Table 1 The Most Important Clinical Pearls Learned Along the Way
From: Sprinting into the field of neuro-ophthalmology from the streets of Brooklyn
Second Opinions | • A good thing • Sharing information is the key to learning and teaching • Not a sign of weakness, but a sign of confidence! • Require and demonstrate teamwork |
Tough Medical Decisions | • Even with scientific proof, the treatment options for your patient may not be clear • You must always decide how you would want to be treated… • …or how you would treat a family member, friend or colleague • Listen carefully to the patient as they will often lead you out of the dilemma! |
The Real Problem is Usually Greater than the Potential One | • Don’t get overwhelmed by the consequences of medical therapy and leave the primary problem untreated • It is your job to help the patient understand the risks of the disease and the treatment • Be honest at all times • It is okay to say “I don’t know” |
Watch How Your Colleagues Act | • It is okay to incorporate what they do, how they say and how they write it • Copying effective behavior can lead to good care • You will be judged by communication skills • Remember the A’s of the effective colleague and physician – Affability, Availability, Attentiveness, Ability, Acumen |
Healthy Relationships | • Affiliate yourself with people that make you better as a doctor and person • Avoid people who make you feel inferior • Hang out with people who are smarter than you – it is the only way to get better • One of the greatest rewards is to help a colleague improve their knowledge |
Nonorganic or Organic? | • There is almost always an emotional component to any illness • Your job is to try to figure out those percentages – it is easy when the emotional component is small • When it is 50–50, be very careful! • Don’t get frustrated and be compassionate • There is almost always a way to get your point across while being reassuring |
Be Happy for Your Colleagues! | • The most unhappy doctors need their competitors to fail to feel successful • Don’t waste your neurons on unproductive thoughts • Don’t worry – medicine will humble each of us on more than one occasion! |
Learn More | • No matter how much you know, be prepared to learn more • The effective clinician is a student for life • There can be errors of omission and commission – be open! |
Try to Read Your Patient | • Watch how they react to what you are saying, make the necessary adjustments • Fight hard for your patients, let them know you are battling for them • Be a passionate observer! |
Your Personal Life is Important | • Work hard to show your family and friends how important they are to you • Try to do your best, no matter what that looks like! |