Previously published in Kevin MD. May 23, 2016. I would have graduated from medical school this year. That’s right. Just like you, I’d be getting ready to move to another city and take up residence at an academic medical center to begin my clinical training. Things don’t always work out the way we planned—like Lenny… Continue Reading
“Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted.” –Randy Pausch As one who has experienced both sides of the medical equation as both a patient and a hospital employee, I can unequivocally state that when a patient dies, we are saddened, but we are not disabled. Death is part of the daily… Continue Reading
Previously published in Kevin MD March 30, 2017. Everyone immersed in the culture of medicine knows that physicians sometimes defer the discussion about prognosis to patients who are battling a life threatening illness. Everyone, that is, except the patient. We arrive on your doorstep believing that our presence indicates the obvious. So, how are we… Continue Reading
We trust you. That’s the bottom line. When we are sick and facing a serious life-threatening illness, we are open and vulnerable. We can either follow your instructions or suffer the consequences. Medical knowledge at the molecular level is not something we can just brush up on. We can’t google our symptoms and come up… Continue Reading
Not surprisingly, health care professionals sometimes procrastinate when it comes to telling their patients about a poor prognosis. Perhaps they too, like their patients, tend to be overly optimistic in their judgement when presented with a dismal prognosis. Who doesn’t want their patient to be one of the lucky ones to survive the odds? Consequently,… Continue Reading
The focus on patient and family-centered care encourages patients to take an active role in their health care in partnership with their health care providers. When patients express their concerns about their health care and treatment, they expect them to be addressed by the institutions and the health care professionals providing their treatment. With payment… Continue Reading
If you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation of facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, would you want your doctor to tell you ? When would you want to know? Early enough to do a few things you may have wanted to accomplish in life? Or, at the very end of the progression of the… Continue Reading
To Patients and Caregivers, Patients have a voice in patient centered care. This is your forum to make your voices heard. Tell us what you like, what you don’t like, and why. You will be helping future patients who follow in your footsteps. Question of the Month If you could give advice to a new… Continue Reading
Do you feel that your doctor did a good job communicating with you about your prognosis, treatment plan, and possible complications you may encounter during your illness? What would be your suggestions for improvement if you could make them anonymously? Comments contributed by Melanoma Warriors online. Continue Reading
Due to new federal regulations, hospitals are adopting new standards that reflect quality and patient centered care. If you were facing a life-threatening illness such as cancer, would you be interested in attending a cancer treatment orientation class at the hospital where you will receive treatment? If so, what topics would you like to see… Continue Reading
What are some of the obstacles that prevent you from effectively communicating with your physician? If you have not experienced any problems, tell us what your physician is doing to make the communication you enjoy possible. If communicating with your physician leaves much to be desired, how could it be improved? Continue Reading