Category: Doctor

Doctor shaming is the act of humiliating someone in medical profession specifically the physicians. The shame evidently comes from initiating negative feedbacks towards the doctors. It can be done face to face interaction, and even through text based. Nowadays, hence, technology is very advanced, people prefer to use social medias or websites wherein there are a lot of audience involved. It is very common nowadays, and there are a lot of cases airing. Doctor shaming on any social platforms should be imprisoned.

Doctor shaming can lead to the lost of credibility of a physician as a health care provider. It is one of the harmful effect of doctor shaming. After being humiliated on social media, it is expected that a lot of people will criticize and gave negative feedbacks about the doctor, a lot of people will start to question their abilities and capabilities as a health care provider. One post can destroy their career, it is indeed powerful and dangerous. ‘Medically related viral posts should remind us that no matter what the circumstance, there is no excuse for arrogance among health care workers when dealing with patients and their loved ones.'(Baticulon, 2016). There are better ways to express our rants, without shaming people.

Doctor shaming has an impact on the reputation of the hospitals. As we all know, when someone post something on social media and it went viral, it is hard to erased that certain post. According to Stewart Gandolf from Healthcare Success, ‘a doctor’s online reputation is now more powerful than his curriculum vitae.’ Most people nowadays, prefer to use social media to check the backgrounds of their physician. They immediately believe what they see on social media. People do not consult a physician that has a lot of negative feedbacks on the social websites. It is another harmful effect of doctor shaming on social websites to the career of the physicians and to the hospitals where they are working. Physician’s bad reputation reflects to the hospitals that they are working. On the other hand, if the physicians receives a lot of positive feedbacks, the more patients will come after them, that will increase the income of the hospitals and its positive comments.

Doctor shaming post never led to a positive resolution. Social media is indeed powerful and very dangerous tool. Posting or expressing your thoughts toward someone through social media can surely leads to misunderstanding which only makes the problem worse. Think before you start to cussed words towards someone, share your inelegant rants to public, be matured enough to handle your grudge. Stop humiliating and degrading people, you do not have an idea what they have been through. It is not just you who is struggling, doctors who spend their lives studying for almost a decade, had sacrificed a lot of sleepless nights just to study and finished the tasked that was given to them. They missed a lot of family occasions just to review for their exams. They almost gave up because of anxiety, depression, disappointments they have encountered, but still pursued their dreams that someday they will help people who are sick, save lives that can still be save, provide health care for people who cannot afford to pay bills in the hospitals. Then, there you are in just one click you destroyed everything that they have been working on for a decade.

A dramatic status you post on any social platforms, a one sided story destroyed the career that the doctors built up with their hard work and dedication. As a human being we are indeed perfectly imperfect, doctors can make mistake but just try to understand someone and put yourself into their situation. There you will see their struggles and all. Stop criticizing medical professionals, they are also human they are not perfect, so are you.

ABSTRACT

In modern era, maintaining work life balance has become a more laborious task. Helping employees to attain a good work life balance will definitely increase work satisfaction. It is a tough job especially for the professionals like doctors who work 24/7 for the welfare of the people. This paper makes an attempt to measure the factors which influence work life balance of doctors.

INTRODUCTION

The term ‘work life balance’ refers to maintaining a healthy balance between the work and personal roles. Health care, child care, elderly care and family commitment are considered as personal responsibilities. One’s job and personal will clash at the same time it will lead to conflicts. Maintaining proper work life balance will reduce the stress level and which will enhance work performance. Errors and mistakes in doctors’ profession are often irrecoverable and create more impact in the life of others. This balance is indispensable because it will not only help to improve the efficiency of the work performance but also increase personal health and relationship. This research paper attempted to find the factors associated with work life balance. The factors include gender, age, marital status, nature of job, experience, working hours, average number of patients treated per day and doctor -patient ratio.

SCOPE OF THE RESEARCH

This paper makes an attempt to find out the work life balance of doctors. For this purpose, data are collected from 233 allopathic doctors who are working in Dindigul district.

METHODOLOGY

The study involves the data collected from primary as well as secondary sources .The primary data have been collected from the respondents through questionnaire/ interview schedule and the secondary data have been collected from websites, newspapers, magazines, books, and journals. Having completed the data collection, the filled up questionnaire/ interview schedule were edited properly to make them ready for coding. Information collected with the help of a questionnaire was summed up by preparing a Master Table with the help of a spreadsheet. Data have been entered into computer using SPSS software (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) for analysis.

The work life balance of doctors has been classified into three categories namely, high level, moderate level and low level. The respondents who have secured scores more than the arithmetic mean and standard deviation (72.50+9.28) have high level of professional satisfaction. The respondents who have secured less than the arithmetic mean and standard deviation (72.50-9.28) have low level of professional satisfaction and those who have secured scores between these two (81.78 and 63.22) come under moderate level of satisfaction. The level of work life balance of doctors is depicted in the following Table.

It is clear from the above Table that out of 233 respondents selected for the study 27(11.59%) respondents fall under the category of low level of work life balance, 174(74.68%) doctors fall under the category of moderate level of work life balance and 32(13.73%) respondents fall under the category of high level of work life balance. Thus, it is inferred that majority of the respondents fall under the category of moderate level of work life balance.

FACTORS INFLUENCING WORK LIFE BALANCE

Eight variables are identified to examine the association with the level of work life balance. These variables include demographic and professional details. Chi-square test has been used to examine the association. The level of confidence chosen is five per cent.

GENDER AND LEVEL OF WORK LIFE BALANCE

The following null hypothesis is formulated and tested with the help of chi square test and the result is shown in the Table given below.

The percentage of respondents with high level of work life balance is found to be high among female respondents. The percentage of respondents with low level of work life balance is found to be high among male respondents. As the calculated chi-square value (0.072) is less than the Table value at five per cent level, the null hypothesis is accepted. Hence, there is no significant association between gender and the level of work life balance.

The percentage of respondents with high level of work life balance is found to be high among respondents who are in the age group of upto 30 years. The percentage of respondents with low level of work life balance is found to be high among respondents who are in the age group of 41 to 50 years. As the calculated chi-square value (13.554) is greater than the Table value at five per cent level, the null hypothesis is rejected. Hence, there is a significant association between age and the level of work life balance.

MARITAL STATUS AND LEVEL OF WORK LIFE BALANCE

The following null hypothesis is formulated and tested with the help of chi square test and the result is shown in the Table given below.

The percentage of respondents with high level of work life balance is found to be high among doctors who are unmarried. The percentage of respondents with low level of work life balance is found to be high among respondents who are married. As the calculated chi-square value (8.756) is greater than the Table value at five per cent level, the null hypothesis is rejected. Hence, there is a significant association between marital status and the level of work life balance.

NATURE OF JOB AND LEVEL OF WORK LIFE BALANCE

The following null hypothesis is formulated and tested with the help of chi square test and the result is shown in the Table given below.

The percentage of respondents with high level of work life balance is found to be high among doctors who are working in private hospitals. The percentage of respondents with low level of work life balance is found to be high among respondents who are working in Government hospitals. As the calculated chi-square value (14.004) is greater than the Table value at five per cent level, the null hypothesis is rejected. Hence, there is a significant association between nature of job and the level of work life balance.

EXPERIENCE AND LEVEL OF WORK LIFE BALANCE

The following null hypothesis is formulated and tested with the help of chi square test and the result is shown in the Table given below.

