Stanford Medicine 25

11/14/2025

This week, we're pleased to attend the Northwestern Center for Bedside Medicine's Conference for Bedside Medicine! Our clinicians will participate in hands-on physical exams, observation exercises, communication sessions and a keynote presentation by our own Abraham Verghese!

The Center for Bedside Medicine, in association with the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and the Society of Bedside Medicine, is proud to host the First Annual Conference in Bedside Medicine. The conference is on November 14 - 15, 2025 in Chicago, IL. Conference attendees receive a free 1...

11/12/2025

The first step of the shoulder exam is a general inspection, looking for musculoskeletal abnormalities and any associated functional deficits. Then, specialized tests are used to uncover any lesions of the muscular or ligamentous structures of the joint.

See Stanford Medicine 25's detailed guide, which includes tips for studying the cervical spine, range of motion, forward flexions, abduction, adduction, rotation and more: https://stanford.io/2XF5MKI

11/10/2025

Severe liver disease causing cirrhosis increases portal hypertension, leading to flow backup through the liver. This can cause abdominal fluid (ascites) and distinct venous patterns on the abdomen that vary by diagnosis.

In this Stanford Medicine 25 guide to ascites and venous patterns, we break down how to:
➡️ Test for shifting dullness
➡️ Test for a fluid wave
➡️ Describe abdominal venous patterns.

Read it here: https://stan.md/4qM8NpV

10/31/2025

Complaints of knee pain are common, and the knee physical exam plays an important role in both determining the cause of the discomfort and whether further imaging studies are needed. Check out Stanford Medicine 25's guide, which includes a checklist and video demo. https://stan.md/46dYMs1

Clinical pearl: As our featured expert Mark Genovese says, "If a careful exam does not elicit significant pain or laxity, imaging studies are extremely unlikely to provider further useful information."

10/28/2025

Aortic regurgitation is one of the most commonly encountered heart valve diseases, both in the inpatient and outpatient settings.

When performed properly, the related physical exam can not only allow us to make a diagnosis of aortic regurgitation but can also help determine its specific causes and the presence of complications, including systolic and diastolic heart failure.

In this guide, we describe the correct technique and evidence-based medicine for the different parts of the exam for aortic regurgitation, followed by the most common differential diagnoses:
https://stan.md/46ZQwfF

10/24/2025

In recognition of October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're highlighting clinical tips and techniques for the breast exam. It's critical to know the correct technique for the breast exam to better discriminate between benign and possible malignant lesions.

This Stanford Medicine 25 guide reviews inspection, palpation and the lymph node exam: https://stan.md/42z1BD4

10/03/2025

"The lesson didn't have to be that tears were a source of shame," writes Stanford Department of Medicine's Shireen Heidari in a piece for Chest Journal. "Our humanity was part of what drew us to train to be healers in the first place. That day, a family trusted our recommendation because of it."

Her article, "Permission to Cry," focuses on harnessing the power of emotions to connect with patients:

I was standing by the service elevators when I finally burst into tears. It was Saturday morning, and I had been at the hospital before the sun. Rounds had taken almost 5 hours. I remember standing outside the last patient’s room fidgeting with the edge of my plastic badge, relieved that I had sur...

09/25/2025

Consider beginning all physical exams by reaching for your patient's right hand with both of yours! Inspect it and then move to the radial pulse. This is a nice way to ease into an exam — you're beginning with the equivalent of a handshake!

Examining the hand can also lead to a number of important diagnoses, such as liver disease, kidney disease and more.

See our approach to the hand exam here: https://stanford.io/2W0rLgO

09/23/2025

Check out our quick tip sheet on the knee physical exam, which can provide valuable information that helps determine if imaging studies may be helpful.

More on the knee exam: https://stan.md/46dYMs1

09/18/2025

In observance of , we're taking a closer look at the re**al physical exam, which helps identify causes of re**al bleeding or signs of cancer.

Visit https://stanford.io/4e81J06 to see our guide to the exam, which includes:

-Re**al exam technique
-Suggested patient positioning
-Tips for palpation and more

09/15/2025

In the new book "Masterclass in Medicine: Lessons from the Experts," National Academy of Medicine members, including Stanford Department of Medicine's Michelle Barry, offer insights on intangible skills related to patient care.

"At the most fundamental level, any physician can bring a nonjudgmental mindset, and deep sense of humility and empathy to every patient encounter," Barry says.

"By listening to patient stories and understanding their cultural contexts, doctors can use that knowledge to advocate for better, more comprehensive and compassionate care regardless of a patient's wealth or background."

Read more:

By Jamie Durana

09/05/2025

When I match conversation style, all of my patients tend to tell me that they appreciate the way I communicate with them," says George Washington University family medicine health policy research fellow Aerial Petty, DO.

Read more in this Medscape article on how Gen Z doctors connect with younger patients and what can be learned from their approach:

How Gen Z doctors engage with younger patients — and how you can too.