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Physicians and Journalism: Responsibly Meeting the Challenge

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An excellent discussion of the importance of physicians’ mindfulness. Our words and actions matter, often more than we know, in and out of the exam room. It is the contract of responsibility that we signed when we took the oath of caring.

drkevincampbellmd's avatarDr. Kevin Campbell, MD

As a physician journalist I find myself in a very fortunate and quite unique position—I am able to reach vast numbers of Americans on a daily basis and provide them with credible (and hopefully impactful) news on health and wellness. Medical journalism is similar to the practice of medicine in that we must put the PATIENT first. Just as physicians provide patients with information they need to better understand their disease state and treatment options in a clinical interaction, physician journalists must carefully choose their words when on camera or quoted in print. In a clinical situation, there is time for questions and two-way interaction between doctor and patient. In contrast, medical reporting in broadcast media is a very different situation–there is no opportunity for patient interaction and what is said MUST be something that will stimulate further conversation between viewers and their OWN private physicians. Statements must be clear…

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Help Me, Help You

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When I am at my best, it’s a win-win.  I am present, attentive, and actively listening.  I am patient, cheerful, relaxed.  I am less judgmental, and more likely to acknowledge the things you already do to help yourself.  Not only do I hear what you say; I see and hear how you feel, and you know it.

When I am at my best, we feel connected.  You feel safe to reveal things to me that you might not if I were less than my best.  Then I get to know you—what you value, what you fear, and what you need from me.  I know better what questions to ask, and you can answer honestly.  My diagnosis is more accurate, my treatment plan more relevant.  You feel more comfortable asking questions.  We both leave the visit satisfied and fulfilled.

So what do I need to be at my best?  I need to take care of myself first: eat healthy, exercise, get enough sleep, manage my stress, and nurture my relationships.  If we consider each of these a bucket, then the ideal is to keep each bucket mostly full all the time.  How is that possible?  That is up to me.  I need to practice what I preach—a tall order!  It can lead to perfectionism, self-judgment, disappointment, and burnout.  It’s my responsibility to manage myself.

How could you help me be my best?  After all, you have a stake (and a hand) in how I show up.  Have you thought about this already?

What assumptions do you make about me?

How do those assumptions affect your body language, what information you give me, and how you perceive my words and recommendations?

What assumptions can you make about me that would maximize your chances of getting what you need?

I respectfully request that you consider the following about me, your physician:

  • I try my best to walk the talk. I know how hard it is.
  • Every day I bring all that I have to work, to do my best for you.
  • Some days (weeks, months, years) I have more than others, depending on what else is going on in my life.
  • I will make mistakes, and it’s not because I don’t care.
  • I know it’s my job to help you.
  • I need your help to do it.

When you feel that disconnect, like I have left Best Me somewhere else and you’re not getting what you need, what will you do?  Will you yell and storm away? Smile to my face and then write a scathing, anonymous Yelp review? What would you do if I were your spouse, colleague, friend, or child? You and I are in a relationship, not unlike these. Could you patiently, lovingly, ask me to slow down, take a deep breath, and be with you now? I think I would respond very well to that.