The percentage of respondents with high level of work life balance is found to be high among doctors who are having six to ten years of experience. The percentage of respondents with low level of work life balance is found to be high among respondents who are having upto five years of experience. As the calculated chi-square value (12.995) is greater than the Table value at five per cent level, the null hypothesis is rejected. Hence, there is a significant association between experience and the level of work life balance.

WORKING HOURS AND LEVEL OF WORK LIFE BALANCE

The following null hypothesis is formulated and tested with the help of chi square test and the result is shown in the Table given below.

The percentage of respondents with high level of work life balance is found to be high among doctors who are working eight to ten hours per day. The percentage of respondents with low level of work life balance is found to be high among respondents who are working more than ten hours per day. As the calculated chi-square value (3.257) is less than the Table value at five per cent level, the null hypothesis is accepted. Hence, there is no significant association between experience and the level of work life balance.

NUMBER OF PATIENTS AND LEVEL OF WORK LIFE BALANCE

The following null hypothesis is formulated and tested with the help of chi square test and the result is shown in the Table given below.

As the calculated chi-square value (9.494) is less than the Table value at five per cent level, the null hypothesis is rejected. Hence, there is a significant association between number of patients treated per day and the level of work life balance.

DOCTOR – PATIENT RATIO AND LEVEL OF WORK LIFE BALANCE

The following null hypothesis is formulated and tested with the help of chi square test and the result is shown in the Table given below.

There is no major difference among the respondents who are classified on the basis of sufficient doctor – patient ratio. As the calculated chi-square value (2.086) is less than the Table value at five per cent level, the null hypothesis is accepted. Hence, there is no significant association between sufficient doctor patient ratio and the level of work life balance.

CONCLUSION

Eight variables are selected to test their association with the level of work life balance. Factors like age, marital status, nature of job, experience and the number of patients treated per day have a significant association with the level of work life balance and the remaining three factors like gender, working hours and sufficient doctor – patient ratio do not have any significant association with the level of work life balance.

When people ask “What do you want to go to school for?” and you say to become a doctor, they automatically think, oh you are going to be going to school for a long time, do you think you can do it? Well, of course, I think I can if that’s what I want to become. When I was little I used to tell people I wanted to become a vegetarian, but obviously, I meant Veterinarian. As I got older I decided that I could not look at animals all the time – I am scared of most of them! Then I wanted to become a Pediatrician. I stuck with it for a long time; why not become a pediatrician? Who doesn’t love children? This should be easy right? I used to watch these videos of pediatricians and what they all they had to do with children, and I started thinking I can’t do this all the time, it’s not for me, but I still wanted to become a doctor. I have always wanted to become a doctor. I heard this quote last year that said: “There are no limits to what you can accomplish, except the limits you place on your own thinking” (Tracey). When I stopped thinking inside the box and started thinking outside of it I saw a bigger picture for me. I like seeing bloody wounds, people giving birth, and I started watching videos of people having surgery, and I found it very intriguing. I knew I wanted to become a doctor, but I was even more sure that I wanted to become a surgeon. “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work” (Powell). From that moment I started doing researching things on how to become a surgeon.

Once I started researching I found this article on Study.com called Steps To Become A Doctor. According to Study.com’s article, the first step is to earn a Bachelor’s Degree, “while earning that Bachelors Degree you can get healthcare experience by volunteering in hospitals, clinics or other healthcare environments” (Study.com). Now I think this is about the easiest step that I am very confident in doing. Then it starts getting a little more complicated in Step 2 you have to pass the ‘Medical College Admissions Test” (MCAT). The test is to assess problem-solving, verbal reasoning and writing skills. It will determine if you can go to medical school or if you are not good enough. In step 3 you have to earn a medical degree. Which will take 4 more years. In the first 2 years, you will spend in a classroom and doing laboratory work. The last 2 years you will work directly with patients under the supervision of experienced doctors. After earning your medical degree in step 4 you need to complete a residency program. Which includes developing problem list, performing physical exams and compiling medical histories. A residency program may take anywhere from 3-7 years to complete depending on specialty. In step 5 is where you obtain licensure; you have to have graduated from medical school. The examination process is three steps. After that, you are officially a licensed doctor. In step 6 it is not required but increases employment opportunities. You get certified to advance a career. Once you become a physician you fall into two main categories M.D. and D.O. There are also some key skills that you have to know to become a doctor; problem-solving, leadership, empathy, and communication; proficiency with specialized tools and technology emotional stability and ability to handle stress. Surgeons are a little more difficult you have to be able to handle a lot to become one.

Surgeons are just about the same as physicians, they are both authorities in the practice of medicine. “They assess patients, diagnose diseases and illnesses, and treat a variety of conditions” (learn how to become.org) Surgeons don’t just go into the operation room. The plan for the surgery has to be well thought out before you can even think about going into surgery. You have to think of all the pros and cons, anything unexpected can happen during surgery and you have to be prepared for any blood leaks and for the different outcomes that may happen at the end of surgery. “Surgeons will also have to talk to the family and patients to help them understand the situation and the risks of surgery. They will discuss other options if there is something they can do to prevent having surgery, like some kind of treatment of medication (Bureau). Surgery is always the last thing a doctor wants to do because surgery is a very high-risk thing; there is not always a guarantee that you will make it off the operating table. Surgeons perform operations in sterilized operating rooms that have been set up according to the type of surgery that will be performed. Surgeons schedules are not always the same; they work a regular day just like everyone else, but they have to be prepared to be called back at any time of the night, and be willing to work holidays as well (Fields). Becoming part of the medical field is great for helping people, but you also get paid great. “Medicine is one of the highest paying occupations in the country.” It is also stated in an article from learnhowtobecome.org that “The bureau of labor statistics reports that doctors account for 45 percent of the 20 highest paying jobs in the country.” That is a great deal of money, but you are saving peoples lives so I think they deserve that. “Average salaries easily surpass six figures, with some surgeons and physicians able to command salaries greater than 400,000.” Different kinds of doctors all get paid differently, but it’s not all about that. One of the kinds of surgeons I want to become is a general surgeon.

A general surgeon is a basic level surgeon, all surgeons have to learn the things a general surgeon knows, then they can move on to a different specialty. The ones that choose to stick with general also deal with different specialties like “Treating cancer, or burns.” I think general surgery is also one of the safest surgeries because all the new technology allows “ General surgeons to use minimally invasive procedures and techniques to treat conditions ranging from thyroid disorders to tumors in the breast.” (learnhowtobecome.org) General surgeons are expected to have knowledge and experience about things like surgical critical care, surgical oncology, and trauma. The reason I want to become a general surgeon is to help cure cancer; I could be one of the doctors to help millions of people. Also, I just love looking and being able to study things like Abdomens, breast, skin, endocrine systems (). Once I feel like I have really influenced lives in general surgery I want to study and learn a different specialty like cardiac or cardiothoracic or neurosurgery; I have always been fascinated with how much power the heart and surrounding organs have. The whole nervous system has also been very interesting to me and to study the brain, spinal cord, and all kinds of different nerves, would be the best thing to ever happen to me.

