“Art at its Heart” “The Golden Art of History and Clinical Examination”

Abstract

Background: History taking and physical examination have been rendered as the most valuable, cost effective reliable skills taught during medical education which reward the clinicians, the satisfaction of making a diagnosis, while building a natural bond of human touch with the patient. Aims and Objectives: A proper and judicious choice of investigations guided by logical reasoning which was made after integrating the history and physical exam is crucial for timely diagnosis and appropriate management. Materials and Methods: We report a series of 11 cases which were mismanaged in the early stages due to lack of proper history and physical examination. Results: Though these cases appear to be simple, they highlight the proper methodical and systematic way of approach to the patient care which helps in preventing unnecessary investigations and improper management. Conclusions: Excessive worshipping of newer diagnostic modalities will lead to a more “computer oriented” approach rather than a patient centered one.