After brief pleasantries, I started presenting the patient. I was quickly interrupted. The doctor wanted me to expand on something I’d mentioned. Truth is this info hadn’t been relevant to my working diagnosis so I’d not pursued it in my history-taking.
The doctor asked the first question. I didn’t have the answer. 2nd question I didn’t have the answer either. I could feel her temper rising. The 3rd blunder and then came the boiling point. I was told that my sign out was “unacceptable for a resident in a teaching hospital” followed by a click.
After 5sec of reflection, I redirected my attention back to my patient. I really felt like I’d prepared, but the doctor clearly, didn’t feel that way. I had to equip myself and call her back. When I did, the conversation was still dicey, but at least, she let me finish this time. After sensing my tone, she said she was only trying to help me.
I have so much appreciation for all my teachers. So much more for those who are humble and don’t feel the need to demean anybody. Yes, I’m all about learning, but not by ridiculing me. If that’s the only way then I’d would rather not learn...from you.
They say you develop tough skin. I feel bad for people who have to degrade others to make themselves feel better. If you have to debase someone in order to elevate yourself I think you need a psychiatric evaluation. It’s not normal.
I did go back to my work, but I learnt that you can never be prepared enough. I’ve been doing this for a few years and every time I get comfortable, something new happens. And that’s the beauty of learning-it never ends! And if you let anyone take that away from you, that's a disservice to yourself.
