An Introduction to Medical Decision-Making: Practical Insights and Approaches

This volume presents novel concepts to help physicians and health care providers better understand the thought processes and approaches used in clinical decision-making and how we develop those skills as we transition from being a medical student to post-graduate trainee to independent practitioner. Approaches presented range from simple rules of thumb, pattern recognition, and heuristics, to more formulaic methods such as standard operating procedures, checklists, evidence-based medicine, mathematical modeling, and statistics. Ways to recognize and manage errors and how our decision-making can be improved, are also discussed.An Introduction to Medical Decision-Making presents several innovative techniques to allow the reader to use the principles presented and integrate the ethical, humanistic and social aspects of decision-making with the pragmatic and knowledge-based aspects of clinical medicine. It also highlights how our thinking processes, emotions, and biases affect decision-making. This invaluable resource will allow students and physicians to evaluate and critically discuss their decisions objectively to become more efficient and effective, and maximize the quality of care they provide.

About the Author

Jonathan S. Vordermark, II, MD, FACS, FAAP

Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico

USA

Virginia Military Institute, graduated 1970, BA, Medical College of Virginia, graduated 1974, MD.

Internship—Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX, (1974-1975). Residency (Urology)—Madigan Army Medical Center, Fort Lewis, Washington (9975-1979). Fellowship (Pediatric and Adult Plastic and Reconstructive Urological Surgery, The Institute of Urology, University of London, London, England (1982-1984).