OUTPATIENT MEDICINE: HOW TO CONDUCT COMMON CONSULTATIONS

Abstract

The outpatient setting represents one of the most important foundations of medical practice, representing many patients' first contact with the healthcare system. The ability to conduct consultations safely, empathetically, and effectively is essential for both newly graduated physicians and students preparing for clinical practice. In this context, understanding the fundamentals of outpatient medicine is an indispensable step toward building ethical, humane, and technically sound practice.
The eBook "Outpatient Medicine: How to Conduct Common Consultations," led by Dr. Beatriz Lemos Baptistela, a physician and graduate of Faculdade Atenas – Passos Campus (MG), was created to provide a clear, objective, and applied overview of the main clinical situations faced in the daily routine of offices and outpatient clinics. The book is structured into four chapters that complement each other and reflect the general practitioner's educational journey, from the initial approach to the appropriate referral of cases requiring specialized follow-up. Chapter 1 – The Outpatient Consultation: First Steps – presents the fundamentals of medical history taking, physical examination, and the doctor-patient relationship, aspects that underpin all clinical practice. Chapter 2 – Most Common Chronic Diseases – addresses prevalent conditions in the outpatient setting, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia, highlighting evidence-based approaches and updated protocols. Chapter 3 – Common Complaints in the Office – explores the symptoms most frequently reported by patients, guiding clinical reasoning and the main diagnostic hypotheses. Finally, Chapter 4 – Best Practices and Referrals – discusses the importance of continuity of care, adequate documentation of procedures, and responsible referrals, reinforcing the importance of interdisciplinarity and effective communication among healthcare professionals.
Thus, this book reinforces the commitment to solid, ethical medical training focused on excellence in care, contributing to the technical and personal development of future healthcare professionals.

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