Presenting Your Case

Book excerpt: Medical students often struggle when presenting new patients to the attending physicians on the ward. Case presentation is either poorly taught or not taught at all in the first two years of medical school. As a result, students are thrust into the spotlight with only sketchy ideas about how to present, prioritize, edit, and focus their case presentations. They also struggle with producing a broad differential diagnosis and defending their leading diagnosis. This text provides a comprehensive guide to give well-prepared, focused and concise presentations. It also allows students to discuss differential diagnosis, incorporate high-value care, educate their colleagues, and participate actively in the care of their patients. Linking in-depth discussion of the oral presentation with differential diagnosis and high value care, Presenting Your Case is a valuable resource for medical students, clerkship directors and others who educate students on the wards and in the clinic.