Stanford Medicine 25

03/06/2026

Teaching the bedside ultrasound (POCUS) to the next generation of internists has the potential to standardize its use while bringing the internist back to the bedside.

While this tool is not a replacement for sonographic studies performed by radiologists or cardiologists, it can answer specific questions in real time.

In this guide, we review some basic aspects of the bedside exam and the ultrasound machines used: https://stan.md/4d1cwLI

03/04/2026

Bedside encounters should build trust, not check boxes. Fifty-six percent of doctors spend 16 minutes or less with patients.

"Twenty-first century physicians do a really good job of learning about medicine but fall short about learning about human understanding," says co-president of the Society of Bedside Medicine Stephen Russell. "The bedside is important because it brings doctors, patients and learners into one space at one time."

Starting with thoughtful observations and active listening before conducting a physical exam can go a long way toward building trust with patients.

Discover how to reclaim the art of bedside medicine and transform routine exams into meaningful clinical connections.

02/27/2026

The Ankle Brachial Index (ABI Test) is an important way to diagnose peripheral vascular disease and is a measure of ankle pressure divided by the pressure at the arm. The test is performed with a simple handheld Doppler and a blood pressure cuff, taking measurements at the ankle and arm.

Watch the demo here: https://bit.ly/4rB9p1z

02/27/2026

Visit https://stan.md/46ZQwfF for more Stanford Medicine 25 resources on the aortic exam, which include:

- An overview
- Tips for inspection and palpation
- Guidance on auscultation
- Other clinical exam findings
- Signs of heart failure
- Other causes of aortic regurgitation
- Evidence-based medicine insights
- Differential diagnoses

02/26/2026

Stanford Medicine 25 Team Spotlight: Andrew Elder

Andrew Elder was educated at The University of Edinburgh and has held a number of positions in undergraduate and postgraduate medical teaching and assessment at local and national levels.

Previously Chair of the Clinical Examining Board for the MRCP (UH) PACES examination, the largest international postgraduate clinical skills assessment in the world, he has personally taught or assessed bedside clinical skills in 20 countries.

He is an advocate for the need to ensure that the core bedside skills of communication, physical examination and clinical judgment remain central to the education and training of young doctors.

Since 2013, Elder has been part of the Stanford Medicine 25 Bedside Medicine Program and was the Shenson Visiting Professor in 2015.

02/25/2026

"There's more to what we do at the bedside than make a diagnosis," the Northwestern Center for Bedside Medicine's Brian Garibaldi says. "There is power in the touch and the time we spend with patients. And that's something we can drive to change with assessment."

Garibaldi's team created an app that pulls data from electronic health records to suggest a differential diagnosis based on the patient's information and available data. The app suggests diagnostic skills the trainee can use at the bedside to narrow the diagnosis.

Read more on how physical exams can be improved with strategic use of AI in American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS):

Artificial intelligence (AI) is getting better at assessing clinical skills and maybe even augmenting competence, but when it comes to bedside encounters, it may not be the answer, according to plenary speakers for the Lois Margaret Nora Endowed Lecture at ABMS Conference 2025.

02/23/2026

In recognition of , we're taking a closer look at precordial movements, which correlate with heart abnormalities, such as hypertrophic heart disease.

Here, we review the proper technique for observing and palpating the precordial movement: https://stanford.io/4621ZvH

This guide also covers the apex cardiogram, the point of maximal impulse, a video on the double impulse and some clinical wisdom.

02/12/2026

Aortic regurgitation is one of the most common heart valve diseases.

A proper physical exam plays a key role in diagnosing aortic regurgitation and also identifying causes and possible complications, like heart failure.

Visit https://stan.md/46ZQwfF to see an outline of correct, evidence-based technique and a list of common differential diagnoses.

02/03/2026

"Healing often involves far more than physiology or pathology alone," says Cantus Medici musical group founder Madison Hansen says. Music is a form of healing that extends beyond traditional medicine. The Cantus Medici group at the University of Mississippi Medical Center unites music, medicine and neuroscience.

Visit https://bit.ly/3ZAp44P for more on the power of empathy and song in medicine.

When words and medicine sometime fall short, a student-led choir uses music to heal.

01/22/2026

Along with Northwestern Center for Bedside Medicine, Stanford Medicine 25 is one of a few programs in the country that provides real-time assessment and feedback to clinicians during patient exams.

"The individuals who have better physical exam technique are much more likely to identify the findings that are present," says Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine's Brian Garibaldi.

Northwestern Medicine is reimagining the art and science of bedside care. In this episode, Brian Garibaldi, MD, the founding director of Northwestern Medicin...

01/13/2026

The thyroid exam is often the first step in diagnosing conditions like Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and goiters.

It's critical to inspect and palpate use finger pads, not tips, to feel for the isthmus and lobes. Once the landmarks are detected, ask the patient to swallow, ideally with water, and look for symmetry.

As most thyroids are small (15–20g), it's key to keep fingers close to the midline for accurate detection during the examination.

Learn more: https://stan.md/45N55mW

01/08/2026

During a plenary session at the Northwestern Center for Bedside Medicine First Annual Conference in Bedside Medicine, Stanford Medicine 25's Andrew Elder, president of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, guided participants through his doctor's bag, pulling out items that are crucial to delivering comprehensive bedside skills and high-quality care for patients.

In addition to his medical tools, he emphasizes the importance of a smart phone, to stay current on research and the industry, and a watch, for accurate time keeping. The most simple item of all? A blank name badge, set as a reminder to introduce yourself, explain who you are and what your job is to each patient you encounter. It's also a reminder to personalize the patient and get to know them.

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During a plenary session at the First Annual Conference in Bedside Medicine, hosted by Northwestern Medicine and Brian T. Garibaldi, MD, Director of the Northwestern Center for Bedside Medicine, Andrew Elder, MBChB, president of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, guided participants throu...