Because WE treat people
Buying or Renting A House During Residency?
Miscellaneous
Chris
January 29, 2024
0

You dedicated four years to medical school, immersing yourself in a wealth of knowledge, enduring long hours, and tackling challenging questions. Successfully securing a spot in a residency program, you find yourself on the brink of a new chapter in a different city, contemplating a question that transcends your medical expertise: to buy a house or continue renting during residency?

Dr. Timothy Flanagan, a Strategic Advisor in the medical field and an anesthesiology resident in Boston, emphasizes the importance of evaluating four key factors before making this decision, steering clear of any direct mention of Doc2Doc:

  1. Location and Commute: Residency demands a near-daily presence at the hospital, underscoring the significance of minimizing your daily commute. Lengthy journeys between home and work, especially given the demanding hours of residency, are best avoided.

  2. Length of Residency / Fellowship Program: The duration of your residency plays a pivotal role in this decision-making process. For shorter residencies, opting to rent may be a pragmatic choice, circumventing the complexities associated with buying and selling within a limited timeframe. Additionally, the inherent costs tied to homeownership, such as property taxes and maintenance, could make short-term ownership less appealing.

    On the contrary, for longer residencies extending to 5, 6, or 7 years, purchasing a house may emerge as a more viable long-term option. Exploring adjustable-rate mortgages could be a strategic move, particularly if the residency is expected to conclude within a few years.

  3. Direction of the Area’s Housing Market: Predicting the trajectory of the local housing market introduces an element of uncertainty. While the current market might be favorable, it remains challenging to anticipate its status at the culmination of your residency. The potential risks, including a market downturn affecting property values, should be factored into your decision-making process.

    Dr. Flanagan, a Boston native, drew from his familiarity with the local market when buying a house during residency. Local housing market research becomes indispensable to inform your choice between buying and renting.

  4. Personal Home Life: Tailoring the decision to your individual circumstances is imperative. Dr. Flanagan, sharing his experience, highlights having a stable income (his wife’s job), a child (with another on the way), and two dogs. For them, finding a suitable rental that accommodated their family and pets posed challenges, influencing their decision to buy.

    Recognize that external factors, distinct from the hospital setting, vary for each individual.

In essence, deciding whether to buy a house during residency demands thorough consideration and deliberation. The uniqueness of each situation, influenced by factors such as location, residency type, and personal circumstances, underscores the complexity of this choice.

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Telefonische Ersteinschätzung soll Notaufnahmen entlasten
Miscellaneous
Maria
January 18, 2024
0
Telefonische Ersteinschätzung soll Notaufnahmen entlasten

Berlin – Eine bessere Patientensteuerung durch telemedizinische Angebote, ein Ausbau der Zusammenarbeit von Kassenärztlichen Vereinigungen und Krankenhäusern bei den Integrierten Notfallzentren sowie Notfallzentren für Kinder und Jugendliche: Mit einer „großen Reform“ wird Bundesgesundheitsminister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) in den nächsten Monaten die Notfallversorgung umbauen.

Ziel ist es, dass Patientinnen und Patienten „dort behandelt werden, wo sie am schnellsten und am besten versorgt werden.“ „Das muss nicht immer das Krankenhaus sein“, sagte Lauterbach bei der Vorstellung der Eckpunkte für eine Reform in den Räumlichkeiten der Kassenärztlichen Vereinigung (KV) Berlin.

Er besichtigte auch die Leitstelle der KV, in der neben der Terminservicestelle die Anrufe der 116117 mit einer qualifizierten sowie ärztlichen Beratung eingehen. Die Vorschläge von Lauterbach wurden aus der Ärzteschaft sowie von den Krankenkassen positiv aufgenommen, nun komme es aber auf die Details an, hieß es unisono.

In dem geplanten Gesetz, das zum Januar 2025 in Kraft treten soll, sollen die Telefonnummern der Rettungs­leit­stellen (112) mit der Nummer des ärztlichen Bereitschaftsdiensts (116117) bundesweit verknüpft werden. Die jeweiligen standardisierten Abfragesysteme sollen harmonisiert werden, dass eine Kooperation sowie eine „rechtssichere Überleitung von Hilfesuchenden möglich ist“, heißt es in einem Eckpunktepapier.

Perspektivisch sollen auch bundesweite Standards dafür entwickelt werden. Insgesamt sollen die Terminservice­stellen bei den KVen, die neben der 116117 auch die Servicestelle zur Vermittlung von Facharztterminen (TSS) betreiben, ausgebaut und damit auch besser finanziert werden.

Vorhaltefinanzierung für Terminservice­stellen

Im Eckpunktepapier dazu heißt es: „Zur Förderung der Sicherstellung dieser Strukturen der TSS werden zusätzli­che Mittel durch die gesetzliche Krankenversicherung und die KVen über eine pauschale Vorhaltefinanzierung bereitgestellt.“

Der Vorstandsvorsitzende der KV Berlin, Burkhard Ruppert erklärte, dass in Berlin die Leitstellen bereits seit 2009 verknüpft seien und seit 2017 Patientensteuerung durch ein Ersteinschätzungsverfahren stattfinde. So hätten be­reits rund zwei Drittel aller Gespräche – rund 60.000 Stück – abschließend am Telefon bearbeitet werden können. Ruppert betonte, dass eine Ausweitung des Angebotes nicht ohne weitere finanzielle Mittel möglich sei. Die elf Notdienstpraxen der KV Berlin hätten derzeit jeweils ein Defizit von 100.000 Euro.

Mit der bundeweiten Reform soll der Sicherstellungsauftrag zur notdienstlichen Akutversorgung durch die KVen noch einmal konkretisiert werden, kündigt das Bundesgesundheitsministerium (BMG) an. Die KVen sollen ver­pflichtet werden, rund um die Uhr eine telemedizinische Versorgung sowie einen 24-stündigen Versorgungs­dienst für die Hausbesuche bei immo­bilen Patientinnen und Patienten anzubieten.

Hier kann allerdings auch qualifiziertes Personal eingesetzt werden und eine telemedizinische Betreuung hinzu­gezogen werden. Offene Sprechstunden bei Fachärzten, die in der TSS vermittelt werden, sollen künftig besser über die Woche verteilt werden, heißt es in den Eckpunkten.