Becoming a neuro or cardiac surgeon I feel is a very challenging task, I also think that they are the riskiest types of surgeries, because they deal with major organs and nerves. “ although most people think of neurosurgery as brain surgery, it is a medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of the brain, spinal cord and spinal column, and peripheral nerves within all parts of the body.” (brightkite.com) Becoming a neurosurgeon is a demanding profession that requires tremendous personal and professional commitment. I’ve always wanted to see an actual brain tumor, like take it out the brain successfully, and hold it in my hand; do you know how accomplished I would feel. It is amazing how they work 60 to 80 hours a week. Being a neuro or cardiac surgeon, in the operating room, you could be in there anywhere from an hour to 10 hours maybe longer. Cardiac surgeons specialize in surgical procedures of the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest. It was stated in solving the heart by Stephen Klaidman, “In the 1950s surgeons found ways to do quick repairs of congenital heart defects and faulty valves, and then the first heart-lung machine was invented, which made longer operations possible.” I think cardiac surgeons have evolved the most they have all kinds of new technology to detect different things in the organs. To achieve becoming any of these surgeons would be a great accomplishment, and I am definitely setting my goals high, but I believe in myself, and I know I have people in my corner to help me achieve my goals. I see my future very clear, and becoming a doctor is definitely in it.

The project I chose was the science/ medicine project. I decided to do this project was because the thought of how medicines and doctors helped cure people has always amazed me, and during my research, I found out that a lot of the home remedies we use today are actually from the Trojan War. For example, during the Trojan war obviously, they didn’t have sunscreen to put on before they went to fight so after a long day filled with killing one another, they would rub aloe on their sunburns. To this day when we get sunburns, we will rub aloe gel on them until the burn is completely healed.

One thing many people don’t know about the Trojan war, or just ancient Greece, in particular, is that usually they relied more on pray to the Gods than medicine, on God they would usually pray to was Asclepius. Asclepius is known as the Greek God of medicine. He is the son of the God Apollo and Coronis, who was the daughter of Phlegyas, King of the Lapiths. He was married to Epione, the goddess of soothing. Together, Asclepius and Epione had a number of children, their daughters were Panacea (goddess of medicines), Hygeia (goddess of health), Iaso (goddess of recuperation), Aceso (goddess of the healing process), Aglaea or Aegle (goddess of magnificence and splendor). They also had four sons, two of them were Machaon and Podalirius who were legendary healers who fought in the Trojan War.

In the Iliad, Homer only scratches the surface of the story of Asclepius, he mentions Asclepius only as a skillful physician and the father of two Greek doctors at Troy, Machaon, and Podalirius. In later times, however, Asclepius was honored as a hero and eventually, and still to this day, worshiped as a God.

At first, Greek doctors believed that demons caused diseases and that gods, like Asclepius, would cure the diseases. Greek healers tried to cure patients using sacrifice and prayer. People often bought models of the part of their body that was sick to leave at Asclepius’ temples, as a way of letting the god know what to fix. Because it was supposed that Asclepius cured the sick by “entering” their dreams, the practice of sleeping in his temples, located in Epidaurus, in southern Greece, became very common during this time.

Because of their life experience with their father, Machaon and Podalirius were considered the most eminent professional healers in the Trojan war, famous for their skill as healers, straddling the fine line between professionalism and amateurism. Through their medical knowledge, they occupy a special place in healing art and are called “ïetroi”. In the Homeric world, a physician “ïatros” was a respected figure performing no heroic deeds other than medical caring and healing art.

In The Iliad the way serious wounds were treated was, the wound was first cleaned with lukewarm water, next, depending on the type of wound, blood was then carefully but quickly sucked out of the wound, then they were treated with herbs to help prevent infection and disease, after the cleaning process the wound was bandaged. As for the medicines, these were usually herbs used to relieve pain and prevent diseases and infections. Wines, opium .and henbane were also used to help the healing process.

The advanced technology and machines we have today allow doctors and surgeons to perform amazing surgeries and procedures such as open-heart surgeries and amputations. One thing that is we could not imagine life without is anesthesia. Anesthesia is a medication that allows medical procedures to be done without pain and without the patient being awake during the procedure. Anesthesia was used as much as 90 percent of the time during surgeries such as amputations. The two most common types of anesthesia were chloroform and ether. Chloroform was used about 75 percent of the time during Civil War surgeries.

Modern-day medical procedures are much different and much more advanced than those in the Trojan war, yet we still get bits and pieces of ancient Greek culture in the medicines we use now. For example, many organic treatments used by doctors today were recipes and herbs we took from ancient Greece that include, mint, fennel, olive, parsley, and saffron. In Greek mythology, the mint plant was cherished by many Gods and Goddesses, especially Demeter, the Goddess of harvest, and her daughter, Persephone. It is believed that a Nymph named Minthê made mint leaves. Hades liked Minthê more than he liked Demeter. In jealousy and anger, Demeter turned Minthê into her own creation, a mint plant. Mint was used to treat gastrointestinal issues, body odor, bad breath, and insomnia in Ancient Greece. Now, mint is still used for many things such as treating bronchitis, headaches, influenza, motion sickness, and muscle pain. Fennel was used, in Greek mythology, as the plant Prometheus used to help him steal fire from the demigods. Fennel is now used to help relieve all manners of digestive disorders, especially bloating. This sweet herb can also stimulate appetite and its anti-inflammatory properties. The olive tree was very appreciated, in fact, the olive tree was the most relished tree in ancient Greece. It was especially important to Athena. Athena and Poseidon argued with each other over who should get to rule Athens. They finally agreed, that whoever produces a better gift will get to be the ruler of Athens. Athena produced an olive tree, and Poseidon produced a horse. Athena was victorious. Her victory, due to the plentiful benefits that olive oil and olive leaves have to treat a wide variety of illnesses, led to her becoming the new ruler of Athens. Olive leaves can be used to treat arthritis, prevent diabetes, lower high blood pressure as well as improve brain function. Olive oil helps fight against cardiovascular issues and strokes. In a Greek myth, parsley is thought to grow from the ground, soaked with the blood of Archemoros. The ancient Greeks, who believed parsley seeds made many journeys to the underworld before beginning to sprout, used the herb in funeral ceremonies. In modern herbalism, parsley seeds are used as a strong diuretic and kidney cleanser, and the leaves are used in salads as a good source of nutrition, parsley leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and E. Saffron was sacred to Hermes. In Greek mythology, a boy named Krokos, whom Hermes adored, died. When he died, Hermes transformed Krokos into a saffron flower. This exotic spice was adored in ancient Greece, and it continues to be used in many spicy meals in modern times for its one-of-a-kind flavor and medicinal properties. Saffron also helps fight depression, boost immunity, and aids in digestion. This is because of its high content of vitamins and antioxidants. Saffron is used for asthma, cough, whooping cough, and to loosen phlegm. It is also used for sleep problems, atherosclerosis, intestinal gas, Alzheimer’s disease, shock, spitting up blood, heartburn, and dry skin.

Although it seems like our medical practices have changed a lot since 1250 BC the truth is that without our knowledge of the medical practices of healers in the Trojan War and Greek doctors in ancient Greece, we wouldn’t be able to help as many people as we do today.

Introduction

The healthcare system in the United States is a broad and complex topic with many facets to consider, one of the most significant being the doctor’s role. The physician’s responsibilities and impact extend far beyond the basic concept of diagnosing and treating illnesses. Doctors are educators, advocates, and sometimes even social workers. They are the cornerstone of preventive care, helping individuals maintain their health and well-being through education and timely intervention.

