Learning the Art and Science of Diagnosis

Detsky discusses key tenets of developing diagnostic acumen, including gathering and integrating data, applying iterative bayesian thinking, choosing the format of communication, and determining the urgency of diagnosis. Diagnostic acumen is a foundational clinical attribute of an excellent physician. Over time, clinicians have been given more tools to help them determine the cause of people's health concerns, increasing both the amount of available information and the complexity of the activity. Learning diagnostic excellence should take account of these opportunities and challenges while retaining the art of medicine.