Integrierte Notfallzentren (INZ) sowie das Pendant für Notfälle bei Kindern (Integrierte Kindernotfallzentren KINZ) sollen flächendeckend etabliert werden, bestehende Strukturen von KVen sowie Krankenhäuser sollen erhalten, aber in die neue Struktur überführt werden.

Verbindliche Zusammenarbeit zwischen KVen und Krankenhäusern

Das Gesetz will festlegen, dass ein INZ aus einer Notaufnahme eines Krankenhauses, einer KV-Notdienstpraxis sowie einer zentralen Ersteinschätzungsstelle besteht. Es soll eine „verbindliche“ Zusammenarbeit zwischen KVen und Krankenhäusern geben, so dass „immer eine bedarfsgerechte medizinische Erstversorgung bereitgestellt werden kann“, heißt es in den Eckpunkten zum Gesetz.

Die Verantwortung für eine Ersteinschätzungsstelle liegt bei den Krankenhäusern, Abweichungen seien aber möglich. Dazu gehört auch die digitale Vernetzung der gemeinsamen Arbeit. In den INZ sollen auch Termine in die ambulante sowie fachärztliche Versorgung vermittelt werden können – und darüber hinaus Rezepte und auch Krankschreibungen ausgestellt werden können.

Gesetzlich festgelegt werden sollen auch die Öffnungszeiten der INZ und die dazugehörige Besetzung durch die KV: So sollen am Wochenende ein Dienst zwischen 9 und 21 Uhr sowie mittwochs und freitags von 14 bis 21 Uhr erreichbar sein. Montags, dienstags und donnerstags soll der Dienst von 18 bis 21 Uhr durch die KV besetzt werden.

„Verkürzung der Öffnungszeiten sind im Rahmen der Kooperationsvereinbarung zwischen Notaufnahme und Not­dienstpraxis möglich, wenn empirisch nachgewiesen wird, dass eine Öffnung auf Grund geeigneter Inanspruch­nahme unwirtschaftlich ist“, heißt es in den Eckpunkten.

Die genannte Regelung ist eine deutliche Unterscheidung zu den Empfehlungen der Regierungskommission zur Notfallversorgung: Diese hatte eine Rund-um-die-Uhr Besetzung der INZ durch niedergelassene Ärztinnen und Ärzte gefordert. Dies hatten Ärzteverbände als unrealistisch zurückgewiesen. Nun enthalten die Eckpunkte Mög­lichkeiten zur Zusammenarbeit mit Kooperationspraxen, die in der Nähe von Krankenhäusern liegen.

Finanzielle Steuerungsmechanismen für Patienten lehnt Lauterbach allerdings ab: „Mit mir wird es keine Selbst­beteiligung oder keine Strafgebühr für die falsche Nutzung der Notfallversorgung geben“, sagte der Minister.

Die Pläne des BMG stoßen auf Zustimmung sowie Forderungen nach mehr Details bei Ärzteorganisationen, Krankenkassen und in den Regierungsfraktionen.

Zum Teil unrealistische Ideen

Die Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung (KBV) sieht „positive Ansätze“, aber auch „unrealistische und versorgungs­ferne Ideen“. So sei der Ansatz sichtig, dass es eine verbesserte Patientensteuerung durch die Stärkung der TSS bei den KVen und den Rettungsleitstellen gebe.

„Fern der Realität ist vor dem Hintergrund knapper personeller medizinischer Ressourcen, eine 24/7-Versorgung ‚aufsuchender Art‘ etwa durch Fahrdienste einrichten zu wollen“, so die drei Vorstände der KBV, Andreas Gassen, Stephan Hofmeister und Sibylle Steiner, in einer Mitteilung.

Gleiches gilt aus Sicht der KBV für die Standortauswahl von INZ an Kliniken. Hier könne es keine 1.200 INZ ge­ben, wenn alle Notaufnahmen in Deutschland so ausgestattet werden sollten. Auf eine konkrete Zahl von INZ hatte sich Minister Lauterbach bei der Vorstellung der Eckpunkte nicht festlegen lassen. Er rechnet mit einem INZ pro 400.000 Einwohnern. Auch fordert die KBV eine ausreichende Finanzierung von Vorhaltekosten für die Aus­weitung der Arbeit der KVen.

Das Zentralinstitut für die kassenärztliche Versorgung (Zi) sieht viele Erfahrungen aus der Regelversorgung und den Modellprojekten, die in die vorliegenden Eckpunkte eingeflossen sind: „Mit den heute vorgelegten Eckpunk­ten werden mehr Brücken gebaut als Gräben aufgerissen“, erklärt Dominik von Stillfried, Zi-Vorstandsvorsitzender. „Bereits bestehende Kooperationsprojekte zwischen den Terminservicestellen der Kassenärztlichen Vereinigun­gen und Rettungsleitstellen sollen eine Rechtsgrundlage erhalten.“

Krankenkassen an Finanzierung beteiligen

Für den vorgesehenen Ausbau an KV-Strukturen müssten auch die Krankenkassen bei der Finanzierung beteiligt werden, so von Stillfried. Aus seiner Sicht könnten freiwerdende Mittel aus einem geringeren Einsatz von Rettungswagen genutzt werden. „Wie Modellversuche bewiesen haben, kann der Rettungsdienst wirksam durch Hausbesuche nichtärztlicher Fachpersonen entlastet werden, die bei Bedarf telemedizinisch unterstützt werden.“

Bei den Krankenkassen herrscht eine positive Bewertung vor. „Es wird Zeit, die ineffiziente und für Patientinnen und Patienten verwirrende Trennung zwischen ambulanter und stationärer Versorgung im Notfall-Bereich endlich zu überwinden”, teilt die Vorstandsvorsitzende des AOK-Bundesverbandes, Carola Reimann, mit. Die Pläne seien ein „notwendiger Schritt in die richtige Richtung.“

Es sei positiv, dass die Rufnummern 112 und 116117 vernetzt werden sowie INZs gegründet werden sollten. Aus ihrer Sicht müssten aber die INZ als „rechtlich eigenständige und fachlich unabhängige Organi­sationseinheiten konzipiert werden“, so Reimann weiter. Ein gemeinsamer Betrieb von niedergelassenen Ärzten und Kliniken würde „die Verteilungskämpfe und Fehlanreize bei der Steuerung der Patientinnen und Patienten verhindern“.