This essay will delve into the multi-dimensional role of the doctor in American society, examining not only their clinical role but also their part in health promotion, education, and community engagement. We will explore the challenges and opportunities presented to them by the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, technology, and social change. It will also discuss the changing face of the medical profession in light of advances in medical technology, increased patient empowerment, and the ongoing debates surrounding healthcare access and quality.

We will attempt to paint a comprehensive picture of the role of doctors in the USA, underscoring their significance to individuals and communities alike. By understanding the intricacies of this vital role, we can better appreciate the depth and breadth of the influence exerted by doctors on the health and wellness of the American population.

Doctor Essay 1 (200 words)

Traditionally, the role of a doctor in American society has been centered around the provision of medical care. Undoubtedly, doctors are the bedrock of the healthcare system, diagnosing and treating diseases to enhance patients’ physical well-being. They use their extensive knowledge and skills to provide relief from physical ailments, often working in high-stress environments such as hospitals, clinics, and emergency departments.

In addition to their therapeutic role, medical practitioners also serve as guides and advisors. They help patients navigate the often complex world of healthcare, making decisions regarding treatment options and preventative care. Furthermore, they are often the first point of contact when health issues arise, acting as gatekeepers to other healthcare services.

Their clinical role requires technical competence, effective communication skills, knowledge, empathy, and ethical judgment. Moreover, they must build trusting relationships with their patients, respect autonomy, and always act in the patient’s best interest.

From a wider perspective, doctors also contribute to public health efforts by reporting notifiable diseases, participating in immunization drives, and advocating for well-being policies that improve population health. Thus, they play a crucial role in maintaining the community’s overall health, making their impact far-reaching and indispensable.

Doctor Essay 2 (300 words)

The role of doctors in American society has evolved dramatically with the rise of modern healthcare, technological advancements, and shifts in patient expectations. In today’s complex healthcare landscape, the doctor’s role extends beyond traditional clinical responsibilities.

• Integration of Technology: Modern doctors increasingly leverage telemedicine, electronic well-being records, and advanced diagnostic tools. This has improved the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis and treatment and made healthcare more accessible to remote or underserved populations.
• Patient-Centered Care: The modern doctor must focus on patient-centered care, emphasizing collaboration, empathy, and active patient engagement. They are no longer merely providers of medical solutions but partners in health, working closely with patients to devise personalized care plans.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Healthcare today requires a multidisciplinary approach, and doctors must coordinate with other healthcare professionals, including nurses, therapists, and social workers. This collaborative model ensures comprehensive care that addresses health’s physical, mental, and social aspects.
• Ethical and Legal Considerations: With the advent of complex medical interventions and rising healthcare costs, doctors are more than ever challenged by ethical dilemmas and legal considerations.
• Leadership and Advocacy: Doctors increasingly take on leadership roles within healthcare organizations and engage in policy advocacy. They champion quality improvement initiatives, research, and public well-being campaigns contributing to societal well-being.
• Continuous Education: The rapid pace of medical advancements necessitates continuous education and professional development for doctors. Keeping abreast of the latest research, guidelines, and techniques is essential for optimal care.

In conclusion, the modern role of doctors in the USA is multifaceted and dynamic and extends far beyond the traditional clinical setting. They are not merely healers but innovators, collaborators, leaders, educators, and advocates, adapting to the changing demands of society and healthcare systems. The complexity of contemporary healthcare emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of physical, social, and emotional well-being.

Doctor Essay 3 (400 words)

While the role of doctors in the USA has evolved to address the dynamic healthcare landscape, these changes bring about a unique set of challenges. These include increased workload, ethical dilemmas, professional burnout, and the need for continuous adaptation to technological advancements.

• Increased Workload and Burnout: Doctors today face high patient loads and long hours of work, leading to stress and burnout. The demands of administration and paperwork further exacerbate this issue. Balancing patient care with other responsibilities can be physically and emotionally taxing, impacting doctors’ health and well-being and potentially reducing patient care quality.
• Technological Integration: Although technological advancements have made healthcare more efficient and accessible, they pose challenges. Doctors must continuously update their skills to adapt to new technologies, which can be time-consuming and demanding. Cyber security and patient data privacy issues also arise with the digitization of health records.
• Ethical and Legal Dilemmas: The rapidly advancing field of medicine has led to the emergence of complex ethical and legal questions. Doctors grapple with dilemmas concerning patient consent, end-of-life decisions, resource allocation, and novel treatments or procedures.
• Managing Patient Expectations: The shift towards patient-centered care has empowered patients to take a more active role in their well-being management. While this is positive, it can create challenges as doctors navigate patients’ varying expectations, beliefs, and attitudes about health and treatment.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The need for interdisciplinary collaboration brings challenges, including communication gaps, role confusion, and coordinating care across multiple providers.
• Healthcare Accessibility and Quality: Despite improvements, healthcare access and quality remain significant issues in the USA. Doctors must navigate the realities of health disparities, insurance complexities, and the socio-economic factors influencing patients’ health.
• Public Health Crises: Global health issues such as pandemics pose significant challenges, with doctors often at the forefront. They have to balance the urgent needs of public health crises with routine patient care.
• Work-Life Balance: Doctors often struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance due to the demands of their profession. This challenge has implications for personal well-being and family relationships.

While these challenges are daunting, they also present opportunities for improvement and innovation. By addressing these issues, doctors, healthcare organizations, and policymakers can work towards a healthcare system that supports doctors in their roles, enhances patient care, and promotes health equity. Understanding and acknowledging these challenges is the first step in creating sustainable solutions that advance the practice of medicine and the health of the nation.

Doctor Essay 4 (500 words)

Doctors play a crucial role in public health and advocacy, given their unique position within the healthcare system. They are responsible for promoting health and preventing diseases at both individual and population levels. Their involvement in public health helps reduce disease burden and addresses social determinants of health that contribute to health disparities.

• Promotion of Health: Doctors play a vital role in health promotion, educating patients about healthy lifestyles, preventative measures, and early disease detection. They can influence their patients’ behaviors through patient education, immunization programs, and risk factor management.

• Disease Prevention and Control: Doctors contribute to disease control programs by diagnosing, treating, and reporting notifiable diseases. They also play a crucial role in managing public health crises, like pandemics, providing frontline care and contributing to public well-being guidance.

• Health Advocacy: Doctors serve as powerful advocates for health. They can leverage their expertise and authority to influence health policies, promote access to care, and address health disparities. Their advocacy can range from individual patient advocacy to participating in policy development at local, state, or national levels.

• Community Engagement: Doctors can contribute to community health by engaging with community organizations, participating in well-being campaigns, and providing health education. By understanding the community’s needs and strengths, they can tailor their health promotion efforts and contribute to community resilience.

• Research and Innovation: Doctors are often involved in health research, contributing to the advancement of medical science. They are uniquely positioned to identify areas of need, conduct research, and apply findings to improve patient care and public health.

• Addressing Social Determinants of Health: As doctors interact with patients from diverse backgrounds, they gain insights into the social determinants of well-being. This understanding enables them to advocate for policies and interventions addressing factors like poverty, education, housing, and food security, significantly impacting health outcomes.

While doctors’ involvement in public health and advocacy is critical, it also requires a shift in how we perceive their role. It demands that medical education and healthcare systems support and value this aspect of their work.

Moreover, interdisciplinary collaboration is key to successful public health interventions. Doctors must work closely with other health professionals, public health experts, community organizations, and policymakers. It requires a shift from a purely biomedical focus to a broader biopsychosocial perspective, acknowledging the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in well-being.

