Foundations of Patient Care

One of our fuzzy longitudinal courses is Foundations of Patient Care. In small groups, we learn the patient interview (medical history) and the physical exam. Amazingly, by December or so, we should be capable of doing a complete basic physical (minus neurologic, breast, and pelvic exams). They put a lot of emphasis on the "touchy feely" aspects of patient care; we have to develop rapport with the patient and make him or her comfortable in a professional setting. To tell the truth, it is a welcome diversion from the regular bread and butter science lectures. But there's a lot of it. In any case, I have enjoyed my small groups were we have interviewed actual patients, learned to take blood pressure, and discussed working in a hospital setting. In October, we begin preceptorships, which allow us to work with and learn from a primary care doctor. It should be interesting.