The Hypothesis-Driven Physical Exam
Rachel Yudkowsky, MD, MHPE
Rachel Yudkowsky, MD, MHPE, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine. She serves as Director of the Dr. Allen L. and Mary L. Graham Clinical Performance Center, where she develops standardized patient and simulation-based programs for the instruction and assessment of students, residents and staff. She also serves as Director of the University of Illinois Health Sciences Simulation Consortium and as Co-President of the Chicago Simulation Consortium.
The hypothesis-driven physical exam
The hypothesis-driven physical exam involves a teaching approach combined with assessment. Traditionally, students do physical exams with standardized patients with a focus on completion of items on a checklist. With the hypothesis-driven exam, students learn to complete the physical exam in the context of a diagnostic dilemma. This professional development byte provides an overview of this approach.
At the end of the professional development byte, you will be able to:
- Explain the concept of a hypothesis driven physical exam
- Apply the concept to a standardized patient encounter
Watch this professional development byte: The Hypothesis-Driven Physical Exam
References
- Yudkowsky R, Otaki J, Lowenstein T, Riddle J, Nishigori H, Bordage G (2009) A Hypothesis-Driven Physical Exam for Medical Students: Initial Validity Evidence. Med Educ;43:729-740
Dr. Yudkowsky has disclosed she has no relevant financial relationships.