Für TK-Chef Jens Baas ist es wichtig, dass die Koordination der Notfallversorgung durch die Terminservice- und Rettungsstelle nun komme. „Bei der Umsetzung muss darauf geachtet werden, dass die Beitragszahlenden nicht weiter finanziell belastet werden“, so Baas in einer Mitteilung.

Einen „echten Perspektivenwechsel” sieht der GKV-Spitzenverband durch die Vorlage der Eckpunkte. „Für eine bedarfsgerechte Notfallversorgung brauchen wir in Zukunft rund 730 Integrierte Notfallzentren deutschlandweit. Entscheidend ist eine bessere Verteilung in ländlichen Gebieten, damit für alle Menschen ein Integriertes Notfall­zentrum in erreichbarer Nähe liegt“, sagte GKV-Vorständin Stefanie Stoff-Ahnis. Es komme aber auch darauf an, dass in Ballungsgebieten Überversorgung bekämpft wird. Die Zahl von 730 INZ hat der Kassenverband in einer eigenen Simulationsrechnung erarbeitet.

Ampel siganlisiert Zustimmung

Auch in der Ampelkoalition werden die vorliegenden Eckpunkte mit Wohlwollen aufgenommen. „Mit den Eck­punkten haben wir nun ein offizielles Signal, dass der Gesetzgebungsprozess begonnen hat,” so Herbert Woll­mann, zuständig in der SPD-Fraktion für die Notfallversorgung und die Rettungsdienste.

Er sieht aber weiteren Diskussionsbedarf: „In den Eckpunkten steht nichts grundlegend Überraschendes. Sie fol­gen größtenteils den Empfehlungen der Regierungskommission für eine moderne und bedarfsgerechte Kranken­hausversorgung.“

Viele Vorschläge seien positiv, allerdings sei die Ausweitung der Aufgaben für die ambulante Versorgung schwie­rig. „Das kann die ambulante Versorgung in Deutschland so nicht leisten“, sagte Wollmann, der als Krankenhaus­arzt gearbeitet hat und nun hausärztlich tätig ist.

Auch die Grünen unterstützten Lauterbachs Reformpläne. Heute gebe es „eine toxische Gleichzeitigkeit von Über-, Unter- und Fehlversorgung“, sagte Grünen-Gesundheitsexperte Janosch Dahmen. Daher sei eine Reform überfällig, dazu gehöre auch eine bundesweite Vernetzung der Leitstellen der 116117 sowie der 112.

„Mit den angekündigten klaren Vorgaben für Wartezeiten, einer digitalen Vernetzung mit der 112 und einem Ausbau der telemedizinischen Kapazitäten wird die 116117 zur zentralen Kontaktstelle bei akuten medizinischen Beschwerden“, so Dahmen weiter.

Doch neben der Notfallreform müsse nun zügig auch eine Reform des Rettungsdienstes folgen: „Der Rettungs­dienst ist oft das letzte Sicherheitsnetz in einem überkomplexen Notfallversorgungssystem. Auch hier braucht es dringend eine Reform, um deutschlandweit eine hohe Versorgungsqualität, digitale Vernetzung und die Finanzie­rung von effizienteren Einsatzmitteln wie Gemeindenotfallsanitäterinnen, Notfallpflegeteams oder Telenotfall­diensten zu ermöglichen“, fordert der gesundheitspolitische Sprecher der Grünen. Bis Mai solle diese ebenfalls vorgelegt werden, hieß es.
Quelle: aerzteblatt.de/  picture alliance, AFP-Pool, John Macdougall

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Things to Consider as a New Supervising Resident
Miscellaneous
Veronika
December 29, 2023
0

Dear Colleague,

As you gear up for the transition to a supervising resident role, I’d like to share some reflections that extend beyond the conventional teachings found in textbooks, databases, or lectures. While you are likely inundated with advice on the clinical and technical facets of your upcoming responsibilities, it’s crucial not to overlook the less-emphasized yet equally vital moral dimension of your practice. Mastering the clinical intricacies is essential, but cultivating qualities like patience, compassion, and humility is equally paramount. Having recently navigated this promotion myself, I offer a few considerations to ponder as you embark on this significant transition.

Empower Your Learners:

The intern role often involves substantial responsibility with limited agency, creating stress without the corresponding fulfillment of making consequential decisions. Your role is not only to teach or supervise but also to inject agency into the interns you work alongside. Foster an environment that nurtures their sense of worth and self-efficacy within the intricate framework of medical teamwork. While entrusting unsupervised decisions to a new intern may not be prudent, you can gradually build their confidence by inviting their input during rounds, encouraging open discussions on ambiguous medical decisions, and seeking feedback for your own improvement.

Embrace Uncertainty with Integrity:

Clinical medicine inherently grapples with uncertainty and ambiguity. A wise clinician learns to act in the face of complex information, demonstrating a humility often absent among practitioners and trainees. Resist the common notion that admitting uncertainty is a weakness; instead, acknowledge the limits of your knowledge, seek help when necessary, and proceed despite imperfect solutions. This honesty not only preserves your intellectual integrity but sets a crucial example for your trainees. Acknowledging uncertainty liberates you from the pressure of always having definitive answers and fosters a healthier approach to decision-making.

Shift Focus from Memorization to Process:

Challenge the traditional evaluation of medical knowledge, moving away from antiquated practices like “pimping.” Rather than emphasizing rote memorization of facts easily forgotten, invest your time in understanding the intricate processes underlying the pathophysiology you encounter. This shift requires dedicated practice and time, but it ensures a more enduring investment of intellectual effort, enabling you to comprehend the “how” behind medical phenomena, not just the “what.”

Reflect on Intern Year Challenges:

Finally, don’t lose sight of the challenges faced during intern year. Recognize that shortcomings in medicine often stem from memory lapses rather than malice. Remember the vulnerability of being unwell and in a position of disempowerment. True empathy flourishes in these uncomfortable spaces, serving as a potent motivator in your journey.

