The one job robots can never take away from doctors

Robots read EKGs. Computers interpret chest X-rays. Algorithms decide which treatment a patient gets. I asked myself this question this morning, “What job can I do as a doctor that cannot be done by a computer or a robot?” And one of the first things I said to myself was, “Comfort a human.” But I dwelt on this for a moment and found it’s not quite true. Because computers and robots can offer comfort to a human. They can react to our negative inputs or habits. Facebook does it everyday. But, at least not now in the early 21st century, humans, in general, don’t accept the comfort that these algorithms provide. Just as if I were feeling down or upset, I wouldn’t turn to an algorithm of “yes/no” or “if this, then that” responses. Humans don’t want a computer to calculate their risks or offer immediate solutions. Many humans simply desire another human, who they feel connected to, to hear them. To be with them. To care for them. Solutions can and must come later, for some already know what they must do to get better. But in the moment, humans need humans to be present and to care for them. 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: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Education Infectious Disease Medical school Primary Care Source Type: blogs