Student comments on Advanced Clinical Skills Course

Proficiency in clinical examination skills upon graduation from medical
school is a core competency. Over the last few decades, the ability and
confidence in this fundamental and crucial skill set have declined. The
motivation and interest in meticulous physical examination by recently
graduated residents have also eroded. In this case study, we describe a
comprehensive, innovative, and immersive advanced clinical skills elective
taken during the second half of the final year of medical school for
students at the David Geffen School of Medicine. The course utilizes novel
approaches to inspire, refresh and consolidate essential bedside
observation skills and examination techniques. This approach gives senior
students the confidence and fundamental understanding of how dedication to
the patient exam can improve the doctor-patient relationship, core
clinical reasoning and the practice of cost-effective and evidence-based
care through their careers. We describe how the integration of fine art
appreciation and introductory biding techniques are used to help students
hone their visual diagnostic skills. We show how this is solidified
through a longitudinal series of clinical image review sessions with
diagnostic reasoning principles to formulate a clear differential.
Point-of-care ultrasound, EKG analysis, advanced cardiac auscultation and
diagnostic imaging skills are integrated in a comprehensive and memorable
fashion. We present this case study to inspire clinical skills teachers
everywhere to replicate our methods in resurrecting the importance of
physical exams for their learners. Opening their trainees’ eyes to new
methods of honing their visual intelligence and developing healthy habits
for stress and burnout reduction will aid the rest of their professional
careers.