Posts

Showing posts from December, 2009

Doctors' Trade Secrets (How doctors think)

Image
This post exposes you to the practical method (or maybe trade secrets) that are commonly used by doctors. For a medical student, this subject covers the basic methods in a real life situation where a medical doctor sh ould approach a patient. This is the 'know-how' foundation (instead of just the know what) subject for to-be medical doctors. A typical step by step approach of a doctor-patient interaction would proceed like this: Step 1: "How can I help you": A doctor is trying to establish what your medical problem is. Step 2: You would probably tell the doctor what your problem is e.g coughing for the past 1 week. This for the doctor is your 'symptom'. Step 3: Your doctor will ask you further questions in order to narrow down and ascertain what the underlying problem is. A cough can be due to many reasons. It can be due to a bacterial infection (needs to be treated by antibiotic) or may just be due to the 'common flu'. Communication with t