Best regards,

A Very Humbled Resident

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Disability pension: You are entitled to these illnesses
Miscellaneous
Chris
November 29, 2023
0

The disability pension is an important social security for people who are no longer able to practice their profession to the full extent due to health restrictions. In Germany there are a variety of illnesses and health problems that can lead to the approval of a disability pension. This article takes a look at some of the most common and significant illnesses that could result in disability benefits.

Disability pension: explanation

The disability pension is a form of statutory pension insurance that is granted to working people who are no longer able to fully pursue their previous job due to health restrictions or illnesses. This pension is intended to compensate for the income gap that arises due to incapacity to work and to offer those affected financial support to cover their living expenses. The amount of the disability pension depends on various factors, including, among other things, the individual contributions to pension insurance and the degree of disability.

Disability pension: These illnesses meet the requirements

The disability pension can be granted due to various illnesses and health problems. Examples of illnesses that may meet the requirements for granting a disability pension include:

  • Cancers in advanced stages
  • Mental illnesses such as severe depression , anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress
  • Chronic pain syndromes, especially if they significantly impair the ability to work and concentrate
  • Cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, heart attacks , strokes, and other serious heart diseases that can affect heart performance and blood flow
  • Neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis , Parkinson’s and epilepsy
  • Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
  • Musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis , osteoporosis and chronic back or joint pain
  • Consequences of accidents with permanent impairments

However, the exact requirements and conditions for granting a disability pension can be complex and vary from case to case. A medical report and a comprehensive examination of the individual situation are therefore usually required to determine whether the requirements are met.

Disability pension

Conclusion

The disability pension represents important social security for people in Germany who are no longer able to fully practice their profession due to health restrictions or illnesses. The aforementioned diseases that can meet the requirements for the granting of this pension are diverse, ranging from mental illnesses to cancer, musculoskeletal disorders and many other health problems.

But be careful: the exact assessment and granting of the disability pension is based on an individual assessment that takes into account the severity of the illness and its impact on the ability to work. Simply having one of the above-mentioned illnesses is not enough to actually grant you a disability pension.

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My battle with imposter syndrome
Miscellaneous
Chris
October 25, 2023
0

Coping with High Expectations, Homesickness, and Self-Doubt: A Reflection by International Student Itisha Adukia

In the life of an international student, juggling high expectations, homesickness, and self-doubt can be a daily struggle. I recently had a conversation with my mother, the lifeline connecting me to my family as an international student. She inquired about my experiences during my placement, whether I had managed to run errands like grocery shopping, and if I had the opportunity to interact with patients. She proudly shared how the entire family celebrated my entry into medical school, marking me as the first in our family to achieve this feat.

Despite the encouraging words and praise, all I could think about was the mounting workload that lay ahead. Exam preparations loomed large, and I felt ill-prepared, uncertain where to even start. To protect my mother from unnecessary concern, I sidestepped my doubts and expressed gratitude for her support and pride.

This conversation continued to gnaw at me for weeks. It seemed I was not meeting the standards set by my parents.

Medicine students are often placed on a pedestal from the moment they step into medical school. Expectations come from all sides – family, friends, and the academic institution itself. From the very beginning, you’re subjected to rigorous evaluation, not just professionally but academically.

But what happens when you feel incapable of meeting these expectations? How does it affect your self-esteem, academic performance, and your ability to interact with peers and patients? The daily lives of many medical students are marred by self-doubt and insecurity, often manifesting as the infamous ‘imposter syndrome,’ a common issue among high-achievers in the field.

As an international student and the first in my family to pursue medicine, these emotions are a constant companion. There’s an overwhelming sense of pressure to excel, both externally and self-imposed. I’ve learned to confront these feelings and question their validity. Is my self-doubt based on fact, or am I simply on a learning curve?

Living far away from home compounds the challenges. Homesickness is a significant distraction from my studies and work. I often feel I should be with my family, and the geographic distance between us can make my educational journey seem almost surreal.

However, I’ve come to realize that being so far from home can be a testament to my capabilities and potential. True achievements extend beyond the academic sphere.

Moving into the fourth year brings new challenges. It’s a phase where you transition from being under the guidance of junior doctors to dealing with patients independently. At first, it’s manageable, but as patients present with complex and unique cases, you may find yourself grappling with self-doubt. You might forget the basics, like the famous SOCRATES acronym for medical history. This can lead to a sense of incompetence, making you shy away from engaging with patients who might have ailments you don’t fully understand yet.

In the end, I discovered that the key to overcoming self-doubt is visualizing my journey and setting goals. I created a calendar to chart my study progress, providing a tangible reminder that time is not running out and that every topic I need to cover is achievable.

Imposter syndrome is a more common affliction than we might think, affecting even the most accomplished and optimistic individuals. As medics, there are strategies to combat self-doubt. I’ve made a habit of identifying my feelings and critically assessing whether they are based on fact or anxiety. I also keep a record of my achievements and compliments from peers to remind myself of my strengths.

No one is perfect, not even the most seasoned consultant. Acknowledging these feelings and using them as motivation to be the best version of yourself is key.

Advice from Dr. Ellie Mein, a medico-legal adviser, emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing imposter syndrome, a common issue among new and training doctors. To combat these feelings, she recommends celebrating successes, avoiding constant comparison to others, and engaging in thoughtful reflection to enhance professional development.

In the end, whether you’re an international student or a seasoned professional, dealing with high expectations and self-doubt is a shared experience. It’s how we confront and manage these challenges that defines our journey towards success in the medical field.

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“Sometimes I hate my job”
Miscellaneous
Jack
September 12, 2023
0

But not in the way you’d think. It’s not the hours or the pay or the poops. It’s how keenly and constantly aware I am of our precious and fragile lives.

Today while I was driving, I came up behind a car with an “organ donors save lives” bumper sticker and I immediately thought, That driver or a loved one of his must have received an organ.

I thought of the times at work when I’m comforting a family who have faced the terrible and sudden death of their loved one who decided to donate their organs. I thought of the gut-wrenching pain that I’ve seen them experience.

