There’s a code among physicians, both in the private and academic setting. It is that, as a physician — unless you are dying, or very close to it — you show up to work. Taking unscheduled time off, for either physical illness or grieving, is not easy as a physician. Doctors experience a huge amount of guilt and pressure, and rather than experience that, most of us will drag ourselves to work.
The problem is two-fold. The first type of guilt is the one we experience with our patients. In busy offices, some patients have waited several weeks and even months to get an appointment. They have taken time off and arranged for someone to drive them to their visit. We know this. We feel terrible.
Last year, despite getting the flu vaccine, I woke up with a raging fever, headache, etc. Not surprising since, as a doctor, I’m constantly exposed to germs, and it is possible to get sick even after having taken appropriate precautions.
Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
No comments:
Post a Comment