This is critical advice for doctors today: “You’ve gotta like your patients”

Although I didn’t think much of the statement when I first heard it from my residency director, now, nearly twelve years later, I realize its value.  I learned so much during those three years.  I learned to prepare for success prior to every procedure I started to avoid clumsily searching for needed equipment mid-procedure.  I learned what an eternity of time I gained during an intubation if I could be calm and conscientious enough to pre-oxygenate the patient.  I learned how to adjust the angle of the spinal needle when it met bone during a lumbar puncture.  I learned a lot about how to give bad news (a skill I have not yet perfected).  I learned to guard against hubris because I saw it hurt people. Over the first decade of my career after residency, I have probably forgotten just as much as I learned.  I have forgotten how to interpret invasive cardiac monitoring numbers.  I have forgotten why IV calcium is a bad idea in the hyperkalemic patient on digitalis.  I have forgotten how exactly to handle a shoulder dystocia during a delivery.  I have forgotten the cutoff value between a positive and negative troponin (it does seem to change every month or so). One strikingly basic dictum, however, seems to whisper to me daily as I continue my journey in clinical medicine. “You’ve gotta like your patients.” Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Physician Emergency Source Type: blogs