A Retired MD’s Observations

Retired MD, Frank Eves’ generalized, observations about a few things noticed along the way:

• a doctor’s humanity is often more valuable than his/her education
• humility and a sense of humour/humor are invaluable
• listening carefully to the client/patient avoids most problems
• it’s tough to always be on-time when you’re trying to do it right
• most doctors are doing their best to help
• the best family doctors have very few patients in hospital
• most problems can be dealt with in a single visit and do not require dozens of tests and frequent follow-up visits
• the least competent doctors attempt to garner the most attention in the ER
• some specialists have forgotten the GP stuff
• some surgeons really do see patients as a ‘hole’ and are most comfortable with people when they’re sedated
• the best surgeon drove a VW Beetle
• many internists hide when there’s a hint of something surgical
• obstetricians work long hours and appear to function well without sleep
• the worst gynaecologist/gynecologist drove a Cadillac
• the nicest specialists are the paediatricians/pediatricians
• psychiatrists have too many patients and too few friends
• U.S. trained physicians love technology
• British trained physicians value a good history
• some older physicians need their patients more than their patients need them
• recent med school graduates spend too much time studying the fee schedule
• most clients/patients are friendly and honest
• women are better communicators
• when men are asked, “How can I help you?” a surprising number respond, “My wife made the appointment, I’m not sure.”
• guys are more nervous about rectal exams than women are about internal exams. Guys like to joke, “If I feel two hands on my shoulders I’ll know it’s not your finger… “ they assume the doctor has never heard this ubiquitous humour/humor
• the richest man wore a Timex
• the most obnoxious guy wore a gold Rolex with a diamond bezel.

It was very rewarding to quietly help someone without turning it into a major production.

My last comment flys in the face of the advice I once received. A retiring doc suggested I always say “It’s the worst case I’ve ever seen.” that way, if they get better, you’re a hero. Of course that same character was infamous for billing ‘no-shows’ with a diagnosis of ‘amnesia.’ 🙂