Definition
noun
(medicine) The study and practice of medicine that is founded on the direct observation of patients
Supplement
Clinical medicine is a field of medicine that deals primarily with the practice and study of medicine based on the direct examination of the patient. This is in contrast to other science fields that focus more on the theoretical and basics of medical science. In clinical medicine, medical practitioners assess patients in order to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease.
They conduct medical interview, which includes the following: (1) chief complaint, (2) history of the complaint or illness(es), (3) hobbies, occupation, and other current activities, (4) medications taken in by the patient, including pharmacological drugs, home remedies, over-the-counter medication, and alternative remedies, (5) past medical history including previous hospitalizations, surgeries, injuries, diseases, vaccinations, allergies, etc., (6) social history such as birthplace, residence, etc., (7) family history, and systems inquiry, such as recent and abrupt changes in weight, sleep quality, fevers, etc.
Physical examination using diagnostic medical devices such as stethoscope, tongue depressor, thermometer, etc. is also carried out. Relevant medical tests may also be conducted, e.g. blood tests, biopsy, etc. From the information collected from the tests and interview, the physician prescribes treatments (e.g. pharmacological drug treatments) accordingly. The data collected are documented in the medical record.