In conclusion, the role of doctors extends well beyond individual patient care to encompass public health and advocacy. They play a pivotal role in promoting health, preventing disease, advocating for health equity, engaging with communities, and contributing to research and policy. This expanded role underscores the need for a holistic, integrated approach to health that considers the broader social, economic, and environmental factors influencing well-being. By embracing this role, doctors can contribute significantly to creating healthier communities and a more equitable healthcare system. Their involvement in public health and advocacy is a professional responsibility and a powerful tool for health promotion and social change.

Doctor Essay 5 (600 words)

The role of doctors in the United States has undergone significant evolution over the years, a trend that is likely to continue. As we look towards the future, numerous factors, including advancements in technology, changing healthcare needs, and ongoing healthcare reforms, will shape the role of doctors in the future. This essay explores some of the anticipated changes and their implications for doctors.

• Technological Advancements: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and robotics into healthcare holds significant potential. These technologies can assist in everything from diagnostics to surgical procedures, potentially making healthcare more precise, efficient, and personalized. However, it also requires doctors to adapt and acquire new skills.
• Precision Medicine: The rise of precision medicine, which tailors treatment to individual patients based on their genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, will transform the doctor’s role. This approach requires a deeper understanding of genomics and the ability to interpret complex genetic data, demanding new areas of expertise.
• Virtual Care: Telemedicine and virtual care are expected to become increasingly mainstream. While this expands access to healthcare, it also changes the nature of the doctor-patient relationship, requiring new skills for effective virtual communication and examination.
• Population Aging: As the population ages, chronic diseases and multimorbidity are expected to rise. Doctors will need to manage more complex, chronic health issues and coordinate care across multiple providers, emphasizing the importance of holistic, patient-centered care.
• Health Inequities: The COVID-19 pandemic underscored persistent health inequities in the U.S. Addressing these disparities will require a greater focus on social determinants of well-being and health advocacy. Doctors must work closely with communities, policymakers, and other sectors to address these complex, systemic issues.
• Global Health Threats: The ongoing threat of global health crises like pandemics underscores the importance of doctors’ role in public well-being. They will need to be prepared to respond to these threats, manage the associated health impacts, and contribute to public health guidance.
• Interprofessional Collaboration: The complexity of modern healthcare requires a team-based approach. Doctors must work effectively within interdisciplinary teams and coordinate care across multiple providers.
• Sustainability in Healthcare: With growing awareness of the environmental impact of healthcare, doctors will need to consider sustainability in their practice. This might involve reducing waste in their practices, advocating for environmentally friendly policies, or contributing to research on sustainable healthcare practices.
• Mental Health: The rising burden of mental issues will require doctors to understand mental health and integrate mental health care into their practice.
• Healthcare Reforms: Ongoing healthcare reforms aiming to improve healthcare access, affordability, and quality will continue to shape doctors’ roles. Doctors must adapt to changing healthcare systems, participate in quality improvement efforts, and contribute to policy debates.

In conclusion, the future of medicine holds significant changes for doctors. While these changes present challenges, they also offer exciting opportunities for growth, learning, and innovation. As doctors navigate this changing landscape, their ability to adapt, learn, and collaborate will be key. It will be essential to equip future doctors with the skills, knowledge, and resilience to navigate these changes, ensuring they can continue to provide excellent patient care and contribute to public health in a rapidly evolving world.

Supporting doctors in this journey will require concerted efforts from medical education institutions, healthcare organizations, policymakers, and society at large. By anticipating these changes and proactively preparing for them, we can ensure that doctors continue to play a vital role in advancing health and well-being in the United States and globally. The future of medicine is indeed promising, and doctors will remain at the heart of this evolution, shaping and being shaped by it.

A healthy and fit well-being is a gift from Allah form His creations. A healthy body and mind help us a lot to perform duties in our daily life especially ibadah. We as a Muslim know the important of taking care of our body because we do not own our bodies, Allah is the one who really own it. Our body is just given to us as responsibility so that we can devote ourselves to the Almighty Allah S.W.T. As a human, we tend to take our health for granted until we get disease one day later. So, in order to take a good care of our health we need to control eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, think optimistically and avoid alcohol and drugs. People are also advised to go for regular medical check-up and ask advices from doctors. Doctors really work hard to help people to live in healthy form preventing and curing them from any disease. Medical practice is considered as sacred in Islam, and the doctors are rewarded by God for his good work.

Islamic scholars have agreed that the study and practice of medicine is an obligation that falls upon Muslims to have sufficient numbers of followers to practice (Fard Kifayah). Fard Kifayah defines a communal obligation in Muslim legal doctrine. Fard al-kifayah is a legal obligation that must be discharged by the Muslim community as a whole, if enough Muslim member community discharge the obligation, the remaining Muslims are freed from the responsibility before God. However, if a communal obligation is not sufficiently discharged, then every individual Muslim must act to address the deficiency. Science and technology is one of the knowledge that are important in Fard Kifayah. Humans can know the secret of the greatness of Allah Almighty through the Holy Quran. There are a lot of verses in Quran explaining about science. During the scientific development of Muslim civilization, they had produced a lot of famous Islamic scholar and scientist such as Ibn Sina, Al Razi, Al Zahrawi, Ali Ibnu Abas and a lot more. Ibn Sina or else known as Avicenna is an Islamic scholar with many fields of knowledge which are medical, philosophy and poetry. He wrote the book of doctoral science, ‘Al -Qanun Fi Al-Tib’ and the book is a very influential medical work. Thus, it becomes the responsibility of every Muslim to participate in and play a role as a member of the community in preventing the destruction of existing and future generations.

Furthermore, responsibility of a doctor is to make a diagnosis and finding the cure of a disease. Based on Imam Sadiq (AS), “the one who avoids curing of an injured person, would be associated with the one caused he injury. Since the injurer intentionally harmed the wounded person, and the one avoided his/her treatment did not intent to cure him, thus he/she intended his/her destruction”. This means, if a doctor neglects his responsibility and not working hard to help curing the patient’s disease, he would be the cause of any harm that inflicts the patient. As we know, as a human, we need to do our best to help but Allah is the one best healer. From surah Al Isra’ verse 82, “And we send down of the Qur’an that which is healing and mercy to the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss.”

As a Muslim doctor, they accept the fact that Allah is the healer and that the doctor is only an agent. It is an established fact that such spiritual conviction does improve the psychological state of the patient and boost his morale, and thus help him overcame his physical weakness and sickness. There are many examples where faith plays an important part in the process of healing. A Muslim doctor must make his faith the backbone of his healing career.

Moreover, Muslim doctors must follow the codes of ethics in the decision making. Be professional and try to involve patients in the decision making on the treatment option. First of all, the doctor need to give information about the health status to their patients. Patients need to understand and know every risk of treatment then the doctor should consider the patient’s opinion and then try to offer the best option to him/her, being always observant of their well-being and satisfaction. The Muslim doctors should make decision based on Islamic rules and regulations. Nowadays, there are diverse daily controversial problematic issues on which he is supposed to take a stand, for instance birth control, abortions, opposite sex hormonal injections, transsexual operations, brain operations affecting human personality, plastic surgery changing physionomy, extra-uterine conception and more. So, in general the doctor need to have a preliminary knowledge of what is reprehensible and what is prohibited based on Fiqh and Shari’ah. It is not difficult nowadays because there are a lot of books and references regarding medical queries in Muslim.

