I will be the first to admit, as junior doctors, we are prone to mistakes. Mistakes that stem from numerous factors, be it lack if knowledge, experience, or even confidence. Mistakes, that predictably have consequences, both to the patient and yourselves.
Recently I was involved in a somewhat sticky situation. Bearing in mind that the case is still under investigation, it is imperative that I hold back in sharing the details. Safe to say I felt that I was doing the best to my abilities, but at times, having good intentions isn't enough.
People say that admitting you're wrong is the hardest part after making a mistake. I beg to differ. The hardest part is having to face up to taunts and cynicism that ensues after admitting guilt.
I can only pray for strength to face up to these 'challenges'.
Paternally Paranoid
In paediatrics, the patients come with excess baggage called parents. An anxious paranoid parent is a doctor's worst nightmare, regardless of the child's illness. A simple runny nose can turn into a nasty affair if not handled with care.
At times, wielding a stethoscope, and spending that extra five minutes pretending to examine a child whom you know is perfectly healthy, can do wonders for an over paranoid parent.
Communication and assurance is essential, especially in cases where medicine (ie drugs) has no role to play. Prescribing bedrest and fluids without proper counsel will not bode well with certain parents expecting doctors to come up with a magic pill to cure their child of all its problems.
Showing Who's Boss
A fellow houseman coined the term 'verbal rape'
To be verbally raped is akin to having your dignity stripped down for all to see, to be reduced to a pile of worthless junk while others can only glance pitiful looks.
Nobody likes being scolded. As adults, we should be past the phase of being told off like children.
The inherent lack of maturity and professionalism amongst the senior staff is extremely worrying.
I accept that they were treated similarly when they were at our stage. Two wrongs most definitely do not make a right.
Getting a 'dressing down' in front of a patient is probably the worst punishment one can recieve. As houseman we are the point of first care, we spend the most time with the patients, and they probably appreciate us more than the consultants.
We need the patients' trust and confidence to allow us to do our jobs. Being 'verbally raped' day in day out will have detrimental effects to one's sanity as well as the patient's confidence towards us.