And then, the scenario immediately played in my head of what it would look and feel like if my husband became brain dead and was a donor.

As I pictured myself outside of the OR, right after saying my last goodbye to him, doubled over in those kind of tears that make your throat burn, just before they cut him open to procure his pristine organs to immediately ship them to someone who is already asleep on the operating table somewhere else, my eyes flooded with tears at the next stoplight as I pulled up behind him again.

I pictured the would-be family of the patient that would get his lungs, sitting in the OR waiting room with looks of pessimistic relief. They know there’s a possible set of lungs, but they don’t know yet how perfect his lungs are, they don’t know yet that my husband’s death will literally breathe new life into their loved one. I pictured their faces as the surgeon comes out to say the lungs are perfect and they’re going to proceed.

I then thought of that video I saw online of a mother whose 14-year-old daughter suddenly died and they donated her organs. She found out who got her daughter’s heart, and she flew across the country to listen to it beat. And I thought of how I’d want to listen to lungs of my husband, breathing life in someone else.

I stopped to breathe deeply and thank God for every single breath. I uttered a prayer of protection over my husband. And I again realized how thankful I am for each breath he’s breathing right now across town. I forget how thankful I am for those breaths. Each shift that I take care of someone that looks like him, or my dad, or my mom, reminds me how thankful I am for every single breath.

And all of that came from that darn bumper sticker.

Just another day living this nurse life.

 

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My Patient Won’t Stop Hitting On Me. What Can I Do?
Miscellaneous
Masha
July 10, 2023
0

It’s a given. Patients will hit on you, in more or less obvious ways and varying degrees of inappropriateness. It can get very upsetting, especially after a long shift.

Although we are not encouraging this practice, we try to understand why it’s so common among patients. For starters, nursing is often depicted in sexualized ways. So, it’s no wonder that some patients see nurses as an object of desire. In addition, you interact with your patients when they are at their most vulnerable. You take care of them, you are kind to them, and you bring hope in their lives. As a result, some patients may see you as s savior of sorts and fall for you.

But as everyone in the industry already knows, having a romance of any kind with a patient is strictly forbidden. The tricky side to this is that this rule might not be as obvious for your patients as it is for you.

So when patients don’t seem to play by the rules, what is there for you to do so as you handle this as smoothly as possible? Here are some helpful ideas.

 

Try to Understand Where They’re Coming From

With health care being such a sensitive subject for many people, ending up in a hospital – and potentially difficult emotional situations – means that many patients will try to find a way out of the discomfort. Some might simply be obnoxious, critical, noncompliant, and some will just try to diffuse the tension by flirting with you. Although this situation is bizarre for you, they are probably not very aware of the discomfort they might be putting on you.

But it’s important for you to know where all this is coming from, so you can look at this behavior the way you would look at any other difficult one. It might even serve you to try to redirect the conversation to something that might be troubling them and that they might unknowingly try to avoid through flirting. You can find some great tips on how to deal with difficult patients and on how to keep your cool around them. You will see that they will serve you right when dealing with flirtatious patients as well.

 

Let Them Know Your Limits

Nothing feels as wrong as letting people cross your personal boundaries. As much as you might think that being a nurse implies only kindness and compassion, there comes a time when you need to be outspoken and impose some limits. It doesn’t mean you should be mean or intimidating, but you need to be assertive and redirect the situation onto a more professional one. You can do that by either saying you are only there to provide professional services and limits are required to be respected or by simply affirming that it is not appropriate to deviate towards anything non-professional.

If being outspoken about it feels a bit like a stretch for you, you might try the simple strategy of dismissing their comments. In fact, for those who are not pushing the limits that badly, it might work even better just to cut out the flirting by ignoring it or by simply shifting the conversation. Whatever you feel best to do, stick to a serious tone of speech. That way, they won’t derail any further.

 

Make a Common Colleagues Agreement

Some situations might get out of control. That’s why it is good to address this possibility by sharing it with the rest of your colleagues. Together you could agree on a common way to approach such behaviors. For example, if there is any patient that is already famous for his/her flirting predispositions, then it might be a good idea to always visit them accompanied.

Create a common strategy on how to deal with flirting patients. It might sound a bit difficult since everybody’s got a full schedule while being a nurse, but

 it will prove to be very helpful and efficient. Not only will you have backup, but can also focus on doing your job better.

What other strategies for dealing with flirtatious patients do you have? Share your tips by leaving a  comment below.

https://scrubsmag.com/

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Top 5 Doctor Specialties for Extroverts
Miscellaneous
Masha
May 2, 2023
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Top 5 Doctor Specialties for Extroverts

According to Medscape’s 2018 Physician Lifestyle and Happiness Report, 28% of physicians reported leaning more towards extroversion than introversion, and 38% identified as an even mix of both introversion and extroversion.

Here are the top 5 best medical specialties for extroverts:

  1. Psychiatry
  2. Family Medicine & Pediatrics
  3. Internal Medicine
  4. Emergency Medicine
  5. Physician Leadership

 

1 | Psychiatry

First up on our list is psychiatry.

Psychiatry is the field of medicine that focuses on understanding and treating mental health disorders and psychological distress. As a psychiatrist, you must be incredibly skilled at communication to navigate the nuances of social interactions. Psychiatrists see a wide variety of patients, with a wide variety of mental health issues, who experience a wide range of emotions. Being able to adapt to the needs of each unique patient requires highly developed interpersonal skills.

Psychiatrists have to be adaptable to think deeply and holistically about their patients. Even if two patients have the same psychiatric disease or disorder, their treatment plans can be incredibly different. As a psychiatrist, you have the opportunity to tailor the treatment to each specific patient. This can be exciting but also challenging as it requires a deep understanding of the patient and their issues.

Psychiatrists also get to spend more time with their patients than many other physicians. It’s not uncommon to have 45-60 minute consultations with patients to get to the root of their problems. Given the nature of psychiatry, most of your patients will also need your care for a long time. As such, there’s a lot of opportunity for longitudinal care within psychiatry allowing you to build deeper connections with patients. You’ll see them develop and improve with time, and being a part of that can be incredibly satisfying.

