Patient-centered care is the new, hip phrase that has been used by many hospitals in recent years. It is mentioned in briefings and memos, discussed during meetings, and plastered over walls. It is used to demonstrate how hospitals are changing their culture and mindset as they venture into a new era of modern medicine. The patient is now empowered to be informed and make decisions. It is getting back to the reason why we all went into medicine; to improve the quality of life for the patients we serve. I am completely in favor of and embrace this new approach. However, all too often, I am afraid that this new phrase is little more than a marketing gimmick; just a phrase to give the appearance of cultural change without the intended meaning.

One way to ensure that hospitals are truly engaging in patient-centered care is to evaluate an institution’s transparency.… Continue reading →

Sometimes it is important to remember why I wanted to be a doctor. Don’t get me wrong, I love being a resident. I love meeting new people every day. I love the detective work in trying to figure out a diagnosis. I love teaching the students and junior house staff about various maladies. I love being there to help my patients through their illness. Yet, sometimes, it is easy to forget all of these things and focus on the negative. It is easy to be annoyed at the nurse for calling me about clarification of an order. It is easy to be curt with the pharmacist for questioning my dosing. It is easy to be annoyed at the patient for not taking his medications as prescribed. Today at the Marseille East summer camp, the chance to step back and reflect upon patient interactions was most appreciated.

Informed consent. All of… Continue reading →