An article from the New England Journal of Medicine presents six practical strategies to enliven the clinical encounter at the patient's bedside.[1][2][4] The first strategy is to go to the bedside and observe the patient from the foot of the bed or the corridor, which reveals key clues to the patient's diagnosis, prognosis and personal circumstances, as in James Parkinson's description of Parkinson's disease.[1] The modern bed also includes telemedicine and home visits.[1] A second strategy is to create opportunities for intentional practice, where patient-centered education during round visits increases physician efficiency and satisfaction.[1][2] Preclinical students who participate in observed encounters with real and standardized patients have better clinical skills at the end of the third year.[1] A third strategy is to seek and provide feedback on clinical skills at the bedside, which in a context-specific way reassures the patient of the involvement of the entire team.[1][2] Other strategies include integrating technologies such as digital stethoscopes and ultrasound, recognizing the power of the appointment behind the diagnosis, and traditional morning round visits as the best opportunity for teaching.[2]