ABSTRACT
As a communicative act, the interview is a cornerstone of health and medicine. Anyone who has received or provided healthcare has participated in conversations during which important information is exchanged between patient and health professional. Part art, part clinical science, a skillful medical interview reflects the collaboration that is essential to a successful therapeutic relationship, and underscores the fundamental humanity of health and illness (Lichstein, 1990). Clinicians recognize that learning a patient’s history is frequently more valuable than physical examinations or “objective” laboratory tests alone (Rich, Crowson, & Harris, 1987). Healing is greatly aided by drawing out and listening to patients’ concerns.
