"Historian" is a term used by medical professionals (particularly doctors and nurses) to describe a patient's ability to recall their past medical history and the medical history of their family. It is usually prefixed by an adjective.

For example:

• "Vague historian" refers to a patient who provides a vague or superficial medical history.
• "Excellent historian" refers to a patient who provides a substantive medical history.

The term often confuses patients and relatives as well as newly qualified professionals, due to its association with the subject of History.

See also

• Medical history

Medical terms