The Clinical Record in Medicine Part 1: Learning from Cases
Authors: Stanley J. Reiser
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1991)

History of Medicine15 May 1991The Clinical Record in Medicine Part 1: Learning from CasesStanley J. Reiser, MD, PhDStanley J. Reiser, MD, PhDAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-114-10-902 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptThe clinical case record freezes in time that episode in life called illness. It is a story in which patient and family are the main characters, with the doctor serving a dual purpose as both biographer and part of the plot. The content of this biography varies greatly, reflecting its many purposes: to recall observations, to inform others, to instruct students, to gain knowledge, to monitor performance, and to justify interventions. In this essay, I discuss how clinical cases have shaped and reflected learning and action in medicine and how the document in which these cases are inscribed—the clinical record—has...References1. 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Google Scholar8. Cannon W. The case method of teaching systematic medicine. Boston Medical and Surgical Journal. 1900; 142:32. Google Scholar9. Painter F. Extending the influence of a hospital. The Modern Hospital. 1918;2:356. Google Scholar10. Washburn F. The Massachusetts General Hospital: Its Development. 1900-1935. Boston: Houghton, Mifflin; 1939:117. CrossrefGoogle Scholar This content is PDF only. To continue reading please click on the PDF icon. Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: A version of this essay was presented at a symposium, "The Medical Journal: Past, Present, and Future," held in honor of Edward J. Huth, Editor of Annals of Internal Medicine, on 14 September 1989. Dr. Huth retired as Editor on 30 June 1990. The papers from the symposium will be published in a Festschrift in his honor.*The second part of the article focuses on twentieth century improvements in the content and purpose of the case record. It will appear in the 1 June 1991 issue. 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