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| "The Seven Deadly Sins: Anger' by Erte (1892-1990) |
Gawande writes that “According to palliative specialists, you shouldn’t say, ‘I’m sorry things turned out this way,’ . . . It can sound like you're distancing yourself. You should say, ‘I wish things were different.’ You don’t ask, ‘What do you want when you are dying?’ You ask, “If time becomes short, what is most important to you?’ (182).
In short, the particular words and phrases a doctor uses when talking to a patient make a big difference in her effectiveness.
Do you think this is a fair standard for judging doctors?
Should we expect doctors to express themselves in emotionally sensitive ways or should we simply expect them to provide an accurate analysis of a patient’s situation?
Do you think it is more accurate to say we live in a society in which people’s feelings are hurt too easily or that we live in a society in which people treat each other more harshly than they should?
I feel I have some experience with this particular subject. My family has spoken on this topic for as long as I can remember. I was born premature and have had my fair share of doctors’ visits. When going to a doctor I expect him or her to have both qualities. A doctor’s disposition matters. As humans we want others to connect with us on an emotional level. So I feel that both characteristics are vital in providing care to a patient. Doctors need to be emotionally involved to an extent and give the information necessary to make a plan moving forward. Just as we expect a teacher to care for their students, we should have the same standard when visiting a doctor.
ReplyDeleteThe world in which we live has changed drastically due to the advances in technology. I do not think it is accurate to differentiate between a society in which people’s feelings are hurt too easily and a society where people are treating others more harshly than they should. Yet, I am under the belief that social media highlights the words that individuals share in our daily life’s.
I agree with Holly, doctors should have both qualities. I do believe that the way doctors speak to their patients is a fair way to judge them. Doctors have all gone to medical school, and therefore know the information. Thus, making it easy to tell the patient what their diagnosis is. However, it is more difficult to be sensitive to a patient and take their feelings into account, especially in a life or death situation. People would be more comfortable with a doctor who can put them at ease and explain all of the options and consequences than a doctor who can only give them the facts.
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DeleteI also feel that a doctor should have a healthy balance between earnestness and sensitivity. However, I do not believe that it is wise to judge a doctor based on the manner in which they present themselves to a patient. Gawande often noted that his desire to remain positive and emotionally sensitive would become counterproductive to his responsibilities as a professional, causing the patient to choose a potentially detrimental course of action. While I do agree that an insensitive doctor can be a major source of unease, especially to those with terminal conditions, there also comes a time when grim realities must be faced with a reasonable dose of earnestness. I do believe that modern society holds the feelings of the individual in high regard, which is usually a positive. But harshness in the delivery of information can be necessary at times.
ReplyDelete--Tyler Rhoades
This question will vary based on a person’s personality. If I had a deadly illness I would want my doctor to tell me straight up what is wrong and how much time I have left. I wouldn’t be offended if he didn’t sound sympathetic because that is not what I am paying him to do. That’s not his job. Although I think I would appreciate a doctor who was tactful about how he presented the information. I have my family and friends to be sympathetic with me. However, there is a difference between simply telling someone the facts and being rude about it. Doctors, as part of their field, should have the professional decency to know how to be respectful. But this is in everything they do, not just when there’s bad news. I do believe our society has developed into one that is easily offended. I believe we tend to take things too personally compared to how it was 50 years ago. I get this impression from listening to my grandparents or even just my parents.
ReplyDeleteI don’t believe doctors are required to break news gently or be a nice person at all really. I also don’t think it should be required for doctors to take courses on how to treat patients family members or how to treat patients feelings. Taking that into account, though, I believe good doctors already possess those qualities. Good doctors know that someone’s life is mentally and physically in their hands and that they should be treated with care and gentleness inside and outside of the operating room. Good doctors have a steady hand and a steady mind.
ReplyDeleteLaura N.