Case Write-ups
In most of your postings, you will be required to write a case-write-up which a basically a written form of a long case. The format (not strictly conformed to mine) should basically have the following components.
1) The Patient’s Biodata
2) Clinical History of the Patient (Presenting Complaint, History of Presenting Complaint, Medical History…etc)
3) Physical Examination
4) Summary of Clinical History and Physical Examination + Provisional and Differential Diagnosis (usually 3 will suffice)
5) Discussion *
6) Investigation **
7) Management ***
8) Your name and Matrix number. =D
* For Discussion, it can either be a diagnostic discussion (i.e. if the signs are complicated and multiple, how did you arrive to this diagnosis in 4) or a management discussion (the various issues to consider when caring for this patient.
** For investigations, one of my CG mates had this rather good system where in her case write-ups; she had this section “Investigations I would perform”. Here, she listed down the types of investigations she wanted to carry out and the reason for doing that. Then under investigations, she would then put down the investigations that were done on the patient, their results and her interpretation of the results.
*** Regardless whether it is for investigation or management of the patient, doctors usually love students who take time to CATEGORIZE these 2 sections. Divide your investigation into general and specific and for management, divide it into general management, pharmacological/pharmaceutical management and surgical intervention. Of course, if you’re currently doing medicine postings then place your emphasis on drug management.
Index Overview of M3 Basics General Hospital Layout General pointers in clinical work
Main Objectives of the various postings Books Case Write-ups Presentations
On-line resources General Tips for Exams Ethics