We will explore the medical diagnostic interview to discover how doctors expand the characteristics of a chief complaint such as chest pain, back pain, abdominal pain, and numbness to elucidate the present illness and formulate a preliminary diagnosis. We will use role playing involving class members to explore the patient complaint played by the moderator. Discussion of our diagnosis for each complaint will be augmented by visual slides to better understand the physiology, anatomy, and pathology in play for each case.

Moderator: Donald Nunlist-Young practiced family medicine (general practice) here in Cincinnati for 50 years. He emphasized understanding each patient’s emotional as well as physical condition. He was the first medical director of the U C Family Medicine Residency Program. He has taught medical students and residents interview techniques, believing that the interview is key to making a diagnosis.