Doctor, Can You Hear Me?
Check out my post on Medscape to read my rant about listening to our patients.
Welcome to Island Med Student!
My name is Kendra and I am a fourth-year medical student attending Ross University School of Medicine. I went through my basic science training on the Nature Island of Dominica, hence the name of this blog. However, I am currently living in Brooklyn, New York, where I'm completing my clinical rotations. I am a life enthusiast. I talk to strangers, cut the tags off of my pillows, and I don’t carry an umbrella with me because I prefer to get wet.
more about me »
Search
Good post!
I agree. But there are just too many Patients and too few doctors.
There should be a patient education center that reads the patients file and teaches them what they need to do and the lifestyle changes that need to be made.
But even with that said, I know many well educated people that still choose to eat burgers and fries everyday and smoke 3 packs a week.
Its a strange situation that is not the same throughout.
I agree with your post, but the problem can only begin to resolve when future healthcare providers like you challenge the current system and take those extra few minutes to listen to their patients. After all, isn’t that the foundation of patient-centered care, To listen to patients and see them beyond their pathologies? But given the burden on physicians, there could at least be more access to dietians and social workers who can followup with said patients and go in greater depth than a physician quick on rounds.
I love your spirit and ongoing dedication. Continue to speak up and give the patients you encounter the time (and really, respect) they deserve. Change begins with one person, no?
Kudos Kendra! You are not only identifying but taking a stand against a major issue in US health care. I am a clinical pharmacist and can not tell you the number of times I’ve met patients who are completely uneducated on their disease state and their medications. Of course they’re going to be non compliant- they have no idea what they are taking or why!
Just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed the article and to keep up the good work!