The article by Drs Silk and McTigue on the physical examination in obese patients1 did not discuss the use of portable, handheld ultrasound as an adjunct. Small, portable, handheld ultrasound units are now available. In 1988, Filly,2 in an editorial, called ultrasound the stethoscope of the future but was concerned about its use in untrained hands. In 2002, Dodd3 encouraged teaching the technique of ultrasound usage to medical students beginning in the gross anatomy laboratory and ending in ward rounds and senior electives. In 2003, Greenbaum4 projected that in the near future "medical students will also be buying a 'sonoscope'" in addition to a stethoscope. He envisioned the sonoscope as enhancing the physical examination of all patients.
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