To be conclude, the role of the Muslim doctor is briefly to place his profession in service of his religion. Muslim and non-Muslims doctors are all similar in their technology and scientific points of views. But, what make them different to each other is the Believe in Oneness of Allah. They put a total submission to Allah after every tasks and works done. Also, when it comes to practice, the Muslim doctor need to bound by particular professional ethics plus his Islamic directives issuing from his belief. In fact, the Muslim doctor tries to live his Islam by following its teachings all through. They are also is expected to behave differently on some occasions and to meet greater responsibilities compared to other non-Muslim doctors. Thus, it is very important to have Muslim doctors in the community because being a doctor according Islam, is not only a religious responsibility but also a social and humane necessity and a moral obligation. This is why, every doctors need to be clear and have passion in their work so that they are working harder to make diagnosis and help in curing patients , not only because of the financial benefits of the work or the social position that might be attached to the job.

Dental treatment is an essential treatment for all people at least twice a year which is every 6 months. Regular dental visits is important to reduce the risk of dental caries and periodontal disease with the help of professional cleaning by the clinician besides taking care of oral hygiene well at home. There are a lot of dental treatment options that can be chose by the patient with the guide of the clinician which are scaling and polishing, fissure sealants, restoration, root canal treatment, dental implants, dentures and extraction.

Dental treatment is needed especially when someone has problems or pain with their teeth, but some Muslims are still in doubt to go for dental treatment during fasting months despite of the pain come from their teeth. During fasting, Muslims abstain from food, drink whilst going about their normal daily activities. Therefore, it is important that healthcare professionals are aware of how fasting can affect routine treatment, and also how the treatment plan can be modified to patients’ benefit.

Poor understanding and appreciation of the practices by the medical professional may lead to compromise in treatment and inability to provide good service for the patients. There are some general principles that can be followed by the health professionals in treating Muslim’s patients during fasting which can help them to maintain their fast without breaking it. For example, the clinician should take note that fasting Muslim patient cannot eat anything means they cannot take any medication through oral route unless degree of illness, and if the illness is ‘harmful’ or life-threatening, they are advised to undergo treatment because under Islamic law, preservation of life has the greatest priority. The clinician also can use another option which is give the medication by injection. However, the use of IV fluids for nutrition is prohibited while fasting as it energizes the fasting patient.

Extraction is one of dental procedure that need to be done which is the removal of teeth from the dental alveolus in the alveolar bone. Extractions are performed because of wide variety of reasons which are some of them because of unrestorable deep caries affecting more than half tooth structure, orthodontic purpose, impacted third molar with pericoronitis sometimes, periodontal disease or dental trauma especially when they are associated with pain. However, patients that suffers pain in their teeth are still afraid to go for dental extraction as they think it might break their fast. Not only, they extraction itself, the injection of local anaesthesia also tend to give doubt to the patients in order to proceed with the dental extraction treatment. First of all, the patient need to inform their dentist first that they are fasting to make sure the health professional can aware with their state of fasting at that time.

Local anaesthesia is important before dental treatment such as extraction, caries free before restoration and root canal treatment. Local anaesthesia is used to numb the feelings in a specific part of the body. This prevents pain during surgical procedures. Local anaesthetics produce anaesthesia by inhibiting excitation of nerve endings or by blocking conduction in peripheral nerves. This is achieved by anaesthetics reversibly binding to and inactivating sodium channels. The local anaesthetic is typically lidocaine, although this is typically just used for simple tooth removal procedures. Local anaesthetics injection is an acceptable form of treatment for a fasting patient. The injection mentioned does not affect the validity of the fast because it is not a kind of food or drink, and the basic principle is that his fast is valid. The content of the anaesthetics is not a fluid that can energizes the fasting patient. However, the dentist should be aware that some Muslim patients may be reluctant to undergo it. According to Islamic fatwa’s by scholars, administration of local anaesthetics for dental treatment does not invalidate the fast.

Next, dental extraction is ready to get performed after the site of needed is already feels numb and anesthetized effectively. In general, tooth extraction will not break the fast. However, in view of the practical procedure of extracting a tooth, there is a strong possibility of some substance, such as water from the cleaning dispenser, going down the throat, thus invalidating the fast. The clinician and patient need to make extra care to make sure there is no swallowing of any fluid from the cleaning dispenser and any blood coming out form the tooth socket. Therefore, it is advisable to postpone the tooth extraction till a later date. However if there is severe need, one should try his utmost best that the blood does not enter the throat. If blood enters the throat, the fast will be nullified if the amount of blood exceeds the amount of saliva or if both are equal. Similarly, if one can perceive the taste of blood, the fast will be nullified. If the content of saliva is more, then the fast will remain intact. If the fast breaks, only Qadha (making up) of the fast will be necessary.

Some Muslims patients may wrongly perceive that some dental treatments and preventive procedures invalidate the fast even though most dental treatment will not break the fast. This includes scaling, restorations, and extractions. However, some patients may not be willing to carry out certain procedures due to different perceptions and way of thinking. Within the month of Ramadan, most forms of prescribing are allowable, with the notable exception of oral medication. Even with acceptable types of medication, the dentist will often find open or hidden reluctance to comply with the regimen prescribed. The healthcare professional must be aware of this and should alter their prescribing practice or advice accordingly. It is also important, when treating a fasting patient on long-term medication, to ensure satisfactory compliance with the normal drug therapy. With fasting patient in dental practice, it is important for professionals to be aware of which treatments the individual considers acceptable and offer treatment accordingly.

Studying religious studies at GCSE level introduced the concepts of medical ethics. This and my passion for structure and function of the human body allowed my interest in medicine to flourish leading me to undertake valuable work experience and activities in order to develop the qualities needed to be a successful doctor.

The problem-solving nature of medicine appeals to me. I enjoy the challenge of attempting to relate symptoms to possible illnesses and this was extended further when attending the Liverpool University Medicine Summer School. Here I was able to gain the skills needed to identify illnesses presented to me by the patient and thus deliver the necessary care in order to alleviate their pain.

During a 6 month placement at my local GP, I was able to experience primary care in an urban environment. I was lucky enough to observe a number of healthcare professionals in different clinics, showing me the realities of medicine along with the unpredictable developing nature of the profession. They adapted to each patient to allow them to feel at ease thus strengthening the doctor-patient relationship which is a vital aspect of healthcare. During this, it occurred to me that many people were unaware of the dangers of Deep Vein Thrombosis and what it could lead to; leading me to create a theoretical research leaflet in order to display and educate those at the GP on the condition as well as how to avoid it.

Volunteering as a St. John Ambulance Cadet, I interacted with children as young as 9. This included leading sessions and controlling large groups of children safely whilst achieving my purpose of ensuring that each child felt confident to provide first aid in the community. This role allowed me to encourage those younger than me to excel, alongside developing my leadership skills to both direct the group and ensure that they were all heard individually. This is expanded further when mentoring my peer, allowing me to both further my own knowledge and help them to engage with the content. By doing this I have created a reliable resource as well as allowed for adaptation to different learning styles and tailoring myself to help in the most appropriate way. To balance my studies, I have taught myself how to knit which I find very challenging yet enjoyable and rewarding.

I decided to develop my community interaction further by volunteering as a youth leader at my local Youth centre, working with young people with special needs. This allows me to develop empathy and ????? which are vital in a medical environment as well as build rapport and trust with the young people of the area. As well as this, it has allowed me to learn how to handle difficult situations by consulting with my team and working effectively to find solutions. This is extended further when working as a sales assistant.

