This may add a little time to that normally spent with the patient, but it could provide a significant and enjoyable learning experience. You may look at your patient list and feel that there are no interesting teaching opportunities. Remember that diagnoses that seem old hat to you may be new for your learner. Common physical findings a benign seborrheic keratosis, a torus palantini, or an accessory nipple are exciting for a learner who has never seen these things. Further, review of a good normal exam can be valuable from time to time.
More routine cases provide a good opportunity to strengthen observation skills.
Teaching and learning can occur in any encounter. With modern medicine, we have become less reliant on our physical exam skills, and, as a result, they are less finely honed. Bedside teaching is an opportunity for the preceptor to focus more energy on these clinical skills. It may require some brushing up, so start small. Select an area of interest and read a little.