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A Very Tepid Defense of the Physical Exam

Sensible Medicine

Doctors of a certain age tend to fetishize the physical exam. I think this is because learning the physical exam is an important part of the socialization of the doctor. Though with every passing day I feel more and more like part of the old guard, I can only give the exam a tepid defense.

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Telehealth Analysis: The Pros & Cons

We Care Online

While video calls allow for visual assessments, certain aspects of a physical exam—such as checking vital signs, palpating areas of pain, or listening to a patient’s heart and lungs—cannot be replicated remotely. This limitation means that telehealth may not be suitable for all medical concerns.

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Intern Year: A Resident’s Reflections and Advice

Sensible Medicine

More importantly, log your diagnostic oversights, atypical patient presentations, or any other learning points for posterity. Sometimes, this can be demonstrated by something as simple as a thorough physical exam. This is poor form and unfair when it happens. Journal Log interesting patient cases.

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In The AI Revolution, Medical Schools Are Falling Behind U.S. Colleges

Forbes Healthcare

Used wisely, generative AI will help prevent the 400,000 deaths each year from diagnostic errors , the 250,000 from preventable medical mistakes and the 500,000 from poorly controlled chronic diseases. Cite three high-quality studies that support your diagnostic ranking. Which physical findings would be most concerning?

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Friday Reflection 47: Patients Make the Hardest Decisions

Sensible Medicine

On his physical exam, the new internist hears a loud mitral regurgitation (MR) murmur. 1 Both Friday Reflection 34: Disagreement and Chagrin in Therapeutic Decision Making and Friday Reflection 44: Diagnostic Enigma featured 2X2 tables. He admits he has a hard time keeping track of his symptoms. Share Photo Credit: Jens Lelie

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Friday Reflection 44: Diagnostic Enigma

Sensible Medicine

I feel most like I am “among my people” discussing diagnostic dilemmas with my team post call. What makes a diagnostic dilemma? Diagnostic dilemmas are those which occupy the other three squares of a 2X2 table. 2 Common puzzles test diagnostic reasoning. These unsolved chronic problems are never easy.

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A (re)Visit to an Old-Fashioned Doctor

Sensible Medicine

Old-fashioned doctors spend whatever time it takes to obtain a good medical history and physical examination. The history and physical exam is not something to be fetishized but something to be recognized as a time saver. An exam finding does, on occasion, make you feel more comfortable with your diagnosis.