4B's to guide a young physician
As a young physician,
You will soon realise how soft skills truly matter. And you will soon realise how many of them you are lacking.
Nowadays, a healthcare facility is not usually an easy-going place to work. One effective way to not turn yourself into a hysterical arrogant is also a very difficult one to go: you must choose in advance who you want to be.
Behave
A person who is or believes they are ill is in a position of weakness. And you, as a physician, are in a position of strength. Your role is never to confront the patient with that reality. Your role is to help the patient regain their position of strength.
Be patient with the patients
Remember that people seek medical attention for simple things and ask naïve questions because they don’t know better. And many times, neither do you.
Be patient with the patients’ relatives
Don’t act like talking to the patients’ loved ones is not part of your work.
Be patient with your fellow doctors and other professionals
Sometimes you will have to talk to annoyed people in their not-so-polite version. Remember that I’ve warned you. Try not to respond in kind.
Infekta