In this module we introduce the medical interview and review important background concepts. We describe the process of obtaining and communicating a complete history through integration of doctor-centered and patient-centered approaches to obtaining information, and then synthesizing the information into…
Medical education and the medical profession are stressful endeavors, with high rates of burnout and mental health problems, including substance abuse. We will be satisfied and effective clinicians only if we find healthy methods for coping with stress. We cannot…
Clinician patient encounters are therapeutic in and of themselves, independently of diagnostic and therapeutic activities of proven effectiveness. This module identifies the therapeutic elements of clinical encounters, so the learner can be intentional about maximizing these elements with patients. These…
Typical interventions used during the second stage of labor frequently impede oxygen delivery and increase risk to the patient, fetus, and practitioner. Underutilization of laboring down, open-glottis breathing and upright positions by physicians is evident nationwide. This activity outlines the…
Informed Consent continues to be a source of medical error and medical malpractice claims. Obtaining consent is sometimes delegated to someone other than the physician performing the procedure; it is sometimes reduced to obtaining a signature on a piece of…
Physicians are under more stress than ever before, much of it due to factors beyond their control. Laurie Drill-Mellum, an emergency medicine physician describes the forces bearing down on physicians, including litigation stress, and presents techniques for actively managing the…
Recent large-scale surveys of physicians show high numbers of respondents endorsing statements of stress and burnout. This video presentation by an emergency medicine physician examines the quantifiable effects of physician stress on the physician’s physiology and on the patient’s quality…
Physicians considering working with a Nurse Practitioner often ask, “What is a Collaborative Practice Agreement?”, “Will this increase my liability?” and “I’ve been asked to just sign off on the NP’s records; what do I do?” This monograph will answer…
The number of cardiothoracic (CT) surgeons is declining, and there is a projected shortage by 2035. At the same time, CT surgery continues to be a high-risk specialty for those practicing it. This activity looks at trends in CT surgery…
Patient selection is an important issue, especially in cosmetic plastic surgery. Sound patient selection criteria and screening measures can help reduce the risk of claims related to unexpected outcomes and patient dissatisfaction. This monograph focuses on several special risk issues…
© 2026
American Board of Medical Specialties | Policies | Sitemap | Terms of Use | www.abms.org
