PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE

"I feel as if I know so little about medical practice" is a statement I find myself often making to the young doctors at Mercy Medical Center.  They look at me as if I have lost my mind, apparently the wrinkles on my face and hands give away my years of practice.  After this conversation from time to time I will talk for several minutes about the diagnosis at hand and turn around in an attempt to seek out the person who was giving the advice before I realize the words came from me.

In the practice of medicine with the ever changing environment of new studies, new medicines, and new ways of approaching old topics, I feel as if I am on the verge of beginning to understand the entire scope of what practice entails but then an event will take place putting into perspective something I have thought of for a long time.  As I have opportunity to mentor young physicians in Cambodia, I've come to realize knowing much information is important, but as important or maybe even more important is the use of the knowledge.  Helping the young doctors develop a compassionate approach to a patient will help the doctor as well as the patients because as the doctor and patient build a trusting relationship,  credibility is added to the advice given.  The patient begins to open up to the doctor about the previously unspoken concerns and questions. and  as trust deepens between the two, the doctor's medical knowledge coupled with a good history and physical exam leads to a better outcome.  I can only hope to have a small impact on the young doctors by beginning to instill in them a desire to serve their patients.  Knowledge yes, but I hope to encourage them to begin with the patient and not the textbook.