Florian Stigler (MD, DrPH, MPH)

General Practitioner and PHC Researcher. Editor of Golden Nuggets. Chair of Global Forum on UHC & PHC. More in 'about'.

80% of Diagnosis is History Taking. Myth or Fact?

Most physicians accept that 80% of diagnosis is history taking, a statistic traced back to a 50-year-old BMJ study. Surprisingly, subsequent research confirms that medical history leads to the final diagnosis in roughly 76% to 79% of cases. Discover why listening to the patient remains the most effective technology in medicine.

80% of Diagnosis is History Taking. Myth or Fact? Read More »

The Landmark PSA Study is Back: Benefits are Real, but Worth the Harm?

The long-awaited 23-year results of the European Prostate Cancer Screening Study (ERSPC) are finally here. PSA screening saves about 2 lives per 1,000 men but leads to 27 extra diagnoses—highlighting the tough balance between benefit and harm. This update breaks down the numbers, explains why the debate continues, and offers practical tips for shared decision-making in 2025.

The Landmark PSA Study is Back: Benefits are Real, but Worth the Harm? Read More »

The 7 Habits of Great Family Doctors.

What makes a great family doctor? We asked 468 GPs from 48 countries to share their best professional advice. From truly listening to patients and nurturing collegial networks to lifelong learning and self-care — this global survey distilled their insights into seven transformative habits and a four-week challenge to help you integrate them into your daily practice.

The 7 Habits of Great Family Doctors. Read More »

Paracetamol in Pregnancy and Autism Risk: An Evidence-Based Update

Paracetamol has long been considered the safest pain and fever medication during pregnancy. Recently, questions have been raised about a possible link between prenatal paracetamol exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.
This article explores the key studies, public health recommendations, and clinical implications behind the ongoing paracetamol–autism debate.

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Vitamin C for Fatigue? A 90-Year-Old Myth & The Current Evidence

Is high‑dose vitamin C the answer to chronic fatigue? The 1930s marketing campaign that sparked this belief still shapes patient requests today. This post unpacks the myth’s origins, reviews the latest evidence—from colds and wound healing to ME/CFS and cancer—and closes with practical counseling tips for family physicians. Spoiler: the data remain thinner than you might expect.

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