Let it go: A pediatrician reflects after a difficult conversation
I walk into the patient room, “Hello, I’m Dr. Seabury. What can we do for you today?” As soon as I see the unbundled child, I know there is a problem. I examine the patient fully. Carefully. The conversation that comes next is a challenging one.
“Strong concern.” “Slow growth.” “Percentiles.” “Development.” “Admission to the hospital.”
There is silence, then the words from the family flow forth. Angry, accusatory, confused, dismissive, worried, …