“By the way, Doc, why am I tired, what’s this lump and how do I get rid of my headaches?”

Every patient encounter is a potential deadly disease, disastrous outcome or even a malpractice suit. As doctors, we need to have our wits about us, as we continually are asked to sort the wheat from the chaff when patients unload their concerns — big and small — on us during our 15-minute visits.