I am currently a first aider for Chorley’s Angel’s First Aid. This entails attending a range of local events to provide basic first aid care, allowing me to interact with a wide range of people frequently whilst providing the community with care and dedication. This role enables me to experience the pressures of healthcare professionals due to the fast paced care often required, this has provided me with essential communication skills allowing me to correspond with a range of ages effectively and under pressure.

Being a keen reader of the new scientist introduced me to the new advances in medicine as well as interesting studies and articles. One article that particularly interested me was Dementia: A silver lining but no room for complacency. This article accepted the idea of no current cure for dementia though also suggested that prevention is possible. This inspired me to delve deeper into this topic by becoming a dementia champion. This allows me to inform people on dementia and how to help those living with it allowing increased recognition of the disease.

Whilst attending the Lancaster University Summer School I was introduced to PBL and the concept of Gillick competence. I debated this subject, furthering my knowledge when attending the Ethics strand of the Nottingham University Summer School and thus introducing me to the doctrine of double effect. A topic that arose during this was obesity within healthcare. I therefore wrote a report and delivered a presentation on the role of diet on depression as I found this to be an intriguing r4subject. During my time in the debating team I debated the topic of vaccination delving into the subject which interests me greatly.

During NCS, I led a team of 12 to create a campaign on racial integration, working with both the local council and youth centres we boosted this and encouraged increased recognition of integration in the community, this being a success inspired me to take this further by highlighting it at my college during my role as deputy student representative. I also created an app with my team in order to allow those with limited mobility to experience the outdoors

The qualities of reflection and resilience are developed throughout a person’s life, This is of particular significance to those pursuing a career in medicine as these attributes are encouraged from the very beginning of medical school, continuing after graduation as a part of professional development. In this essay, I will outline the importance of these to a successful medical career; beginning in medical school and spanning into clinical practice.

Reflection can be performed using many different models, all of which can be broken down and shown to share the same three core processes: awareness, critical analysis, and changing perspective (Atkins and Murphy, 1993). Awareness has been described as either experiencing inner discomfort (Boyd and Fales, 1983) or the feeling of surprise (Schn, 1991) which arises as a result of a situation that has been emotionally, mentally, or physically challenging to the individual. Following the awareness of the need for reflection is a critical analysis of the situation. This is where the quality of self-awareness comes into play, the coming to understand your actions, decisions, thought processes, limitations, and such. Critically analyzing situations in this way is what allows for the development of a new perspective; a new way to think and approach situations that can present themselves in order to ameliorate the outcome.

One model of reflection commonly used within healthcare is Schn’s reflective model, which suggests that reflection can be classified as either reflection-in-action or reflection-on-action, both of which have been hypothesized to be beneficial methods. As the names suggest, reflection-in-action occurs during an incident, whilst reflection-on-action occurs following the incident. Practicing reflection at the time of an event allows the individual to develop skills such as flexible thought. Within medicine, this is a vital skill in many specialties such as emergency medicine or surgery when quick thinking and the ability to adapt to fast-paced situations can mean the difference between life and death. A common barrier to reflection is the idea that the individual lacks time to be able to reflect, a widely shared belief among medical students and clinicians alike, due to the less time-consuming nature of reflection-in-action it makes reflection more accessible and appealing as less time is taken away from tasks that may be viewed as more ‘important’. One possible criticism of Schn’s reflection-in-action model is that he fails to provide sufficient clarity on how to actually undertake the reflective practice (Eraut, 1995). However, it could be argued that by negating to include a rigid structure on how to reflect using his model, Schn is allowing the individual to develop their own method of reflection that is most suited to them. Reflection-on-action is a more time-consuming process but allows for deeper reflections by considering a greater variety of viewpoints. This type of reflection can be done in different formats; written, verbal, or thought, Recently written evidence of reflection has been asked of clinicians as part of revalidation processes, as outlined in ‘The reflective practitioner – guidance for doctors and medical students’ (GMC, 2019). These two methods need not always be used in conjunction as valuable insights can still be gained from using just one, These insights can be used to guide practice – developing skills and attributes as a medical student and as a qualified doctor, whilst also maintaining those already obtained.

I’ve used Schn’s reflective model previously in many different scenarios, one that stands out however is from my experience in dealing with a demanding patient in the role of a ward host. In the initial encounter, the patient became very rude when I explained I was not able to provide him with what he was asking for. In the moment I could feel my anger rising as he started directing racial abuse towards another member of the healthcare team. Once I recognized my inner turmoil, I was able to use reflection-in-action to calm myself in order to handle the situation as effectively as I was equipped to do, At that time I was not able to deal with it on my own – instead a senior nurse on the ward intervened. Following this incident, I used reflection-on-action to identify my own skills and shortcomings, the skills the senior nurse demonstrated, but also to look at the situation from the patient’s eyes – coming to understand the frustration, isolation, and pain he must be experiencing with no way to express these emotions other than verbally. These reflective practices meant the next time I encountered a similar situation I had the confidence to handle it with an empathetic but firm approach which proved to be effective.

Crane et al. (2019) discussed the correlation between reflection and resilience, suggesting when exposed to stressful or possibly even traumatic events – although there may be an initial cost to productivity and mental well-being – through reflecting on the situation an individual becomes more self-aware, identifying shortcomings in their resilience and being able to build on this. Additionally, it equips them with the skills, knowledge, and planning to deal with a similar situation again if one were to arise, thus giving them the confidence to keep going in the knowledge they are well-equipped to manage the situation. It could be argued reflection on scenarios that have been difficult to handle may lead to demotivation through harsh self-criticisms however, if done properly, reflection is a vital tool in being able to process and cope with the stressors you will inevitably face as a student and doctor, enabling you to keep moving forward.

There are many definitions of resilience, all with the same key themes of being able to adapt to challenging situations and responding productively whilst maintaining physical and mental well-being (Epstein and Krasner, 2013). Generally, the area in which these definitions differ is whether resilience is innate or acquired (Herrman et al. 2011). From my own experiences, I am more inclined to agree with the idea that resilience can be developed over time. When I started work at the hospital it exposed me to a whole range of new experiences, Initially, I felt overwhelmed (the initial dip in productivity as described by Crane et al. (2019)). Over time, through reflections and continued exposure, I became more adapted to the environment. Part of the reason I came to love my job was the challenge it often presented, as I began seeing an opportunity to learn and test new skills, rather than a daunting prospect as I once had – demonstrating my personal growth in gaining resilience.

Medicine is undoubtedly a demanding vocation, therefore resilience is vital for coping with the everyday responsibilities and experiences in this profession. High levels of resilience have shown a correlation with greater compassion satisfaction, whilst reduced levels of burnout (Cooke, Doust, and Steele, 2013). Possessing compassion satisfaction refers to the pleasure that can be found in helping others – as a doctor helping others is at the very core of everything you do. Therefore a high level of compassion satisfaction is hugely important in job satisfaction as well as providing quality patient care with empathy. It has been observed the levels of burnout among students and doctors are at an ‘epidemic level’ (West et al., 2016), suggesting the highly stressful and demanding environment pursuing a career in medicine entails puts those in such positions at a greater risk of burnout compared to the general population – although research on this is limited, and has been found to vary widely between location, specialty, stage in career and many other factors (Lemaire and Wallace, 2017). The presence of burnout however poses a detriment to patient care, as well as the care of the doctor themself, highlighting the importance of resilience to avoid the consequences of burnout within healthcare. However, this idea has been contradicted in a study by McCain et al. (2017) where it was highlighted that despite the higher resilience observed among doctors as compared to the general population, burnout was still prevalent, In trying to improve resilience within this population further would have a negligible effect. From this, it may be possible to conclude that resilience can reduce the risk of burnout, but without easing stressors faced by those affected the widespread burnout in the profession will not be remedied.

