We assume that technology will improve communication between doctors and patients. But not always. Look at the 2,000 word email. While it isn’t yet the standard means of communication in our clinic (it will be soon) we occasionally take email from patients. My experience has been that they’re sometimes long and unfocused with tangential information irrelevant to the ... Continue Reading about The 2000 Word Patient Email
The Joint Surgeon
A close relative recently underwent hip replacement at the Texas Orthopedic Hospital in Houston’s Texas Medical Center. She raved about her surgeon, Dr Richard Kearns. I had the opportunity to sit by her bed while he made his evening rounds (he didn’t know I was a physician until we were introduced at the end of his visit). These are the qualities seem to make him ... Continue Reading about The Joint Surgeon
3 Questions That Complete a Medical Interview
I can spend 20 minutes interviewing a parent about their child and still not really understand them. During a consult, my interview centers on the objective elements in a child’s history. When evaluating a child for abdominal pain, for example, I have a panel of questions that cover what I need to know to generate a starting hypothesis. But none of it helps me ... Continue Reading about 3 Questions That Complete a Medical Interview
Is There a Doctor on the Plane?
There was obvious commotion in the galley. Something was up. I initially turned a deaf ear to the overhead call for a doctor but my laptop’s Powerpoint images were a dead giveaway. Flight service attendant: Are you a doctor? (you’re not dressed nearly well enough but we thought we’d ask) DrV: Yes (but trust me, not the kind you need) Flight service attendant: ... Continue Reading about Is There a Doctor on the Plane?