In the previous article, we examined how control, conscience,comparison and conflict create stress in our lives. This stress,and our body’s response to it, can lead to failing health and adecreased quality of life. Physicians are not immune to thesestressors. Ironically, many of my healing colleagues suffer significantlymore than their patients.
For my physician colleagues who are reading this article,I ask of you to consider three more “C’s”— compassion, consensusand camaraderie. The “system” has allowed us to workagainst ourselves by creating conflict and confusion. Regardlessof your educational pedigree, specialty area or personal preferences,we are all in this together. We needto strive for compassion, not comparison,to each other. Through this process, we canachieve consensus. Don’t wait until it’s toolate. WE are comrades at war against forcesthat seek to devalue and demean us. WE havechosen an honorable profession. WE have acalling. WE are the last bastion of hope forour patients, who are being inundated withthe propaganda of those who desire to degradeour profession. The time to act is now!May your actions bring honor to all of US.
How do we accomplish our goal to havea healthcare system that will provide accessand affordability to our patients, withoutcompromising our contributions and its rewards?
- Talk to your patients. They can be our best advocates. Ultimately, the consumer directs market forces, and our patients are the consumers. Let them know that their access to healthcare is endangered if we move to a healthcare system that rewards rationed (managed) care.
- Promote preventative and wellness care. The leveraging effect of a proactive approach to healthcare is the cure for our ills both literally and figuratively.
- Consider cost saving approaches to healthcare. Use generic or alternative medications when appropriate. If your “policy” is to see your patients every three months for refills…consider six–month follow–ups with prescriptions for chronic conditions written for annual refills.
- Make appropriate referrals. A prompt referral to a consultant can often lead to a prompt diagnosis and definitive management of the patient.
- Collaborate with your trusted colleagues. A collective approach to complex problems leads to more efficacious decisions.
- Don’t be afraid to fight for your patient’s well being. Too often, forces that threaten to exclude us if we don’t comply with unrealistic expectations intimidate us. Treat your patient as you would a family member. In my experience, when I confronted a person representing an entity whose only concern was the bottom dollar, I ultimately won the conflict on behalf of my patient.
- Contact your state and federal representatives and let them know that a socialized healthcare system will paradoxically create an environment of haves and have–nots. Those who can afford excellent healthcare will have access to it. Those who cannot will enter a system of sub–optimal rationed care provided by substandard providers.
- We must implore the leadership of our various specialty societies, academies and colleges to work together as a coalition, putting aside their individual interests for the common good. They represent us, so they must be accountable.
“But He knew their thoughts and said tothem, “Every nation divided into groups thatfight each other will be destroyed. Every familydivided into groups that fight each other willnot stand. Luke 11:17 (NLV)
The “enemy” is counting on our continueddivisiveness. “Divide and conquer” is the strategyof the day for those who wish to relegatephysicians to menial laborers who are subservientto a bureaucracy intent on underminingour profession. I ask you to reconnect withyour passion for excellent patient care andexercise your obligation to our profession andour patients. I can’t think of a more talented,intelligent, motivated and respected group of professionalsthan physicians. As a physician and surgeon, you have the giftof healing. You have endured a long and arduous period of educationand training. You have been groomed for excellence. Wemust respect ourselves so that others will respect us. Stop thein–fighting, and stand up for what is right and true. Tomorrowmay be too late. If we lose the war, we will have only ourselves toblame.
Until next time, live well!
