Two DGIM faculty members have been involved in a "Back to Bedside" initiative.
Dr. David Simel, DGIM Professor of Medicine, was a guest faculty member last month for the Stanford 25 Skills Symposium, an annual event for promoting the culture of "Bedside Medicine". Dr. Simel was inspired to attend after Dr. Laura Caputo returned last year with such enthusiasm as a change agent for improving and teaching physical exam skills. As a result she implemented new physical examination rounds and jump-started ultrasound use at the Durham VA.
"We have been working to get a 'physical diagnosis alerts' project off the ground at the Durham VA, where residents get a chance to share interesting physical exam findings with their colleagues." says Caputo.
In the era of the EMR, where the use of medical technology and, therefore, health care costs are on the rise, bedside medicine is more important than ever.
Caputo states, "We need to emphasize the importance of connecting and spending time with our patients, and additionally, physical exams can change differentials, alter work ups, and potentially save costs."