While we chuckled from whimsical banter
I was surprised by my patient’s comment
when she stated in a matter-of-fact way,
“You’ve got a bedpan manner.”
The learner,
smirking,
stole a glance my way.
Both,
aware
I was contemplating it.
Reflect,
and I’m sure you will agree,
you’ve met doctors that remind you of bedpans.
Cold, hard, stainless steel
attitudes;
with poor conductivity,
Minimally porous and reflective.
I was not like them.
I was listening;
Engaged;
Her words seeping into my core.
Plus my perception has always been
that I demonstrate excellent conduct.
Therapeutic relationship?
I thought ...
Asked to clarify,
She was mistaken;
She confused it with my deadpan manner.
Then we laughed and thought of other doctors with bedpan manners. Then we laughed some more.
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