Experience: Learning the Importance of Bedside Manner

During my recent internship at a geriatrics and family medicine practice, I had the opportunity to shadow an experienced physician on rounds. This particular doctor is known for her stellar bedside manner and ability to put patients at ease. I was able to witness this firsthand during a memorable visit with an elderly female patient.

The patient, who was in her mid-80s, had arrived for a routine check-up appointment. However, she seemed visibly anxious and worried as the appointment began. The observant doctor quickly picked up on this and gently asked what was troubling her that day.

The patient confessed she was extremely nervous about an upcoming surgical procedure - specifically, cataract surgery scheduled for the following week. She explained her fears about the surgery itself, concerns over the recovery process, worries about complications, and overall anxiety over the unknowns.

In response, the compassionate doctor spent the next 15 minutes thoroughly explaining the entire cataract surgery process step-by-step. She described the typical pre-op testing protocol, how lasers are used during the procedure itself, the lens replacement process, average recovery time, normal side effects, and so on. No question or worry was left unaddressed.

As the patient listened, I watched her body language transform - shoulders relaxing, furrowed brow softening, fidgety hands calming. By the time the doctor had finished her detailed explanations, the patient looked much less distressed.

Towards the end of their conversation, the doctor made a lighthearted joke, promising she expected a full report after the surgery complete with details about what music was played in the operating room. This got a genuine, heartfelt laugh from the elderly patient. Her face lit up with mirth, the anxiety now gone.

Watching this doctor in action showed me how powerful a physician's bedside manner can be. Clinical knowledge is crucial, but compassion and humor can be just as healing. This appointment was a master class in not just treating a patient's disease, but in treating the patient as a whole person.