Although we probably already have enough "models of care" to last a lifetime, I think we would do well to focus on one simple abbreviation: ADTO, or Assessment-Diagnosis-Treatment-Outcome. This model could, quite simply, save millions if not billions of dollars for health care consumers. But before it can do so, it needs to become a foundation for researchers, clinicians, and patients alike.

Across the continuum of health care, our goal as clinicians should be reliability, consistency and reproducibility. There should be a scientific method-based foundation for health care. But even if we have this, patients need to also have it as their accepted community standard of care.

So what does ADTO mean to patients? And why is it important?

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The London Olympics are over. Big sigh. Are you having withdrawal symptoms? No more epic performances morning, noon, night, and late night. The world’s best reality TV show is now on hold for another two years.

I guess that means that it’s time to get back to the real world. Fortunately, college football will soon be upon us. Oh, and there is this little shindig called a presidential election just around the corner. I am sure that will provide us with plenty of rhubarb over the months ahead.

Time to dive right in to another episode of the Rhubarb Report.

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The phrase comes up regularly in patient care: "There is not one treatment approach that will work for all patients". This then leads to the inevitable perceived need for an "eclectic treatment approach".

Of course, the more "tools in your toolbox", the better a clinician you are believed to be. Ugh.

I hear this regularly in both clinical and educational settings. You know what? I disagree. Completely. There is one approach that applies to all patients. It is highly effective, and it is critical to clinical success.

It's name? Science - and more specifically, clinical reasoning and critical thinking.

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The London Olympics are now in the history books. For two weeks, we were exposed to some honest-to-goodness reality TV. The beauty and spectacle of the Olympics is built on the stories and athletic performances of each and every athlete, regardless of their home nation.

Out of all of the Olympics highlights, I present to you my top 20 moments in the London Olympics – with personal bias and in no particular order!

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