Monday, July 2, 2012

From Alain Borczuk: Diagnostic Patient Care, Not Just Diagnosis: "they don't pay us just for the easy cases"

Diagnostic Patient Care, Not Just Diagnosis

Alain C. BorczukMD

"When confronted with a difficult case, one of my mentors in pathology, Boyce Bennett, MD, would tell the residents that “they don't pay us just for the easy cases.” Our greatest challenge in delivering diagnostic patient care is providing the best clinical answer when a definite histopathologic diagnosis is not possible. While opinions may differ over such cases, the “right” answer must stand the true test—directed confirmation when possible, and ultimately treatment response to appropriate therapy. While some call this the “art” of pathology, it is a complex exercise of deductive reasoning in which our training and experience help us earn our keep."

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