Some Aspects of Medical Diagnosis

Abstract

Since mid July Steve Pauker, Jerome Kassirer, and I (Gerald Jay Sussman) have been observing the diagnostic process of expert physicians with the goal of abstracting the underlying procedures being followed. One purpose of this position paper is to summarize our preliminary conclusions. I will attempt to pinpoint those aspects of the process we feel we understand, and where we are confused or unsure. I will also attempt to indicate some possible theoretical underpinnings of our ideas. Finally, I will propose what I consider to be a coherent research protocol for the development of these ideas.