As I’ve discussed within this essay, both reflection and resilience are vital no matter what stage of a person’s medical career. Not only is evidence of reflective practice a requirement for revalidation by the GMC, but it is also necessary to be able to cope with the mental, physical, and emotional tolls faced without succumbing to burnout and related issues, in turn providing high-quality care from healthy, empathetic and skilled doctors.

There has been an increasing interest in the impact of sleep deprivation (SD) on doctors performance. Sleep deprivation can result in cognitive impairment and may also impair performance in tasks that require vigilance, decision making, and memory planning, which are commonly required in shift work (e.g., doctors and health care workers). Two articles deal with the issue of sleep deprivation. The New England Journal of Medicine (NJEM) published an article about the effect of medical care provided by surgeons, post being on call the night before and the lack of impact on the short term outcomes of their scheduled elective procedures performed during the day, while the British Columbian (BC) Medical Journal produced an article supporting the evidence that indicates the loss of sleep caused by long term work hours can have an effect on the health of physicians and patient safety. The articles gave different types of results from different kinds of data with different degrees of definiteness.

First, the article produced by the BC Medical Journal states that based on the study performed in this article, no significant difference in short term outcomes for patients treated by a doctor who performed a overnight shift, as compared with patients who were treated by the same doctor by after a night of no clinical work. The study outlined in the BC article showed concluded that sleep loss resulting from the provision of overnight medical care did not measurably affect the short term outcomes of elective procedures performed the next day by attending surgeons (2). The paper published in the NEJM gave a similar situation based on long shift patterns, however this article showed that a correlation does exist between long shift patterns and the risk of serious medical errors. Dr Eddy states that patients may also be put at risk according to a recent comparison study between doctors who have worked a 24 hour day making significantly more serious medical errors than those restricted to a 16 hour shift (1).

A recent study showed that people who has been awake for the last nineteen hours had scored the equivalent of a person with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 (the legal limit in America) on performance and alertness tests. In other tests, people who had slept four hours a night, scored lower and made more mistakes on judgement, response time and attention tests. One of the most important characteristics of emergency physician performance is clinical decision making (ref), an aspect of behavior that forthcoming evidence supports is significantly impacted by sleep deprivation. Decisions involving unexpected events, innovative and lateral thinking, keeping track of changing situations and developing and revising plans, appreciating the complexities of clinical situations in the face of competing distractions, and those requiring effective communication are all impacted by sleep deprivation (23).

Another area of comparison is the method in which each article obtained its data. The population based, retrospective, matched cohort study outlined in this paper allowed the authors the choice of reporting their findings based on selective, administrative data on short term SD and could not quantify the number of hours that a doctor was deprived of sleep. The paper is also deemed as methodologically flawed and lacks standardization and controls. This may have allowed a margin of bias to skew the evidence and provide conflicting results to the other paper. The limited measurements of resident’s sleep and work hours does not comprehensively quantify doctors’ sleep. On the other hand, the article on SD in physicians based its conclusion on the results of several well designed studies and legislation based on enforceable law in Europe. The international reporting of legislation cases in various hospitals and institutions around the world eliminated some of the biasness that crept into the BC Medical journal’s paper. Finally, the articles differed on their on their degree of conclusiveness.

To almost all of us, good health is a priceless asset; and the prominent role that communication plays has pushed effective medical interaction to a new level of importance. Subsequently, Fairclough (1992) stated “The main arena for medical interaction can be most comprehensively viewed in terms of the doctor-patient relationship (p. 143). The relationship between patients and doctors provides the foundations for establishing trust, rapport, and understanding, explaining diagnoses, and negotiating treatment. The ways doctors and patients use language to transfer their messages determine how the patient’s problem is understood, as well as shaping the relationship, which can have a healing value in its own right (Kevin, 2002). In this regard, even though, the practice of western medicine dates back to “…the time of King Libne Dengel (1520-1535), organized and sustainable modern medical practice started after the battle of Adwa (1896)” (Berhan, 2008, p.1). Still, little effort has been made in shading light on the medical interaction aspect of medical practice it deserved. Nevertheless, recently, little consideration has been given to it by different scholars.

For instance, Zewdnesh et al. (2009, p. 1) conducted a study to assess the behavior of physicians (verbal and non-verbal) when interacting with patients. Hence, their study has shown that there is reasonable ground to suggest that doctor-patient interaction has deficiencies. They suggested, “due attention should be given to improve communication skills of physicians”.

Additionally, Zewdie et al. (2009) undertook a study to assess patient satisfaction with health care provider interactions and its influencing factors among out-patients at health centers in ‘West Shoa’, Central Ethiopia. Even though their study was mainly conducted to asses satisfaction levels of patients, it was indicated that language and communication barriers were among the problems that were observed in the medical practices; hence, They specified that “perceived empathy, perceived technical competency, non-verbal communication, patient enablement and information sharing about the patient’s illness were the main predictor variables of patient satisfaction with health care provider interaction” (p, 10).

Furthermore, Abrham (2012) conducted a study in Kotebe Health Center. To the researcher’s knowledge, this is the only study that has tried to study the problem from a linguistics point of view. In this study, Abrham showed that there is miscommunication between doctors and patients. The reason is that both the doctor and the patient code switched from Amharic to English and vice versa. Additionally, the interlocutors (i.e. the doctor and the patient) used terminologies during medical interactions that have contributed for the miscommunication. He added, variables such as age, gender, educational status etc. have great impact in the interaction of the doctor and patient. Thus, one understands from the findings of the above researches that the doctor-patient interaction in the health care institutions in Ethiopia still requires further investigation and attention.

In addition to this, van Dijk (1995) wrote “…the institutional power holders may oblige participants to use specific language variant, to answer questions, to provide information, and to use a polite style. In all institutional communicative events such powers maybe abused or censored, intimidate or otherwise limit the freedom of less powerful participants” (p. 21). Thus, the future study will attempt to give a detailed linguistics and textual analysis in order to pinpoint the sometimes-subtle strategies of such forms of discursive dominance.

In addition to this, even though an effective doctor-patient interaction is central to building a therapeutic doctor-patient relationship which is important in the delivery of high-quality health care, researches in Ethiopia are still showing that the medical interaction aspect is not getting enough emphasis. Consequently, as Zewdie et al. (2009, p. 1) state “in primary health care, physician-patient interaction is fundamental platform and critically affects service delivery. Nevertheless, it is often ignored in medical research and practice and it is infrequently subjected to scientific inquiry, particularly in Ethiopia”.

Thus, even though the aforementioned researches have tried to address the problem by taking a pragmatics and sociolinguistics perspective, I could not find any published, or unpublished study, which investigates doctor-patient interaction from a Critical Discourse Analysis point of view. Accordingly, the study will attempt to investigate doctor-patient interaction in Yekatit 12 Hopital by employing different linguistic theories so as to come up with a robust finding that will have a practical significance in many ways.