Faith A. Coleman is a family physician.

The doctor’s duty: Delivering bad news with care and compassion

Physician
May 21, 2024

Physicians have the unique duty of giving patients and their loved ones the worst news people can receive. It may be complicated, heavy, dark, somber, terrifying, and hopeless. It may also be a welcome, a relief, an ending, and a beginning. It is as important as anything we will ever say or do with or for our patients.

Research shows that the attitude and communication skills of the person delivering the …

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The doctor’s duty: Delivering bad news with care and compassion

Physicians and the importance of servant leadership

Physician
August 9, 2021

Dear resident physicians:

Soon you’ll finish residency, and you may be wondering what’s next. Some of you will start fellowships, but most of you will practice your specialty. You may be looking for opportunities that are a good match with your needs and wants.  Virtually all of you are looking forward to greater income. I hope that this ending is also a beginning – a renewal of your commitment to the …

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Physicians and the importance of servant leadership

The scourge of electronic health records

Tech
November 23, 2017

Scourge:

  1. An instrument of punishment or criticism
  2. A cause of wide or great suffering
  3. Whip or lash — especially for torture

Introduction

They say you never forget your first time. I remember mine, vividly. If only I could erase the memory. I had high expectations and higher hopes, but what I got was disillusionment. I felt violated and humiliated. I’m talking about my first time using a system for electronic health records …

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The scourge of electronic health records