The Eyeball Test

An important facet of being a physician

Is having a keen power of observation

For the first time when a patient we meet

A quick, almost subconscious scan we complete

This “eyeball test” as it is known

Remains in the evaluation of a patient, a cornerstone

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Of course, a doctor’s eyeball test

In their field of expertise works best

The correlation between measures objective

And the visual impression subjective

Grows stronger as one in experience grows

The eye tells the physician what the mind already knows

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I am aware that the eyeball test carries subjectivity

And therefore from bias it cannot be free

Therefore, it must not be used in isolation

But integrated with objective data for individualized recommendation

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To me the eyeball test represents

Of the art of practicing medicine, a perfect instance

It illustrates what we humans do best

I doubt AI can be as good at the eyeball test