This is an important article! I especially appreciate your comment about uncertainty. You wrote: “I don’t know” shouldn’t be an admission of failure, but an invitation that opens doors for “tell me more” and “let’s learn,” so that curiosity and humility can become the cornerstones of our professional identities.
I wrote two articles titled "I Don't Know" about uncertainty; one about the benefits of uncertainty for patients and the other about the benefits of admitting uncertainty for physicians. And there is currently a series of podcasts from The Nocturnists (they also have a substack) about medical uncertainty. If you don't already listen or participate in this podcast, I think you'll enjoy it.
But like one of your other commenters, what happened with Katie? How was her pain resolved? What was her ultimate diagnosis?
But what happened to Katie? I feel like the ER doc was the 'bad' one in that situation because he didn't listen to her or try to alleviate/find the cause of her pain. I am very wary of doctors because so many don't listen....
Dr Zha, you are one of the "good" doctors. What I see is a doctor who listens. Reading you explanations, I see someone who slows down so instead of being reactive, your response is intentional. Those are characteristics that make for a better patient/caregiver relationship. Hence, a "good" doctor. Thank you.
I’m looking for a new MD as my trusted last provider has left her practice. Last week I saw a doc who didn’t address any of my concerns (one of which was that I’m already overwhelmed by specialists) but instead, the only thing she talked about was reducing the med I take for for neuralgia, and sending me to a pain clinic. Never mind and no thanks.
I have had primarily good experiences with doctors because if I have a bad experience I don't go back. So it's partly luck and partly intention - but I do see a change. As years go by, more and more medical practices are being bought up by private equity. If doctors don't have enough time for each patient I realize that it may not be their fault, they are in a difficult position
Thank you SO much for being you! Thank you so much for sharing your philosophy this way! It’s frequently said that medicine is a science and an art. I think that during my professional career (since the 1980s) healthcare has changed and has become less about the humanity of our patients. Your approach is a great example of how to integrate humanity back in.
I wondered if this was a ‘rural clinic vs. hospital’ thing. If you’re clinic, you can’t be up to snuff.
Medical protocol wasn’t my field. But I should think that the behaviour in question would be suitably answered by a hospital administrator reprimand geared to curtness rather than literary polish.
Thanks, a timely reminder. Sorry your patient got fobbed off. Is it possible to try and build a relationship directly with the neurosurgeons and other specialists in the local/referral hospitals? Sometimes if someone I know/trust contacts me directly, I'll let ED know to call me when the patient arrives and I'll do the assessment myself, saving the ED time and also making sure they're properly assessed (sorry, dumping on emergency here!)
This is an important article! I especially appreciate your comment about uncertainty. You wrote: “I don’t know” shouldn’t be an admission of failure, but an invitation that opens doors for “tell me more” and “let’s learn,” so that curiosity and humility can become the cornerstones of our professional identities.
I wrote two articles titled "I Don't Know" about uncertainty; one about the benefits of uncertainty for patients and the other about the benefits of admitting uncertainty for physicians. And there is currently a series of podcasts from The Nocturnists (they also have a substack) about medical uncertainty. If you don't already listen or participate in this podcast, I think you'll enjoy it.
But like one of your other commenters, what happened with Katie? How was her pain resolved? What was her ultimate diagnosis?
But what happened to Katie? I feel like the ER doc was the 'bad' one in that situation because he didn't listen to her or try to alleviate/find the cause of her pain. I am very wary of doctors because so many don't listen....
Dr Zha, you are one of the "good" doctors. What I see is a doctor who listens. Reading you explanations, I see someone who slows down so instead of being reactive, your response is intentional. Those are characteristics that make for a better patient/caregiver relationship. Hence, a "good" doctor. Thank you.
I’m looking for a new MD as my trusted last provider has left her practice. Last week I saw a doc who didn’t address any of my concerns (one of which was that I’m already overwhelmed by specialists) but instead, the only thing she talked about was reducing the med I take for for neuralgia, and sending me to a pain clinic. Never mind and no thanks.
I have had primarily good experiences with doctors because if I have a bad experience I don't go back. So it's partly luck and partly intention - but I do see a change. As years go by, more and more medical practices are being bought up by private equity. If doctors don't have enough time for each patient I realize that it may not be their fault, they are in a difficult position
Thank you SO much for being you! Thank you so much for sharing your philosophy this way! It’s frequently said that medicine is a science and an art. I think that during my professional career (since the 1980s) healthcare has changed and has become less about the humanity of our patients. Your approach is a great example of how to integrate humanity back in.
I wondered if this was a ‘rural clinic vs. hospital’ thing. If you’re clinic, you can’t be up to snuff.
Medical protocol wasn’t my field. But I should think that the behaviour in question would be suitably answered by a hospital administrator reprimand geared to curtness rather than literary polish.
Thanks, a timely reminder. Sorry your patient got fobbed off. Is it possible to try and build a relationship directly with the neurosurgeons and other specialists in the local/referral hospitals? Sometimes if someone I know/trust contacts me directly, I'll let ED know to call me when the patient arrives and I'll do the assessment myself, saving the ED time and also making sure they're properly assessed (sorry, dumping on emergency here!)
such a thoughtful piece. thank you.
Well said! I really enjoy your insights!
Bweg retired PA-C