The lost art of the history and physical.

The important contribution of the history and physical in making a correct medical diagnosis has been known for centuries. Despite this, these skills are being undermined by technology that many physicians mistakenly believe to be the new gold standard. The authors report 2 cases in which the history and physical trumped technology in making the correct diagnosis. Medical educators need to reemphasize the importance of the history and physical. This will require changes in curriculum and intense faculty development.