The quality of life of a psychiatrist is also generally pretty good. Although this may vary depending on where you work, you’re likely to work regular business hours as a psychiatrist. In addition, overnight emergencies and weekend calls are typically infrequent.

To become a psychiatrist, you must complete 4 years of psychiatry residency after medical school. The average psychiatrist earns approximately $287,000 per year and works 47 hours per week.

2 | Family Medicine & Pediatrics

Next are family medicine and pediatrics. Although the patient populations differ, the two are similar in their reasons for being well-suited for extroverts.

Family medicine doctors and pediatricians are the first point of contact for patients in non-emergent situations and are responsible for much of the preventive medicine, overall wellness, and treatment of common conditions.

Given the nature of family medicine and pediatrics, you can form lasting relationships with patients that span years, or even decades in some cases. You’ll follow them through various stages of their lives and help them through whatever health issues arise.

Given the largely low-acuity nature of family medicine and pediatrics, patient visits tend to be shorter meaning that you’re also able to see more patients per day than many other specialties. This means meeting and interacting with large numbers of people each day.

The lifestyle of a family medicine doctor or pediatrician is also often desirable. Both tend to work normal, 9-5 business hours with little, if any call. This means more time to spend with family and friends outside of work, and few interruptions when you’re off the clock.

To become a family medicine doctor, you must complete 3 years of family medicine residency after medical school. The average FM doctor earns $255,000 per year and works 53 hours per week.

To become a pediatrician, you must complete 3 years of pediatrics residency after medical school. The average pediatrician earns $244,000 per year and works 47 hours per week.

3 | Internal Medicine

The next specialty that is well-suited for extroverts is internal medicine.

Similar to family medicine and pediatrics, internal medicine doctors see larger numbers of patients each day compared to other specialties. Just about every patient that enters the hospital needs an internist, so there’s never a shortage of patients.

In addition, because they’re working in the hospital, internal medicine doctors also need to interact with various individuals and members of the healthcare team. This includes interacting with the patient and their families, nurses, pharmacists, consultants, social workers, case managers, and more. As such, internal medicine doctors must be adaptable and have great communication skills.

There’s also a lot of flexibility within internal medicine. You can take care of patients within the hospital, in an outpatient clinic, or both.

The specialty also has a generally favorable work-life balance which means that you have plenty of time for socialization outside of work. As a hospitalist, the most common model is 7 on, 7 off; however, it’s not uncommon to have 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off. The weeks at work can be hectic at times, but the weeks off of work are glorious.

To become an internal medicine doctor, you must complete 3 years of IM residency after medical school. The average internal medicine doctor earns $264,000 per year and works 55 hours per week.

4 | Emergency Medicine

Next on our list is emergency medicine.

Emergency medicine is the specialty dealing with acute conditions needing urgent care such as heart attack and trauma.

Emergency medicine doctors see high volumes of patients relative to other specialties, and because everyone is a new consult, you’re often jumping from one patient to the next. Furthermore, given the nature of emergencies, there can be a lot of strong emotions involved. As an EM doctor, being able to build trust and rapport with your patients in a short amount of time is critical and requires strong interpersonal skills.

As such, EM is well-suited for extroverts who thrive on external stimulation and prefer shorter interactions with higher volumes of patients as opposed to the longer, deeper visits with fewer patients that you might get in a field such as psychiatry.

There’s also a stereotype within healthcare of emergency medicine doctors being incredibly outgoing. They’re often the type of people who enjoy being active and prefer adventurous or risk-taking activities. It’s no coincidence that a common stereotype for EM doctors is a love for outdoor activities such as cycling and rock climbing—which ironically are also some of the activities that might land you in the emergency department.

The lifestyle of an emergency medicine doctor is often advantageous for extroverts. In contrast to most other specialties, emergency medicine doctors typically do shift work, meaning that they clock in and clock out and take very little work home with them. When they’re off, they’re truly off, giving them plenty of time to spend with family and friends outside of work.

Lastly, EM doctors meet and interact with a large number of people each day including patients, their families, and other members of the healthcare team. Emergency medicine is also highly collaborative. EM doctors must closely interact with nurses, respiratory therapists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners, and consult with a variety of other specialists to get the patient the care that they need.

To become an EM doctor, you must complete 3-4 years of emergency medicine residency after medical school. The average EM physician earns approximately $373,000 per year and works 46 hours per week.

5 | Leadership Roles

Although this last one isn’t necessarily a specialty, physician leadership roles are well-suited for extroverts as some extroverts receive social energy from being in leadership positions. In the world of medicine, there’s no shortage of leadership opportunities—no matter what specialty you work in.

You could become a program director for your residency or fellowship program. You could become a medical director in your specialty. You could become a private investigator for a clinical trial and lead a team of researchers, data analysts, and doctors. You could also shift gears and move towards a more healthcare administrative role, becoming a part of hospital leadership and making decisions that impact the whole hospital.

Extroverts are often well-suited for leadership roles as they require strong communication and a great deal of collaboration with others.

As you can see, there are numerous options within medicine–even for the most extroverted of physicians. It’s important to remember, however, that no matter how introverted or extroverted you are, you should not let that be the only factor you consider when choosing a specialty.

Although some specialties may allow for more or less social interaction than others, you’ll still see a wide variety of personality types within every specialty. Your level of introversion or extroversion may factor into your choice of specialty, but it should not be the determining factor. It is much more important to choose a specialty that you enjoy and can see yourself doing in the long run as opposed to whatever caters to a single aspect of your personality.

Choosing a specialty is only one piece of the puzzle though. Once you’ve decided on your ideal specialty, you’ll need to match into it. We have a variety of services to help you along the way. From residency application editing to USMLE prep and mock interviews, we’ve got you covered. There’s a reason that we’ve become the fastest-growing company in the space with industry-leading satisfaction ratings. 

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Top 5 Doctor Specialties for Extroverts
Miscellaneous
Masha
May 2, 2023
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Top 5 Doctor Specialties for Extroverts

According to Medscape’s 2018 Physician Lifestyle and Happiness Report, 28% of physicians reported leaning more towards extroversion than introversion, and 38% identified as an even mix of both introversion and extroversion.

