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SAMPLE MISTAKE

Mistake # 82 - Oral case presentation is read

Students often wonder if it is permissible to use notes when giving their oral case presentations. This is a question that is best answered by the attending physician since preferences regarding the use of notes vary from one attending physician to another. In general, early in the rotation, greater reliance on notes is acceptable since unfamiliarity and discomfort with the oral case presentation is likely. As the comfort level increases, students become less reliant on their notes. Of course, when reporting medication dosages and laboratory data, it is necessary to refer to your notes so that the proper numbers and values are conveyed.

Lesser reliance on notes allows you to maintain eye contact with your listeners, which helps keep your audience interested in what you are saying. It also conveys to the attending physician that you have a firm grasp on your patient's clinical presentation and medical problems. If you are able to deliver polished oral case presentations without using too many notes, your efforts will be rewarded on your clerkship evaluation form.

Success tip #53

Attending physicians are impressed with students who are able to deliver oral case presentations with a paucity of notes. The less notes you use, the better you will be regarded. It shows your listeners that you have command over the information.