Development of a hospitalist-led-and-directed physical examination curriculum

Deficiencies in physical examination skills among medical students, housestaff, and even faculty have been reported for decades, though specifics on how to address this deficit are lacking.

Our institution has made a commitment to improving key physical examination competencies across our general medicine faculty. Development of the Merrin Bedside Teaching Program was guided by a comprehensive needs assessment and based on a learner-centered educational model. First, selected faculty fellows achieve expertise through mentorship with a master clinician. They then develop a bedside teaching curriculum in the selected domain and conclude by delivering the curriculum to peer faculty.

We have developed curricula in examination of the heart, shoulder, knee, and skin. Currently, curricula are being developed in the examination of the lungs, critical care bedside rounds, and motivational interviewing. Curricula are integrated with educational activities of the internal medicine residency and medical school whenever possible.

A hospitalist-led physical examination curriculum is an innovative way to address deficits in physical exam skills at all levels of training, engenders enthusiasm for skills development from faculty and learners, offers scholarship opportunities to general medicine faculty, encourages collaboration within and between institutions, and augments the education of residents and medical students.