Here are the top 5 best medical specialties for extroverts:

  1. Psychiatry
  2. Family Medicine & Pediatrics
  3. Internal Medicine
  4. Emergency Medicine
  5. Physician Leadership

 

1 | Psychiatry

First up on our list is psychiatry.

Psychiatry is the field of medicine that focuses on understanding and treating mental health disorders and psychological distress. As a psychiatrist, you must be incredibly skilled at communication to navigate the nuances of social interactions. Psychiatrists see a wide variety of patients, with a wide variety of mental health issues, who experience a wide range of emotions. Being able to adapt to the needs of each unique patient requires highly developed interpersonal skills.

Psychiatrists have to be adaptable to think deeply and holistically about their patients. Even if two patients have the same psychiatric disease or disorder, their treatment plans can be incredibly different. As a psychiatrist, you have the opportunity to tailor the treatment to each specific patient. This can be exciting but also challenging as it requires a deep understanding of the patient and their issues.

Psychiatrists also get to spend more time with their patients than many other physicians. It’s not uncommon to have 45-60 minute consultations with patients to get to the root of their problems. Given the nature of psychiatry, most of your patients will also need your care for a long time. As such, there’s a lot of opportunity for longitudinal care within psychiatry allowing you to build deeper connections with patients. You’ll see them develop and improve with time, and being a part of that can be incredibly satisfying.

The quality of life of a psychiatrist is also generally pretty good. Although this may vary depending on where you work, you’re likely to work regular business hours as a psychiatrist. In addition, overnight emergencies and weekend calls are typically infrequent.

To become a psychiatrist, you must complete 4 years of psychiatry residency after medical school. The average psychiatrist earns approximately $287,000 per year and works 47 hours per week.

2 | Family Medicine & Pediatrics

Next are family medicine and pediatrics. Although the patient populations differ, the two are similar in their reasons for being well-suited for extroverts.

Family medicine doctors and pediatricians are the first point of contact for patients in non-emergent situations and are responsible for much of the preventive medicine, overall wellness, and treatment of common conditions.

Given the nature of family medicine and pediatrics, you can form lasting relationships with patients that span years, or even decades in some cases. You’ll follow them through various stages of their lives and help them through whatever health issues arise.

Given the largely low-acuity nature of family medicine and pediatrics, patient visits tend to be shorter meaning that you’re also able to see more patients per day than many other specialties. This means meeting and interacting with large numbers of people each day.

The lifestyle of a family medicine doctor or pediatrician is also often desirable. Both tend to work normal, 9-5 business hours with little, if any call. This means more time to spend with family and friends outside of work, and few interruptions when you’re off the clock.

To become a family medicine doctor, you must complete 3 years of family medicine residency after medical school. The average FM doctor earns $255,000 per year and works 53 hours per week.

To become a pediatrician, you must complete 3 years of pediatrics residency after medical school. The average pediatrician earns $244,000 per year and works 47 hours per week.

3 | Internal Medicine

The next specialty that is well-suited for extroverts is internal medicine.

Similar to family medicine and pediatrics, internal medicine doctors see larger numbers of patients each day compared to other specialties. Just about every patient that enters the hospital needs an internist, so there’s never a shortage of patients.

In addition, because they’re working in the hospital, internal medicine doctors also need to interact with various individuals and members of the healthcare team. This includes interacting with the patient and their families, nurses, pharmacists, consultants, social workers, case managers, and more. As such, internal medicine doctors must be adaptable and have great communication skills.

There’s also a lot of flexibility within internal medicine. You can take care of patients within the hospital, in an outpatient clinic, or both.

The specialty also has a generally favorable work-life balance which means that you have plenty of time for socialization outside of work. As a hospitalist, the most common model is 7 on, 7 off; however, it’s not uncommon to have 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off. The weeks at work can be hectic at times, but the weeks off of work are glorious.

To become an internal medicine doctor, you must complete 3 years of IM residency after medical school. The average internal medicine doctor earns $264,000 per year and works 55 hours per week.

4 | Emergency Medicine

Next on our list is emergency medicine.

Emergency medicine is the specialty dealing with acute conditions needing urgent care such as heart attack and trauma.

Emergency medicine doctors see high volumes of patients relative to other specialties, and because everyone is a new consult, you’re often jumping from one patient to the next. Furthermore, given the nature of emergencies, there can be a lot of strong emotions involved. As an EM doctor, being able to build trust and rapport with your patients in a short amount of time is critical and requires strong interpersonal skills.

As such, EM is well-suited for extroverts who thrive on external stimulation and prefer shorter interactions with higher volumes of patients as opposed to the longer, deeper visits with fewer patients that you might get in a field such as psychiatry.

There’s also a stereotype within healthcare of emergency medicine doctors being incredibly outgoing. They’re often the type of people who enjoy being active and prefer adventurous or risk-taking activities. It’s no coincidence that a common stereotype for EM doctors is a love for outdoor activities such as cycling and rock climbing—which ironically are also some of the activities that might land you in the emergency department.

The lifestyle of an emergency medicine doctor is often advantageous for extroverts. In contrast to most other specialties, emergency medicine doctors typically do shift work, meaning that they clock in and clock out and take very little work home with them. When they’re off, they’re truly off, giving them plenty of time to spend with family and friends outside of work.

Lastly, EM doctors meet and interact with a large number of people each day including patients, their families, and other members of the healthcare team. Emergency medicine is also highly collaborative. EM doctors must closely interact with nurses, respiratory therapists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners, and consult with a variety of other specialists to get the patient the care that they need.

To become an EM doctor, you must complete 3-4 years of emergency medicine residency after medical school. The average EM physician earns approximately $373,000 per year and works 46 hours per week.

5 | Leadership Roles

Although this last one isn’t necessarily a specialty, physician leadership roles are well-suited for extroverts as some extroverts receive social energy from being in leadership positions. In the world of medicine, there’s no shortage of leadership opportunities—no matter what specialty you work in.

You could become a program director for your residency or fellowship program. You could become a medical director in your specialty. You could become a private investigator for a clinical trial and lead a team of researchers, data analysts, and doctors. You could also shift gears and move towards a more healthcare administrative role, becoming a part of hospital leadership and making decisions that impact the whole hospital.

