The three A’s of physician success are availability, affability and ability. In this order. It speaks to what patients see as the most important attribute of a physician. Capacity and competence take a back seat to who happens to be around when you’re in need. To some it sounds short-sighted. But it works because average physician know how serves the average ... Continue Reading about Three A’s of Physician Success: Availability, Affability, Ability
The Fixer and the Docent
I went to medical school with a woman who wanted to fix things. As a fourth year medical student on clinical rotations when confronted with chronic conditions she would bang her fists. ‘Just fix it,’ she would say with frustrated urgency. ‘I want something I can fix.’ She wanted the quick hit of making things better. So she became a surgeon under the illusion that she ... Continue Reading about The Fixer and the Docent
Doctoring 101 – 33 charts Tag Spotlight
I’ll be highlighting some of my tags here periodically. You’ll find tags at the bottom of the post in a small, muted font. I use the Doctoring 101 tag on 33 charts for posts that deal with the nuts and bolts of caring for patients. These posts cover the tips and tricks that work for me as a full-time clinician. It’s how I do the things I do as a doctor. This is the ... Continue Reading about Doctoring 101 – 33 charts Tag Spotlight
Should Physicians Give Their Cell Phone Number to Patients?
I hear this occasionally on Twitter: “My doctor gave me his cell phone number so I can call him whenever I have a problem.” Occasionally I hear from physicians that they give their cell phone number to their patients. While some practice situations necessitate this (rural, solo practice or concierge) in other circumstances I don’t think this is fully thought ... Continue Reading about Should Physicians Give Their Cell Phone Number to Patients?
Tell Me What You Understand: My First Question for Hospitalized Patients
This is my first question for hospitalized patients: Tell me what you understand. Let me explain. I’m a pediatric specialist. I help hospitalists and pediatricians care for children. Actually, I’m typically one of several providers helping families care for a medically complex children in the hospital. And for better or worse communication can sometimes be ... Continue Reading about Tell Me What You Understand: My First Question for Hospitalized Patients
Do Your Patients Think You’re an Amazing Doctor?
A friend had asked me to see one of her neighbors. A young child with some elimination issues, the family had been to a couple of other doctors with no success. A fairly routine problem that needed the right evaluation and a consistent approach, it was sorted out in 2-3 visits. When I ran into my friend a month later, I was met with hugs and thanks for ... Continue Reading about Do Your Patients Think You’re an Amazing Doctor?