Abstract

To the Editor

In recent decades, emphasis has been increasingly placed on laboratory and radiologic results for diagnosis. Moreover, experienced clinicians knowledgeable in clinical diagnosis are becoming scarce, and thus, “passing the torch,” regarding the finer points of clinical diagnosis, has been more of a challenge. In the spirit of reengaging our trainees in clinical diagnosis, we suggest the reintroduction of and emphasis on the art of spot clinical diagnosis. This can be arbitrarily defined as making a diagnosis without direct physical contact with the patient, primarily through the powers of observation. Internal medicine is perhaps the most suitable discipline for developing skills in spot diagnosis; however, an interested party is more important than a specific discipline.