Every term after the spring we are responsible for passing a competency exam to show that we know how to evaluate patients. The summer we performed a 30 min (or less) full physical on a new patient. This fall we were given a chief complaint where we had to diagnose the patient with a probable condition and perform a pertinent exam. We were able to practice on a standardized patient two times before taking the examination on another standardized patient. I will not disclose what the cases were (in case the following class year has the same cases) but for this term, all of the cases are isolated to one system primarily. This means that we only have to perform one physical exam for the dx we chose. For the most part, if you have been paying attention and doing well in the classes throughout the summer and fall, you will pass without complication. (and if you do not pass you get one more try a week later to show your skills!). The spring term (CCEIII) we will have a case with more than one body system. If you are wondering what that means, it could be something like edema as a chief complaint and the patient's dx would be CHF because we would ask pertinent questions that could lead us to that conclusion. The physical exams could them be cardiac, peripheral vascular, respiratory etc. Essentially, we are getting crunched more and more for time as the schooling progresses.
Nevertheless, this is a great way to assess our abilities because we have to think accurately, quickly and compassionately. Even if we are 100% accurate in dx, 100% perfection on a PE, if we are robotic in our approach, we will lose points.
... but as I stated before, they ease us into this varsity level of diagnosing, we are not expected to be able to do this overnight, it takes practice, repetition and confidence in our knowledge.
Nevertheless, this is a great way to assess our abilities because we have to think accurately, quickly and compassionately. Even if we are 100% accurate in dx, 100% perfection on a PE, if we are robotic in our approach, we will lose points.
... but as I stated before, they ease us into this varsity level of diagnosing, we are not expected to be able to do this overnight, it takes practice, repetition and confidence in our knowledge.