Since the first day i stepped into medical school, i was told that medical profession is always in the professional group in any of the community hierarchy. That's why a lot of people always ask for opinions from doctors as they always respect doctors. Of cause, the medical advice from doctors always have a great value and great impact towards a patient's life.
At first, I don't really understand how powerful a word can be. But slowly, I realize that words from a doctor can be very influencial. Let say if you SUSPECT a patient to have a cancer and you are just about to tell her that i am suspecting a cancer. Do you know how much this will affect the patient?
Once ago, a patient's relative told me how much he is disappointed with a doctor because of what the doctor had said. Even i myself also feel sad when i heard about those words used by the doctor. Doctors were given a trust, a respect by patient that they will act the best on behalf of patient. With this, doctors are given the power to break bad news which can be very cruel to the patient or patient's relative. Imagine that you need to tell patient that "Sir, I am sorry to tell you that you are having cancer", or "Sirs and Madams, I am sorry that we had tried our best and the patient cannot make it". Seriously, I feel that I am not ready for that stage yet. Not ready to break this type of news to patient or patient's relative.
I was impressed by a surgeon when i was posted in Klang hospital last year. There was a patient with Upper Gastrointestinal bleeding. Lying on the bed and not really responsive. He was taken care by a 15 years old son who is having a national PMR exam in 2 months time. This boy skipped his classes just to take care of his father in the hospital and this was realized by this surgeon. And she make such a comment to his medical officers and house officers: "We must do something and help them. We cannot let the situation like this and we must save them". I was really happy and amaze with this comment just like i felt a wave of bright light shinning out from her.
In hospital, simple word like how are you does means a lot to the patient. Same thing to a medical students like me. A simple word from us like how are you can guarantee a smiling face from patients and relatives.
Getting closer and closer to my final exam. Really wish that i can be a good and caring doctor and be aware of every words that i use as it really affects a patient's life a lot.
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2 comments:
haha...again this come to communication skills,bedside manners,and skill in breaking badnews...skills waiting for us to acquire later in practice ...i felt amazed one time hearing people taking history:"Sudah berapa lama encik gemuk macam ini ?"...what do u think bout this question.... :)
Haha! a question which you can obtained answer directly but hurts the feeling.. I think all of us are quite the same! still have a lot to learn..
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