Introduction to medical skills

What is Clinical Science?

The study and application of science to patient care, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

How does Clinical Science differ from Basic Science?

Basic science focuses on fundamental biological mechanisms (e.g., cellular pathways), while clinical science focuses on direct patient application, diagnosis, and treatment.

What is Translational Medicine?

The process of how scientific discoveries travel from the laboratory bench to the bedside.

What are the three core components of Clinical Skills?

1. Communication, 2. Physical Examination, 3. Procedures.

What is the most powerful diagnostic tool ever invented?

Taking a medical history (communication).

What are the four core steps of Physical Examination?

Inspection (look), Palpation (feel), Percussion (tap), and Auscultation (listen).

What does Inspection involve in physical examination?

Looking at posture, skin, breathing pattern, and distress.

What does Palpation involve in physical examination?

Feeling pulses, tenderness, masses, and temperature.

What does Percussion involve in physical examination?

Tapping to determine if there is air, fluid, or solid tissue beneath your fingers.

What does Auscultation involve in physical examination?

Listening to heart, lungs, and bowel sounds (typically using a stethoscope).

What components make up every procedural skill?

Indications, contraindications, materials, steps, and complications.

What is the learning progression for procedural skills?

Watch -> Practice on models -> Get feedback -> Repeat.

What is Clinical Reasoning?

The thinking skill of turning history, examination, and test results into a diagnosis and management plan.

What is Miller’s Pyramid of Competence from base to peak?

Knows -> Knows How -> Shows How -> Does.

In Miller's Pyramid, what does "Knows" represent?

Recalling facts (basic sciences).

In Miller's Pyramid, what does "Knows How" represent?

Applying knowledge to a case.

In Miller's Pyramid, what does "Shows How" represent?

Demonstrating a skill in a simulation or OSCE (Skills Lab).

In Miller's Pyramid, what does "Does" represent?

Performing safely in real clinical practice.

What does the acronym ICEC stand for in patient interactions?

I - Introduce, C - Confirm (identity), E - Explain, C - Consent.

What is the Latin phrase for "First, do no harm"?

Primum non nocere.

What are your primary defenses against systemic medical errors?

Hand hygiene, checklists, ICEC, and speaking up.

What is considered the real professional failure regarding medical errors?

Hiding an error (error itself is human).

What color coat is mandatory in the clinical skills lab?

White coat.

What is the duration of the WHO Hand Hygiene technique with soap and water?

40-60 seconds.

What are the two main lessons medicine learned from aviation regarding checklists?

1. Complex skills fail on forgotten simple steps (not ignorance). 2. Checklists turn complex procedures into observable, testable, and repeatable steps.

What is Deliberate Practice?

Focused repetition on the hardest steps, pushing just beyond your comfort zone.

What is the Mastery Target for clinical skills?

Performing the skill safely, smoothly, and accurately without looking at the booklet.

What are the Phase I clinical skills listed for this year?

Hand hygiene, Gloving techniques, Heimlich maneuver, Splinting techniques, Intramuscular (IM) injection, Basic life support, and Physical examination methods.