Zebra
Formal Definition
A rare diagnosis — from the medical school saying "when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras."
How It's Used on the Ward
"This is a zebra" — means an unusual, rare diagnosis. Often used in teaching.
Example
""The residents were so focused on the common causes of chest pain that they missed a pulmonary embolism — sometimes you have to think about zebras.""
Clinical Context
Classic teaching: common things are common. But zebras exist — the key is knowing when the workup for common causes is negative, then expanding the differential. Students who jump straight to zebras get PIMPed hard.
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