Last week, we came across an article by hematologist-oncologist Vinay Prasad, MD, MPH, titled “When Doctors Become Political – The 2016 Shift.” It is a fascinating read, and we encourage you all to read it, but we’ll give you the cliff notes below.
In the article, Dr. Prasad talks about a time he was asked to consult with a patient with a dire diagnosis. Some residents accompanied him on his visit to the Veterans’ Hospital where the patient was staying. Upon entering the room, Dr. Prasad noticed a Trump-Pence sticker on the man’s wheelchair. Dr. Prasad focused only on helping the patient and answering questions about the man’s diagnosis, and at the end of their visit, the man thanked him by saying “I like you Doctor. You are an honest man. Not like Hilary Clinton. That liar.”
Dr. Prasad opted for a neutral response, saying “Oh boy, sir, don’t get me started on these politicians.” His answer was sufficient for the patient, but before the group could leave, a resident took the opportunity to reply “Actually, sir, it’s Donald Trump who is the liar!” Some words were exchanged before Dr. Prasad was able to diffuse the situation and get his group to leave the man’s room, thanks in large part to the positive rapport he had built with the patient during his consult.
Dr. Prasad goes on to write how he had a discussion with the resident once he had time to collect his thoughts, and that doctors have a duty to provide the best care to a person regardless of their political views. He wants to leave politics out of the equation, but he’s noticed a significant shift since 2016, and he pointed to a number of healthcare or healthcare-adjacent topics that have become more politicized over the last few years. He gives examples of how things like COVID-19, exercise, BMI and a doctor’s race have all been politicized of late, and it’s hurting the collective nation. Again, we highly recommend you swing over and read the full piece before you come back and listen to Dr. Silverman’s take and his own experience with politicized patient consults.
Dr. Silverman Comments
This is an excellent blog.
There is no time for politics between doctor and patient. We have so much to communicate and so precious little time to do it. I attempt to never leave a room until the patient has all questions answered to the best of my knowledge and ability.
Personal feelings have to be kept out of that room. My most memorable experience is when a middle-aged Palestinian woman came to my clinic. I had provided compassionate care to many members of her family over the years. After we finished the visit, she said to me, “are you sure you are Jewish?” Without waiting for me to respond she said, “because Jews are ugly and you are so handsome.” Faced with this unusual, backhanded compliment, I was thrown. After I quickly collected myself, I confirmed that I indeed was Jewish, and responded with, “I have really enjoyed getting to know you and your family. It’s great when people of different backgrounds work together. Perhaps some of your other preconceived notions of Jews are wrong as well.” I hope that opened her mind to new possibilities. I know arguing with her would’ve done no good and closed her mind further.
What this described resident did to this dying man was inexcusable. I hope she learned from the experience: care is provided without regard to politics, religion, race, or any category. Everyone is a human being and we orthopedic surgeons treat pathologies of the human condition. Fractures, sprains, deformities and pain do not discriminate. People do not care what their surgeon’s political leanings are, they want the best care they can find.