The Connecticut Tutorials is an educational DVD to help physicians, medical students, and allied health workers learn additional bedside clinical examination skills. This extraordinary physical examination video provides excellent preparation for the USMLE Step II Clinical Skills Assessment (Step 2 CS).
The Connecticut Tutorials is divided into nine chapters taught by expert physicians. Each of the chapters listed below runs approximately 20 minutes duration.
Introduction
- Topics
- Educational goals
- Tools required
- Bedside manner
The educational goals behind the Connecticut Tutorials are explained. Professor Henry Schneiderman begins by showing us the basic instruments required to perform a general bedside examination.
Cardiology
- Topics
- Vital signs
- Ausculation
- Right atrial pressure
- PMI
Associate Professor Anthony LaSala demonstrates a classic cardiovascular examination. An extensive survey of the precordium and apical impulse is followed by careful ausculatory techniques. In addition, Dr. LaSala shares with us his unique method for evaluating jugular venous pressure.
Abdominal
- Topics
- Positioning
- Peripheral signs
- Quadrants
- Palpation/Percussion
Associate Professor John Polio shows us how to perform a thoughtful abdominal examination. We are taught the importance of general inspection and positioning of the patient. In addition, Dr. Polio reminds us that careful examination of the periphery can give important clues about abdominal pathology.
Emergency
- Topics
- The ABCs
- Trauma principles
- Cervical stabilization
- Primary survey
- Secondary survey
Assistant Professor Thomas Nowicki shows us how to efficiently evaluate a patient in the Emergency setting. Airway, Breathing and Circulation are covered as well as general trauma management skills.
Pulmonary
- Topics
- General inspection
- Extremities
- Fremitus
- Pulsus paradoxus
- Lung auscultation
- Peak flow
Assistant Professor John McArdle introduces us to basic and advanced maneuvers for evaluating the pulmonary system. Dr. McArdle takes us from the periphery and sinuses to the chest and lymph nodes. Demonstration of peak flow measurement is included.
HEENT
- Topics
- Fundi
- Otoscopic
- Oropharynx
- Lymph nodes
- Thyroid exam
Dr. Jason Lee, Allergy/Immunology faculty member demonstrates to us an effective technique for examining the head, eyes, ears, nose and throat. General features of allergic rhinitis and sinusitus are identified. In addition, proper skills for examining the thyroid and external landmarks are illustrated.
Neurology
- Topics
- Orientation
- Cranial Nerves
- Power/Sensory/Gait
Associate Professor Hilary Onyiuke, Chief of Neurosurgery demonstrates a formal neurological examination. We see how the initial patient encounter and greeting provides important information for the neurological evaluation.
Musculoskeletal
- Topics
- General inspection
- Wrist/Hands/Nails
- Elbow/Knees/Ankles
- Spine and Girdle
- Power and Gait
Professor Anne Parke demonstrates a thorough musculoskeletal exam including general inspection, active and passive movements and range of motion. Areas of common pathology are examined in depth and are suplemented with images of typical disease processes.
Integrative
- Topics
- Inspection/Positioning
- Systems integration
- Gait
Assistant Professor Lynn Kosowicz perfoms the ultimate task of integrating all subspecialty techniques into one complete examination. Each system is highlighted in a distinct yet holistic manner. Careful selection of salient maneuvers are highlighted to yield key information that one might employ in a generalist assessment. We are reminded that physical examination is usually focused or directed based on a careful history.