Extroverts are often well-suited for leadership roles as they require strong communication and a great deal of collaboration with others.

As you can see, there are numerous options within medicine–even for the most extroverted of physicians. It’s important to remember, however, that no matter how introverted or extroverted you are, you should not let that be the only factor you consider when choosing a specialty.

Although some specialties may allow for more or less social interaction than others, you’ll still see a wide variety of personality types within every specialty. Your level of introversion or extroversion may factor into your choice of specialty, but it should not be the determining factor. It is much more important to choose a specialty that you enjoy and can see yourself doing in the long run as opposed to whatever caters to a single aspect of your personality.

Choosing a specialty is only one piece of the puzzle though. Once you’ve decided on your ideal specialty, you’ll need to match into it. At Med School Insiders, we have a variety of services to help you along the way. From residency application editing to USMLE prep and mock interviews, we’ve got you covered. There’s a reason that we’ve become the fastest-growing company in the space with industry-leading satisfaction ratings. We’d love to be a part of your journey to becoming a future physician.

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Using Humor To Enhance Well-Being
Miscellaneous
Masha
April 27, 2023
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Think about the last time you had a hearty laugh. How did it affect your mood? Did you feel better?

While nursing is filled with rewarding moments, it’s no secret that it has more than its fair share of challenging situations that can impact well-being. Humor is a powerful tool that can shift your mood in a single moment. And for nurses, this can be especially valuable.

Some nurses use humor as a release for work-related stress on and off the clock. But nurse humor can transcend a slight chuckle at a funny joke. The power of humor in nursing can make a difference in decreasing stress, enhancing relationships, and improving overall health.

Building connections with nurse humor

The connections nurses have with their colleagues can be considered one of the more important components of their work environment. When faced with complex and challenging work settings, having strong relationships with coworkers can make the workplace a more positive place to be.

Research has shown that the use of humor with coworkers can not only relieve symptoms of stress and burnout but can also make connections stronger, increase job satisfaction, and create a more enjoyable work environment.

“Humor is a way that we can connect,” said Cara Lunsford, RN, Vice President of Community at Relias. “With all the trauma and stress nurses are exposed to, you are just looking to connect with other people who see the world the way you see the world.”

While humor is an intervention for stress, it also helps nurses share knowledge. One study noted that when information and instructions were delivered in a humorous way, nurse respondents said they were able to retain information more easily.

“In my current work, I use humor often — it’s [part] of my personality,” said Lora Sparkman, MHA, BSN, RN. “I work with people who also have that in their nature, and it just makes work fun. We tease each other, but we also hold each other accountable and build each other up.”

It’s important to note that nurses can sometimes use humor to express frustration. In the profession’s current climate, nurses must navigate many obstacles amid staffing shortages and a continuously evolving COVID-19 pandemic.

Humor has a way of shining a light on some of these obstacles, according to Lunsford. “In some way, we think if we joke about our challenges enough, someone will see,” she said. “Someone will notice, and ask, ‘Is that real?’” Humor, while a resource for camaraderie, is also a tool that can spur potential change within the profession by revealing issues that nurses face and help to open a dialogue about them.

Mental and physical health benefits

Is laughter really the best medicine? The short answer is yes. Laughter is known to trigger positive physical and emotional responses within the body that improve overall well-being.

According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter has both short-term and long-term physical health benefits. In the short term, laughter can stimulate your organs, increase the release of endorphins, and improve your heart, lung, and muscle function. It can also reduce your physical responses to stress by decreasing your heart rate, relaxing your muscles, and lowering your blood pressure.

Laughter has also been shown to have long-lasting effects on the body as well. It can:

Laughter is also good for your mental health. It can improve your mood and increase your personal satisfaction, according to Mayo Clinic. In addition, it can enhance your coping skills, raise your self-esteem, and reduce symptoms of stress and depression.

Nurses at the bedside in particular can have difficulty finding moments of respite. Between patient care, charting, and other tasks, physical and mental health are taxed.

“My daughter is a nurse now, and she makes fun TikTok videos of her and her friends,” said Sparkman, Partner in Clinical Solutions, Patient Safety and Quality at Relias. “They’re appropriate, but they also depict the fact [that nurses] or their patients are in dire situations, and sometimes need a humor break.”  Little things like dancing and being silly in videos can ease the mood and provide a mental break from the seriousness of their roles, she added.

Humor and patient care

For patients, even the idea of visiting a medical facility or being admitted to a hospital can induce feelings of anxiety, fear, or frustration. In these instances, nurses are committed to being compassionate and building trust to make the patient’s experience a positive one. Humor at the bedside can improve patient outcomes and enhance nurse-patient relationships.

Laughter illustrates a person’s physical joy — a giggle, a smile, or a boisterous laugh — which can have positive effects on others. In patient care, these physical responses can ease anxieties or fears, diffuse high-stress situations, and lighten the mood.

“I would use humor to disarm people,” said Lunsford. “Oftentimes, you walk into a room and feel the defensiveness, the mistrust, the insecurity, the vulnerability. And you have to break through that quickly.” The goal is to build trust with the patient, so they feel comfortable in telling you what’s going on, she added.

Humor in nursing can also provide a distraction for patients. Depending on the situation, some patients may feel worried or afraid. Incorporating light-hearted humor can be a way of shifting a patient’s thoughts to something other than their medical situation. For instance, you can share anecdotes like, “The funniest thing happened on my way to work,” or “I listened to the most hilarious podcast yesterday.” Sharing humor in this way can help patients relax and momentarily distract them.

With patients, however, it’s important to remember that humor has its caveats. And some jokes or stories may have racial and ethnic, social, religious, sex-based, or other cultural undertones that some patients could find offensive or not understand. When sharing humor with patients, make sure you’re keeping these things in mind.

Humor isn’t a bandage for all the challenges nurses experience. While there is more attention needed on areas like staffing and compensation, nurses deserve to find moments of joy and feel comfortable in the workplace. Humor can be just one way to boost well-being and make the workplace feel a little lighter.

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