T A L K T H A T T A L K
Becoming a doctor doesn’t solely depend on your medical skills or knowledge. Communication is equally important and it is advisable for you to find out ways to improve communication and become more compassionate and efficient in delivering your message to the patient. Empathy is fundamental, when you are talking to a patient, you should put yourself into their shoes so that you can think of ways to assist them. It may be a bit tacky first, thus, Philip provides us with a 3-step guide into having a successful conversation with the patient.
“Firstly, you need to get an eloquent history of the patient to ensure your diagnosis,” He illustrates, “Then you will ask the patients to express their desired treatment and you will listen to their demands before telling them the available options for their health. Thirdly, you will comfort the patient and smooth their pain. If you only do the first step, the patient will feel like they are under interrogation. If you only do the first 2 steps, the patient will think you are nothing but a robot. The third step is the most important! It’s all about empathy.”
One example would be a patient suffering from cancer. Standing from a third person perspective, will only look into the best solutions in solving this, yet because of this, we will often neglect the worries of the patient. Thus, you should always follow ‘I.C.E’, an acronym standing for Ideas, Concerns and Expectations. “For Ideas, you should know what thoughts your patient has,” Philip explains, “In terms of Concern, ask the patient what they are worried about? Whether it be their own health or others. Lastly, in regards to Expectations, after knowing what the patient is thinking and their distress, ask the patient what they want you, as a doctor, to do for them. After collecting all the Ideas, Concerns and Expectations of the patient, provide them with your professional opinion. Then, ask the patient to reconsider their decision.”
Using the perspective of a patient to begin with is very helpful, and as a doctor, you should always listen.
Even if you, as a secondary school student, are not proficient in medical knowledge, your compassion and ability to emphasize with the patients you meet is actually already advantageous. As Philip reinstates in the interview, “The quality of a doctor’s treatment to their patient isn’t just how well the doctor can help you recover, it’s more emphasizing on the patient knowing that the doctor understands their suffering, their concerns and what they want.”
G I M M E G I M M E
Students that are interested in working in the medical force are highly suggested to refine themselves with experiences. In the past, as Philip remembers, there was a helper-volunteer programme set up at Queen Mary Hospital which enabled many interested students to follow a certain doctor in their routine and lifestyle.
But due to the pandemic, the program and anything similar to this are cancelled, since even the act of visiting the sickly is prohibited.
“I think that other than hoping COVID can quiet down so that we can re-open these programmes, there is nothing we can really do,” Philip comments, “Even if we teach you medical knowledge now, after you graduated, almost 90% of the things we taught you would become useless as they would be outdated and have not much relevance. Rather, you should be learning from the experience, i.e. communication with your patients. This is something you may not need to learn by going to the hospitals. I suggest that you should go to some patient support groups to obtain experience. Through that, you can get to know different medical staff and doctors; it is not always a must to volunteer in hospital.”
Other than gaining experience, one should also enrich themselves with knowledge. Enthusiastic students may know that in the realms of immunobiology, Janeway’s immunobiology and Basic Pathology by Stanley L. Robbins are quite popular. When Philip was in medical school however, he only read the Basic Pathology. “But don’t read too much about these,” He advises, “If you want to be a scientist, of course you are welcome to read them, since the basic principles will not change, but you have to solely focus on the basic foundations. If you are doing clinical diseases, I will suggest you not to buy these books. Classical textbooks like Robbins and Anatomy are fine, but reading Janeway’s immunobiology will not be ideal as it’s constantly changing!”
Regarding Janeway’s immunobiology, Philip amusingly states that when he was in the beginning of medical school, the book’s cover was blue; but then coming close to his graduation, the book changed into purple, with a brand new edition; after graduating from medical school, it became green in color. “I had to study the book 3 times!” He exclaims, “And theories contradict one another. Hence, I recommend you not to waste your time, effort and hardwork in studying that many times. Listen to me! Once you are close to graduation, you should then only read this book. Once is enough, you can begin with reading the 9th edition as you begin your medical course, to only study the 12th edition after your graduate.”
Students can also attend sharings by HKU Medical Alumni or graduates with different specialties to broaden your experience and knowledge. Afterall, it is better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.
While it is very helpful and encouraged to engage yourself with new found information, you do not have to pour your entire soul into studying immunology or diseases, simply because these are all subjective to changes with the advancement of technology and improved research. Never push yourself too hard and know your capabilities.
G L O W U P !
My goodness! My fellow reader, you look far more alive and rejuvenated than you were at the beginning of this article! Who would have thought that it would work? But of course, it always works, the juiciness and satisfaction you receive from gaining new knowledge beats any kind of snack!
With the interview coming to an end, Philip emphasizes on the importance of searching for additional wisdom and information in regards to different aspects of medicine. As he firmly believes that the new-found knowledge you have obtained can guide you into a brighter future.
Of course, while this saying can get quite naggy or repetitive, please do understand that it is perfectly normal and alright if you are still clueless, directionless, lost or lifeless. We can assure you that there are plenty of others who are in the same boat as you. But rather than rowing your boat aimlessly across the stream and idly passing time, seize this opportunity and elevate yourself by trying out different things and be more initiative in figuring out which road is the most suitable for you.
Like Dory once said, just keep swimming. Although the tides may be strong and against you, you can always find a way to make the tides in your own favour.
Just keep swimming, and you will eventually get there, okay? We know you will, We know you can. So it’s your turn to believe that you can and you will.
