Medicine/health care profession today is not what it was a decade ago and truly speaking, it won’t be the same a decade from now.
With advancing technology, evolving treatment protocols, increasing patient awareness, even the number of doctors graduating, the landscape of healthcare is constantly changing.
15-20 years back even a graduation degree in medical sciences would suffice, but now people actually understand the value of specialty practice. Although this awareness is yet to step in the field of dentistry, but I’m sure the day isn’t far either.
But amidst all this progress, somethings never changed. Some lessons remain timeless. The notion of brushing up your skills and knowledge, keeping up with every advancement and patient communication are the rules that all doctors have and still continue to abide by.
Over the years, I’ve realized that medicine is not just about diagnosing and treating, it’s about understanding and learning from every experience.
Patients today don’t just seek treatment, they seek clarity, reassurance and trust. Patient communication, in this regard, is the key.
The ability to communicate effectively often matters just as much as clinical expertise. A few extra minutes spent listening can build a bridge that no prescription alone ever could. And that is what most patients want to hear at the end of day. No, I’m not asking anyone to sugarcoat the truth or keep them in the dark, just to handle the situation with empathy.
For us, it might just be another case/another experience but for them it could be a bigger deal, even a matter of life and death.
They call it a noble professional and we should be examples why they do.
The most common challenge that I have faced, and I’m sure most of us did was: The fear of getting lost, especially for first generation doctors. And this is because uncertainty is a constant companion in this field. Not every case follows the textbook, not every treatment gives expected results.
But at the end of day, it teaches us humility. It teaches us to keep learning, to seek help when needed, and to grow with every experience.
Yes, we do need to keep learning throughout our lives and weight of proving ourselves is definitely more than any other profession. But this is what we signed up for and I’m sure ethical practice, dedication and the passion that stems it all, will always keep us on the road we always wished to walk on. If not anyone, you’ll surely be proud of yourself.
To young doctors stepping into this journey: focus on building your fundamentals, but don’t neglect the human side of medicine. Learn to talk to your patients, not just about their disease, but about their fears, expectations and concerns. At the same time, be aware of the boundaries too. Don’t let anyone mistake your kindness for anything else.
Be honest when you don’t know something. Patients value sincerity more than perfection. The first step to learning something, is accepting that you don’t know it.
At the end of the day, people may not remember every detail of the treatment you gave, but they will always remember how you made them feel.
What are your experiences when you entered your postings/clinics for the first time as a student?
MBH/PS