Emory Special Diagnostic Services (ESDS) is a clinic dedicated to evaluating patients with undiagnosed symptoms and/or illnesses. Meet Drew Crenshaw, who came to the clinic after multiple visits to doctors and health care facilities in several states, experiencing debilitating ankle pain. After spending five days in Emory University Hospital, hospitalists and consultant physicians associated with ESDS determined Crenshaw had a severe case of gout, , a condition often characterized by recurrent attacks of severe inflammatory arthritis.

Led by medical director Clyde Partin, MD, ESDS takes the time to review and form a complete picture of the patient's condition. Working with experts within every specialty area at Emory, the ESDS physicians spearhead teams to evaluate and diagnose each patient's illness. While a definitive diagnosis is not always possible, the team will devote as much effort as is necessary in an attempt to determine the source of the problem.
 
"Our mission is to bring our best resources together to illuminate the patient's problem and where possible, provide a diagnosis to empower patients to manage their disease," says Partin, associate professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. "We believe this service will benefit many people who have been in trying to identify an unknown illness."

Almost six years from the time his's pain began, Crenshaw is pain-free and thriving. He returns to Emory Healthcare periodically for check-ups.  "I'm not sure where I would be today without the outstanding care from the Emory Special Diagnostic Services," he says. "They truly saved my life."