Bedside/Chairside Manner
I had a crazy day in the world of healthcare today. I went from the dermatologist, where I saw a really nice PA (Physician’s Assistant) about Accutane, then went off to a lab to get blood work done to make sure my body is able to handle Accutane, then had a dentist appointment about an hour later where I got a routine cleaning and then had some sealant replenished. It’s funny how the look of a healthcare practice can have an exact correlation with the care and manner of the staff of that particular practice.
In both the dermatologist’s and dentist’s offices, the practices are modern, clean, well-lit (incandescent lighting), and very home-like, thus giving off a very professional feel to them. In both appointments, after sitting in the comfortable waiting room, I was called back by a friendly member of the staff who then proceeded to ask me how I was doing and then gregariously led me to the room where I would be treated by the staff. The PA I saw was incredibly nice and gave off such a friendly vibe. Although she was superior to me in the world of skin care and medical knowledge, she didn’t let this affect our patient doctor relationship. She was very good at changing her medical talk into laymen’s terms, but at the same time, knew that both my Mom and I, in the room, had done our research on Accutane.
The same experience occurred at my dentist appointment. I was greeted by a very enthusiastic dental hygienist, who then talked to me throughout my cleaning (she actually went to UGA) and even took time to explain why I needed to have some sealant repaired when I asked her about it because I was interested. She then even answered more questions from me about the different between a filling, amalgam, and sealant, and was so enthused and happy that I asked. On the opposite end of the spectrum, my experience at the blood lab was far from “gregarious.” I sat in a fluorescent lit room, which was painted eggshell white, walls spotted with paint chips and seat cushions with rips in them. The two ladies at the front desk were very short-spoken. I sensed no feeling of love for their profession. After waiting for ten minutes, one of the ladies said “Jacob, meet me through the door.” In my earlier appointment today at the dermatologist and at most of my other medical appointments I’ve ever had, an assistant or someone with a similar title opens the door for you or leads you to your specific patient room. Puzzled at this remark, I walked to the door, and slowly turned the knob. I found the lady staring at me, and she quickly turned around an walked down the hallway. She then said, “Take this.” Confused, I look around, and then noticed that she had my insurance card in her hand, but she was still walking and had her hand behind her back as she paced through the hallway. I awkwardly took my insurance card from her closed hand behind her back and then followed her into the room. The rest of the appointment just lacked any sort of smoothness or manner, as she proceeded to take my blood. I did not feel very comfortable in that office and am so glad that my dermatologist will let have my monthly blood work needed for Accutane completed by the health center at UGA.
I can only hope one day that when I am practicing in a medical office that I give off a caring and friendly vibe to my patients. I am so far from practicing any sort of medicine at this time in my short academic career, but so close to learning good bed side manner, as this can be practiced every single day. I feel that I already have a great head start on this from working at Sarah Care over the summer as I learned to interact with a variety of participant personalities at the Adult Daycare. I can state with confidence that a good bed side manner is a huge portion of what it takes to be a good doctor. This relationship between doctor (including all staff of a practice, and even the look and comfort of the practice itself) and patient is almost as important of the medical care itself.
Sow good services; sweet remembrances will grow them. - Madame de Stael.
