Symptom-based Case Studies on CD-ROM: Diagnostic Reasoning Series - Software Review

Journal of Family Practice, March, 1998 by Joseph J. Gallo

One potential limitation is that the software is expensive enough that a large variety of topics could not be covered without significant expense. Once the physician has been through a case and knows the diagnosis, the usefulness of the case is expended. Reviewing new diagnostic and therapeutic options may be an important component for experienced physicians, but this component of the program, unlike history-taking and physical examination, may become outdated quickly. It may be true that a textbook does not hold a physicians attention as well as a computer, but physicians can review a wider range of topics for CME or board examinations more inexpensively with a book. Even so, for the individual physician, $8 per CME credit seems worth the price.

More case studies will become available according to Novartis. Symptom-based Case Studies on CD-ROM represents a significant advance in continuing medical education. It would be a fantastic addition to the learning resources of a school or medical department, one that I wish had been available to me during training.

Joseph J. Gallo, MD, MPH Department of Mental Hygiene The Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland