Teaching and Learning by Example.

Those of us who interact with students, residents, and fellows must make a greater effort to teach at the bedside. That is where the action is. Students and trainees learn the most by example. Watching seasoned colleagues is not only how they learn physical diagnosis and procedural skills, but also how to approach a patient with respect and caring. It is where they learn empathy. Thus, we must be good role models. If our students and trainees learn by example, we must teach by example. That is why the American College of Physicians position paper on the hidden curriculum is vitally important (1). The following fictional narrative, written from the perspective of a student fresh from an inspiring clinical rotation, illustrates how teaching by example might work.