Despite having practiced medicine for over 30 years, I still continue to grow in my understanding of doctoring.  Several experiences over the last month have stimulated an explicit realization of this concept – I am a man of many faces and personalities while doctoring.

Several students and residents have commented on this observation this year.  They note that I approach patients individually.  I use different body language, vocalizations and manners.  My vocabulary changes.

Many clinicians understand this.  I believe that we should become the physician that our patient needs and respects.

Several times recently my students have commented on my lack of judgmental reactions.  If patients think you are judging them, they more likely will lie about important social history aspects or medical adherence.  I suppose that internally I do judge patients, but I try hard to hide my personal reactions.  As a physician I need the best, most accurate information.  Being judgmental decreases the probability of obtaining that information.

Reflecting this morning after rounds, my students felt that having an explicit discussion of this phenomenon was helping them develop their bedside manner.  We must strive to be the physician that the patient needs during that time.