Here's the thing: I like giving advice. I love using what I’ve learned in my Master of Physical Therapy, four years of physiotherapy practice, four years of medical school, and now two years of Family Medicine residency to be able to help people.
But there’s something I’m slowly learning about the art of Medicine.
It involves less talking. And more listening.
Much more listening.
And that just might be one of the hardest parts of my job.
I think a lot of us can relate to hearing someone’s issue and immediately thinking, “I know how to fix this!” But when I jump in with my solution, I’m missing out on the true value I can provide to someone. I know I need to get better at hearing patients’ concerns, learning what they value, and figuring out how they want to go about management.
Again, it’s hard.
I think that’s one of the reasons why I enjoy minor procedures. A skin lesion is a possible malignancy, and I cut it out. Pretty straightforward; there’s a problem, I fix the problem.
Most other areas of Family Medicine, and healthcare in general, are much more nuanced.
I’ve watched this Ted talk by Celeste Headlee 5 or 6 times. It’s all about how to have better conversations. Her first basic rule is something I’ve been working on for years – to be present. With every patient I talk to, I try to be completely in the moment and listening to their concerns.
Her second rule is to avoid pontificating. She says, “If you want to state your opinion without any opportunity for response or argument or pushback or growth, write a blog.”
I just love that.
Although I want all the feedback I can get, so that I can help readers as much as possible, I also write so that I can share my voice. I write to create, rather than consume. And I write because I have a lot to say but I’m trying to say less in conversations!
So, there you have it. My mischievous reason for writing a blog. It’s my creative outlet, and a way to share what I’ve learned with my readers without practicing the art of good conversation.
Can anyone relate? Let me know!
Stay well friends,
-Dr. K
Thank you for putting this into words so eloquently because I feel this!! I have been feeling a little mute these days, as though if I share my true opinions and feelings with others, I will start an argument or be judged for any disagreeing statement made to customers, coworkers or certain members of the family. For the sake of maintaining peace in the workplace or in a relatives home, or even a random customer coming through, I find myself smiling and nodding a lot but also swallowing the words I would truly like to express. I love the idea of starting a blog! Thank you for sharing, I appreciate this post along with the links you’ve shared!