It's July 1st, a time of year when third year American medical students take the step from auditorium to clinic. It's a time of sorting out. Every medical school deals with their share of students appearing on clinical clerkships showcasing their unique brand of personal expression. Meetings ensue. The argument is always the same: 'I can be a good doctor with ... Continue Reading about Doctors with Purple Hair
The Disney T-shirt Opportunity
I evaluated a 7-year-old girl with abdominal pain last week. When I entered the room I noticed that she was wearing a High School Musical t-shirt. That’s, of course, where I started. During the first couple of minutes in the room she learned that I have a daughter about her age, I’ve seen High School Musical at least a dozen times, and I know most of the songs ... Continue Reading about The Disney T-shirt Opportunity
Connecting When the Patient Doesn’t Speak Your Language
I can’t say that I enjoy the patient encounter as much when it involves a translator. There’s just something about communicating through a third party that changes the experience. But there are some things you can do as a provider to bridge the gap when the patient doesn't speak your language. Look. Even thought the translator is doing the talking, look at the ... Continue Reading about Connecting When the Patient Doesn’t Speak Your Language