Physicians once relied on the five senses to diagnose patients and used sight, touch, sound and smell to assess health and identify illness. Today, medical technologies are often doctors' first diagnostic tool.
In this age of increased reliance on technology, how can health practitioners reconnect with their patients at the bedside? And how can medical educators promote a culture of hands-on medicine?
These questions will take center stage Sept. 28-29 at the inaugural Stanford Medicine 25 Skills Symposium. The symposium will feature thought leaders in bedside medicine, including Stanford physician-author Abraham Verghese, MD; Steve McGee, MD, a professor of medicine at the University of Washington and Andrew Elder, FRCP, a consultant in acute medicine of older age at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.
“We are hoping to attract junior and mid-career faculty who are interested in the art of teaching at the bedside,” said John Kugler, MD, an assistant professor of medicine and co-director of the Stanford Medicine 25 Skills Symposium.
During the two-day event, attendees will learn to improve their physical exam technique, develop bedside teaching skills, and master clinician demonstrations. Several sessions will help attendees identify ways to foster a culture of bedside medicine at their home institutions. “Every attendee will leave with the skills and knowledge to confidently take trainees to the bedside,” Kugler explained.
The symposium will continue beyond September 29 by way of regular virtual meetings where participants will be able to exchange ideas and continue the conversation about bedside medicine.
To learn more about the Stanford Medicine 25 program and to register for the event, visit the symposium website.
Lindsey Baker is the communications manager for Stanford’s Department of Medicine.
Previously: Abraham Verghese a saintliness in so many of my patients, Stanford's Abraham Verghese honored as both author and healer, A call for extended bedside manner training and Abraham Verghese discusses reconnecting to the-patient at the bedside
Photo by Guson Kang
