Sometimes the most I can offer is to be present with people

I’m sitting in the ICU team room, staring at the computer, trying to look like I’m writing a note. But my head is pounding. As an internal-medicine resident doing my first month of residency, I’ve found the ICU of the bustling county hospital a jarring place to start my training. Although I’d anticipated the clinical challenge of caring for very ill ICU patients, I was unprepared for the emotional burden of having to deliver devastating, life-altering news to them and their family members. Faint yells emerge from Room 7. They have an almost rhythmic quality: “Ahhh!”… (three seconds) … “Ahhh!” … (three seconds) … “Ahhh!” It’s Ms. Burton. I’ve just gotten back from checking on her, but I plod back again. 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: Physician Critical Care Source Type: blogs