The Importance of a Good Case Presentation and Why Students Struggle with It

Abstract

Medical students often struggle with their oral case presentations, which tend to be disorganized, poorly edited, and lacking a clear argument for a diagnosis. Oral presentations are stressful, with frequent interruptions and a difficult tension between the competing pressures for focus and completeness. Oral presentation skills are poorly taught in most medical schools, and students learn by trial and error and gradual acculturation, which may take many weeks. A better understanding of the form and function of the oral presentation can help students to focus and streamline their presentations and create a robust assessment and plan. The purpose of this book is to explain and demystify the student case presentation and ease the difficult transition from the classroom to the hospital.