Is this a good finals case?

I feel like I am really getting into my groove as a clinical supervisor in Exeter on Thursdays. I have got through the honeymoon induction period and now some of the clinics are getting busier with treatment. The cohort of students I regularly mentor are really doing well and it is so satisfying to see. One question that regularly seems to come up from students is "Do you think this would be a good finals case?".

Now as I have not been a supervisor for years it is difficult for me to know for certain exactly which cases are likely to be best suited to presenting at finals. But my answer to this question from students is pretty much standardised now and it is this:


"Treat every single one of your patients as if you are going to be presenting them in your finals. The worst that can happen is that you have many possible cases to choose from."


There have been many times in my past when a certain treatment item has gone really well and I forgot to (or was too lazy to) take a pre-op photo and really regretted it. If you get into the habit of both taking photos and subsequently giving every patient the best of your abilities it can only lead to good things.