11 Seeing through smoothing

The Sick Man and his Doctor: A sick man was visited by his doctor. "How are you, today?" asked the doctor. "Slightly better but I sweat a lot" replied the sick man. "That is a good sign. You will improve," said the doctor. Next day, the doctor asked the same question and the sick man replied, "I have repeated chills and rigours.” The doctor patted him and said, "That is a good sign.” The next day when the doctor made a visit, the patient told him, "I feel hot and feverish.” The doctor reassured him, "Oh, it is a very good sign of recovery," and left. On the next day, to the doctor's usual query, the sick man replied in a dejected voice, "Doctor! I am dying of good signs."

Comments

This fable rings true even today! Such mindless smooth talk does anything but reassure. Some reasons why many physicians smooth talk are: wrong modelling, lack of empathy, mistaken notion that smooth talking is the best way of reassuring patients and plain carelessness. You may not mind smooth talks but you should watch out for a careless doctor.

The following are some warning signs that suggest that your doctor may not be doing his/her best to help you.

The doctor –

does not listen to what you are saying.

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 does not probe into your symptoms and complaints.  does not examine you completely or forgets to examine the organ or body system about which you have raised some doubts.  seems to be forgetful and peculiar in behaviour, either smiles inappropriately or is short-tempered.  acts in an unduly paternalistic (fatherly) manner; is all-knowing and tells you "the only way" to manage your problem.  does not educate you on the nature of illness and the rationale of tests ordered and treatment to be advised.  does not discuss risks and benefits of the tests, procedures and medicines advised.  gets upset or reacts defensively when you suggest seeking a second opinion.

It is better to change to a more helpful doctor or at least take a second opinion for major illnesses. "Because modern medicine is so potent, such a two-edged sword, it is necessary to make careful choices. There is no place for blind faith. You should trust your doctor but only when you are satisfied that the trust is deserved." (Fulder S, 1991)

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