the weight returns. This pattern of losing and regaining weight is often…

Move More, Weigh Less: What the Research Says About Physical Activity and Weight Management As both a physician and advocate for sustainable lifestyle interventions, I often get asked: How important is exercise for weight loss? The answer is, it depends—on your goals, your consistency, and how you define success. Thanks to decades of clinical research, including extensive reviews and randomized trials, we now have a clearer picture of the role physical activity plays not only in losing weight but in keeping it off.

Move More, Weigh Less: What the Research Says About Physical Activity and Weight Management

As both a physician and advocate for sustainable lifestyle interventions, I often get asked: How important is exercise for weight loss? The answer is, it depends—on your goals, your consistency, and how you…

Fasting, Aging, and Metabolic Health: What the Science Really Says Aging is inevitable, but the pace at which we age may be modifiable. One of the most promising areas of research in slowing the aging process and enhancing metabolic health involves the manipulation of how, when, and how much we eat. From calorie restriction to intermittent fasting, the landscape of dietary interventions is rapidly evolving—and the evidence is catching up.

Fasting, Aging, and Metabolic Health: What the Science Really Says

Aging is inevitable, but the pace at which we age may be modifiable. One of the most promising areas of research in slowing the aging process and enhancing metabolic health involves the manipulation of how, when, and how much we…

The Truth About Weight Loss Supplements: What Research Tells Us The allure of a quick solution for weight loss is strong, and dietary supplements have surged into a multibillion-dollar industry fueled by that hope. However, when it comes to real-world effectiveness and safety, the science tells a very different story. Drawing from the work of Paul R. Thomas, EdD, RDN, at Columbia University’s Institute of Human Nutrition, let’s explore what the research reveals about weight loss supplements, their regulation, and why caution is critical when considering their use .

The Truth About Weight Loss Supplements: What Research Tells Us

The allure of a quick solution for weight loss is strong, and dietary supplements have surged into a multibillion-dollar industry fueled by that hope. However, when it comes to real-world effectiveness and safety, the science tells a…

Improving Sleep in Patients: A Practical Guide for Clinicians and Patients Sleep is foundational to health, yet it remains one of the most overlooked elements in patient care. Research from Dr. Ari Shechter at Columbia University has shown that inadequate sleep not only impacts daily functioning but contributes to the development of serious cardiometabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease . As physicians, it’s critical that we both screen for sleep problems…

Improving Sleep in Patients: A Practical Guide for Clinicians and Patients

Sleep is foundational to health, yet it remains one of the most overlooked elements in patient care. Research from Dr. Ari Shechter at Columbia University has shown that inadequate sleep not only impacts daily functioning…