Interactive clinical reasoning modules for medical training: MD, DO, PA, NP, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, exercise science, and pharmacy

Bates’ Visual Guide to Physical Examination® delivers videos featuring step-by-step, head-to-toe, and systems-based physical examination techniques, as well as interactive OSCE clinical reasoning modules and new communication and interpersonal skills videos.

What makes Bates' examination techniques special for your institution?

  • Served as the "gold standard" for a step-by-step guide on how to do physical examinations for over 50 years
  • Vividly recreates live patient encounters through demonstrations of step-by-step physical examination techniques
  • Enables users to move seamlessly between videos and feedback with peers and instructors
Trusted content
Based on the Bates’ Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking guidebook.
On-demand, step-by-step instruction
Strengthens clinical reasoning for patient encounters.
Exam prep for students
Sharpens patient assessment skills for USMLE, OSCEs, and more.
Standardize instruction across your institution
Links to course materials and integrates with Learning Management System (LMS) platforms.

Bates' Visual Guide now offers more valuable content, providing enhanced learning experiences with updated and new video content, a more intuitive presentation, and better representation of diverse patient populations.

Bates' Visual Guide to Physical Examination product image showing medical provider performing a pathology exam
Pathology and special maneuvers videos for all the regional exams
Provides faculty with greater flexibility in customizing learning experiences and enhancing clinical skill education, Bates' Visual Guide to Physical Examination organizes each regional examination consistently and logically. It includes new sections on Pathology and Special Maneuvers, enriched with comprehensive videos and focused content on abnormal findings and key examination techniques. 
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Bates' Visual Guide to Physical Examination product image showing medical provider performing a pregnant abdomen exam
Pregnant abdomen videos
To offer more physical exam demonstrations for a wider variety of patient types, Bates' Visual Guide to Physical Examination now includes new pregnant abdomen videos for educators. These videos showcase the correct techniques for conducting abdominal exams during pregnancy, including Fundal Measurement and Leopold Maneuvers.
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How to Assess the Triceps Reflex | Bates Visual Guide to Physical Examination
How to Assess the Triceps Reflex
How to assess the triceps reflex
How to Assess for a Knee Effusion | Bates Visual Guide to Physical Examination
Active listening
How to assess for a knee effusion
How to Assess Color Vision | Bates Visual Guide to Physical Examination
Active listening
How to assess color vision
Measuring Brachial Index | Bates Visual Guide to Physical Examination
Measuring Brachial Index
Measuring brachial index

Bates' Visual Guide is the gold standard for medical education institutions

  • Nova Southeastern University

  • Florida State University College of Medicine
In addition to providing useful clinical and physical exam videos, Bates’ Visual Guide also provides the Communication and Interpersonal Skills series, which gives instruction on how to interact with patients of all kinds…This resource supports Belonging, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion with topics such as using patients’ preferred gender pronouns, interacting with LGBTQ+ patients, elderly patients, etc.
Chloe Hough, Librarian
Nova Southeastern University
The videos in Bates’ Guide to Physical Examination provide a primer for Florida State University College of Medicine students to prepare for physical examinations of patients in both simulated and clinical environments…Students can review exam procedures for patients across the life course, from infants to older adults, and build on the foundational knowledge that Bates’ provides as they refine their physical examination skills in clerkships and clinical practice.
Martin Wood, MSLIS, AHIP
Director, Charlotte Edwards Maguire Medical Library Florida State University College of Medicine
  • Why Choose Bates’ Visual Guide to Physical Examination?
  • Ideal for Institutions & Clinical Training
  • Prepare for Board & OSCE Exams
  • Enhances learning: Hours of narrated, closed-captioned videos support teaching and clinical training
  • Prepares students: Strengthens clinical reasoning for patient encounters, board exams, and OSCEs
  • On-demand access: Enables independent study, frequent review, and self-assessment
  • Clinician resource: Helps nurses, physicians, PAs, and therapists refine examination techniques
  • Seamless integration: Links directly to library catalogs, syllabi, and LMS platforms; includes downloadable transcripts
  • Integrated learning: Works with Ovid® and other resources for easy navigation
  • Interactive teaching: Encourages feedback and engagement between instructors and students
  • Curriculum-ready: Supports institutional learning objectives with LMS compatibility
  • Exam readiness: Focuses on patient assessment skills required for USMLE, OSCEs, and other boards
  • Active learning: Boosts engagement, retention, and clinical reasoning with flexible, remote access

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Bates' Visual Guide to Physical Examination sample content library and resources

Bates Visual Guide to Physical Examination Attentive Listening
Active listening
Image of doctor and patient talking
Non-stigmatizing language
Bates Visual Guide to Physical Examination Guided Questions
Guided questioning
Download the latest fact sheet
Prepare students and new clinicians for successful patient encounters. 
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