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An instructive narrative. The voice that speaks out is, I think, living in the present. The author's angst is clearly felt with his choice of words.
So, what did you learn, dear colleague, about how you dealt with the situations you describe? What can the rest of us learn? Are we well prepared, during our training, to listen and give feedback that at least gives our patients the impression that we are listening to them? Do we feel we do not have the time or the interest to do that? Communication is a significant core component of our craft. I feel a bit uncomfortable about how this patient was locked out of meaningful interaction. There is a lesson to be learned here. Can we use narratives like this within training programs so that our incoming family physicians will have dialogue with these kinds of experiences. Some of us at the end of our careers might benefit from open, caring colleagues when our turn comes. Wouldn't that be nice. Bottom line: I liked the reflection, and was once again reminded of how, in spite of training and life experiences, we can fail ourselves and patients.
Competing Interests: None declared.