I’m a family physician in Eugene, Oregon—a sweet town where folks are pretty darn friendly. I still do house calls. Patients often surprise me with gifts. And nearly every appointment ends with a hug.
Kindness is contagious.
I like to return the favor. So every few weeks I celebrate “patient appreciation day.” I thank patients with balloons and chocolates.
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Sick of phone trees, endless refill requests, packed waiting rooms, out-of-control bills, and other medical misadventures? Follow these 7 simple steps to get your doctor to do what you want.
1. Get Organized. Be clear about what you need from your appointment. Make a comprehensive list of all the issues you want to discuss—and your ideal outcomes for each.
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Dear Pamela:
I can’t tell if I’m burned out or just don’t like being a doctor. My own medical school experience was so abusive. I wonder how other students like me fare when they enter abusive residency programs. I supposedly work at a place that values patients above all else,
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I’m a doctor. And doctors aren’t squeamish. We love blood and guts. But not all docs can handle genitalia.
In med school, a gay classmate was completely grossed out by gynecology. When I asked how things were going, he said, “After this month, I never want to see another vagina again.”
Some docs find respite in specialties.
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Doctor revived after suicide. Here's what he says.
