Jonathan consults his doctor regularly and each time he comes to the clinic he expects to go next door for a blood test or X-ray. Like many people he believes that a positive test means he has a
Do your feet betray you doctor?
The Art of Doctoring September 11, 2019
As I watched the medical student take a history I noticed his scuffed shoes but more especially where his feet were pointed during the meeting. He sat with both feet on the ground but with his knees
Can doctors learn from movie directors?
The Art of Doctoring September 4, 2019
In any consultation involving health professionals there are two 'actors' the patient and the health professional. During that meeting each will have something to say and will say it in a specific
Doctoring Warrants A Plan
The Art of Doctoring August 28, 2019
Most people who attend a family doctor are unlikely to be seriously ill. Many however will benefit from making different choices about how they live because it is now normal to be overweight or obese,
The art of pitching in medicine
The Art of Doctoring August 13, 2019
If you are a health professional a lot of what you say will be an attempt to pitch to the patient. I forgot to keep that in mind as I broke the news that Hilda had diabetes. Her husband sat bolt
What good is a cold?
Art of Doctoring- the action July 3, 2019
It is often quoted that 50% of people will succumb to an upper respiratory tract infection in the course of a year. The usual pathogens involved are viruses. Rhinoviruses with more than 100
Where are your finger prints in my care?
Art of Doctoring- the doctor May 27, 2019
It is unlikely that you will be part of every encounter with the customer, client or patient whatever you do and wherever you work. A barista is not at the table with the customer is
Do something in your power to make a difference
Art of Doctoring- the doctor May 22, 2019
It's a small detail. If you are accompanying someone down a corridor as a healthcare professional- don't stride ahead. Ideally walk alongside the person or let them lead the way if they know where you
Ineffective handover can be fatal
Art of Doctoring- the action April 5, 2019
Imagine what might lead to the worst outcomes in healthcare. It doesn't actually have to happen but it might help to identify what could go wrong before it ever does. In most cases it will be a
Do you use your powers of observation?
Art of Doctoring- the action, Art of Doctoring- the doctor April 5, 2019
Healthcare professionals and doctors in particular need to be observant. Many, if most are observant because it can make the difference between an early diagnosis and an early demise. I remember
