Tips for Presenting a Clinical Pathologic Case (CPC)

Structure your talk A PowerPoint presentation is a usual method of delivering a CPC. Most presentations range from 5 minutes to 45 minutes. Although the headings can vary, here's an example presentation structure that I use.

-Title page: List the title, authors, and include a logo of the institution you're affiliated with
-Literature findings: Throw light on the questions that are already addressed, and identify the gaps that remain

-Include the chief complaint, the history of present illness, past medical and surgical histories, social history, and medications. Provide the vital signs and physical examination at an appropriate level of detail. If diagnostic studies were obtained, present the results. Do not interpret data. Summarize the findings, and the management of your case in tables or drawings, as they are easier to interpret than written results

-"Thank You" Slide

-Conclude the case presentation and offer the floor to the audience
Overall, limiting the amount of text on a slide makes the presentation easier for the audience to follow. Being able to talk about your presentation without having to read straight off the slide shows that you're well-acquainted with the topic. Cases are discussed with their salient features and measured consideration of the differential diagnosis, if any. Importantly, images and diagrams are a great way to keep the audience engaged. You've to make it as visual and interactive as possible. Practice, Practice, Practice Practicing in front of a mirror or with friends can help work out the kinks. Also work with someone who can identify the loops and provide a higher level of feedback.

Be prepared for questions During the presentation, it's important to keep an eye on the time to make sure you fit within the allotted timeframe, while leaving room for questions. It is guaranteed that either the moderator of the session or anyone from the audience will ask you at least one question at the end or even during your presentation. Try digging out your moderator's favorite genre of questions beforehand. That being said, not every question has an answer - it's okay to say you don't know or that you hadn't considered that point before. Here's a template. Presented is a case of CAP in the ICU. The empiric treatment's pretty much along the same lines, except that the B-lactams have changed from oral to IV. Like all pneumonias, the diagnosis is based on the appropriate constellation of signs and symptoms. On examination, she was febrile, cold to touch, saturating 84% on room air, and overall she looked septic. Blood and sputum cultures are sent for any patient with CAP sick enough to be admitted to the hospital, especially the ICU.
In addition to aggressive resuscitation, prompt initiation of appropriate antibiotics is required. Antimicrobial therapy is often empiric for the entire course of treatment to target the most likely pathogens, current resistance rates, and where known, recent antibiotic use. The key pathogens to consider include Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, gram negatives such as E coli and Klebsiella, and in the ICU, atypicals such as Legionella. MRSA or Pseudomonas could be considered in patient with known risk factors or recent colonization. During the flu season, consider adding oseltamivir. Then, when a pathogen is identified, tailor therapy according to culture and sensitivity results. Regardless, 7 days of therapy for patients with CAP, even those in the ICU, is sufficient, unless there are complications like bacteremia or meningitis.