Physical diagnosis was really the first attempt to teach us how to examine a patient in a systematic and organized fashion. Although we had been sent to various offices and facilities in our first year, few of us had a clue about what we were doing when faced with a living being! Physical diagnosis was the bridge between knowing our knowledge was lacking to knowing how much it was lacking!
The course stands apart in the so-called basic science years of medical school. At this school of medicine, it is the first real "hands on" experience with patient care. It is reassuring that many other schools have accelerated and integrated the clinical process over the entire four year span of medical training. It seems a better alternative to separating basic sciences and clinical training.
last updated December 31, 1995
The Mature Medical Student
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Send comments to Charles Powell
cwpowell@thechildrensclinic.net