The young and the old doctor
A young doctor had moved out to a small community to replace a doctor who was retiring. The older gent suggested the young one accompany him on his rounds so the community could become used to a new doctor.
At the first house a woman complained, Ive been a little sick to my stomach.
The older doctor said, Well, youve probably been overdoing the fresh fruit. Why not cut back on the amount youve been eating and see if that does the trick?
As they left the younger man said, You didnt even examine that woman. Howd you come to your diagnosis so quickly?
I didnt have to. You noticed I dropped my stethoscope on the floor in there? When I bent over to pick it up, I noticed a half dozen banana peels in the trash. That was what was probably making her sick.
Huh, the younger doctor said, Pretty sneaky. I think Ill try that at the next house.
Arriving at the next house, they spent several minutes talking with an elderly woman. She complained that she just didnt have the energy she once did. Im feeling terribly run down lately.
Youve probably been doing too much work for the church, the younger doctor told her. Perhaps you should cut back a bit and see if that helps.
As they left, the elder doc said, Your diagnosis is almost certainly correct, but how did you arrive at it?
Well, just like you at the last house, I dropped my stethoscope. When I bent down to retrieve it, I noticed the preacher under the bed.