Ive never hesitated speaking my mind even if its against higher authority, by Gods grace Im in a position where I dont have to. This post is that of a medical student (me) to house officers it may concern. Its not meant to offend or criticise but rather to remind, oh who am I kidding, it is to educate. Im not very much academically inclined, I personally feel all it takes to get through the numerous private medical schools these days is just basic common sense, sadly. I am however, self-proclaimed, clinically inclined to a certain extent. 3 years of being in wards have given me the opportunity to observe the shortcomings of certain house officers. I understand now what I didnt back then when I used to have unreasonable strict head of departments. My concerns with the current breed of house officers are of the following: 1. Responsiblity. When you are assigned to a patient, you have to make sure you look into everything and not take things for granted. Please bother to clerk the patient again regardless how many times he has been clerked prior to this, check his investigations, analyse them with prior results - play doctor. Dont just copy notes or clerk for the sake of clerking, figure out what the heck is going on with the guy 2. Sincerity. They teach you how to take blood in medical school. Do they teach you how to tell the patient hey, this will hurt a little, bear with me please or something to that extent? No. Thats your own bloody common sense. You wanna take an ABG sample you tell the patient what may be instore for him and that its necessary. You are a houseman and your house officer beside you is taking the sample on the patients right hand you hold the patients left hand to comfort him. 3. Appearance. Imagine a house officer with 4 earrings in her ears, or highlights in his/her hair, or even a spiked up mohawk. Heck, I look bloody good in a mohawk myself. Do I go to hospital with a mohawk? Hell no. There is a time and place for everything. Would you want a doctor who looks like a punk sporting a mohawk explain why your child is dying in paediatric oncology? Be sensitive, empathize. You can show off your mohawk and earring collection outside the hospital. 4. Professionalism. Ive always had this orthopaedics professor who goes on and on about professionalism alongside other ramblings. But his words on professionalism are 100% truth. A professional doesnt show he is tired, frustrated, stressed etc. to the outside world. I understand you have had a sleepless night and you are probably dealing with stubborn patients - get used to it, tolerate it, it is your job and your circumstances are no excuse. I understand you are human but your responsibility as a wholesome doctor to the patient doesnt vary according to circumstances. Suck it up. 5. Respect. This is the most important point of all Id say, respect your patients. Utmost respect. You have to learn to speak respectfully regardless to who you are talking you. When you graduate as a house officer you are in your twenties, you will be greeted Good morning Doctor by medical attendents and staff twice your age. You have to deserve that. Respect your patients. Morning rounds Good morning uncle. Dont just go there like a brat and flip his case sheet, make him wonder what is going on, and leave after scribbling something. Please. I sincerely hope and pray that whatever Ive typed out here makes even the slightest difference to any of you in healthcare reading this. It would make a world of a difference to your patients and your career in general. Thank you for reading, N. Vishnu Kumar Your humble medical student who is sincerely annoyed
Posted on: Wed, 16 Oct 2013 05:47:08 +0000
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