The clinicopathologic conference

The clinicopathologic conference

“When I was a medical student, clinicopathologic conferences (CPC) were big events. A medical resident (called the presenter), presents an unknown case, giving the history, physical examination, and all relevant investigations, providing the results of those diagnostic tools. The presenter does not interpret the data; rather he allows the discussant to interpret those data. The discussant - a consultant faculty member of the department - discusses the case based on the presented history, physical findings, and diagnostic studies obtained. Differential diagnoses are put forward and narrowed; the discussant is expected to adhere on a measured, logical progression from a patient's presentation to a narrowed differential diagnoses rather than focusing on a final diagnosis but in the end, he makes a tentative diagnosis based on his discussion of the case before the final diagnosis is revealed. At the end of the discussion, the audience participates in a "question and answer" forum (usually 15 min). After discussion of the case, the presenter (medical resident) discusses how the diagnosis is confirmed and provides details regarding the case outcome. It is, therefore, very important that the case is presented with clarity”.

--------------------------Rachel Hajar