A method allowing for direct observation of intern and resident physicians while interviewing and examining patients was used in medical wards for the last 5 yr. A large number of errors in the performance of the medical examination by young physicians were noted and a classification of these errors into those of technique, omission, detection, interpretation and recording was made. An approach to detection and correction of each of these kinds of errors was presented, as well as a discussion of possible reasons for the occurrence of these errors in physician performance.