The delicate balance of supervising medical residents in clinic

Physician
September 7, 2012

It was a challenging transition, when I shifted from being a medicine resident to supervising medicine residents.  There is much to be said about this shift (and similar shifts of ever-increasing responsibility at various stages of doctors’ training).  The aspect on my mind at the moment is the role of clinic preceptor.

When I was new to the role and new to the clinic, I was paired with a more experienced …

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The delicate balance of supervising medical residents in clinic

Primary care requires more than knowledge

Physician
May 11, 2012

“You are too smart to do primary care.”

I have heard this far too many times, directed at me and at others seeking career advice.  There are many reasons for the shortage of primary care doctors in the U.S., but at least part of it is this.  Smart, capable, successful trainees are discouraged from choosing primary care.  It is perceived as a less prestigious pathway than specializing.

The knowledge base of primary …

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Primary care requires more than knowledge

Patients in the waiting room do not know why doctors are running late

Physician
February 8, 2012

I hate running late.  I prefer to arrive five minutes early for any meeting.  I was that compulsive student who always turned in papers before they were due.  Now I turn in conference abstracts, grant applications, and even poetry contest submissions, well before their deadlines.  Unfortunately, timing is not always in my control.

I particularly hate running late in clinic.  I want to see all my patients on time.  It is …

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Patients in the waiting room do not know why doctors are running late