The physical examination of the head and neck is both simple and challenging. Simple, in that even children are familiar with the shape of the face, the sheen of the eye, the curve of the ear, and the texture of the tongue. Challenging, because when complicated, interlacing structures malfunction, they send mixed and subtle messages.

Last month, over 200 second-year medical students descended on the ENT clinic for an afternoon. We supplied lights, ear specula and tongue depressors. They supplied the energy and curiosity as they practiced peeking in each other’s ears and throats. Some brought along their brand new $400 otoscopes. Most will never spend another minute working with me or my colleagues to learn the head and neck examination.

Is the physical exam even important anymore?

Read more: http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/03/physical-exam-head-neck-simple-challenging.html