The psychiatric secrets that harm physicians

I know your secrets. I keep secrets for a living. I know about the eye opener before your shift; the Adderall prescribed for your son that you take in the morning; the Xanax a colleague gave you for upcoming air travel that that you take at night; the near DUI that you got out of by showing your hospital badge, the letters “Dr.” prominent on the left side; your wife who tells white lies about why you can’t attend the retirement party of a colleague’s (“Patient emergency. He has to go to the hospital. I do know you understand.”); or why you didn’t show up for your last appointment with me (“He has the flu. That time of year, you know”). I haven’t met her, but she has called, leaving concerned voice messages about you. Without saying it directly, I already know her secrets too. I know the shame she feels in covering up for you. I know she has two persistent fears: the fear of leaving you and fear of staying with you. 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 Psychiatry Source Type: blogs