Organization of the Oral Case Presentation

Abstract

Medical students often view the oral case presentation as a rigid, rule-based recitation of clinical data, while their teachers see it as a flexible form of communication that uses the data to construct a diagnosis and treatment plan. The history of present illness should include a clinical timeline, pertinent positives and negatives, and relevant elements of the past medical and surgical history, social history, and review of systems. The physical exam gives detailed descriptions of the important findings; laboratory and imaging results should focus on abnormal and pertinent normal results. The assessment includes a summary of the key findings, a broad differential diagnosis, and an argument for the leading diagnosis. The plan should cover major treatment issues and diagnostic strategies. The SOAPS Method (Story, Organization, Argument, Pertinence, and Speech) provides a useful guide to the qualities of an effective oral presentation.