Last week I was consulting and a patient came and saw me who had seen another urologist. He was one of my colleagues who I know very well and in fact was one of my trainers as i went through the surgical training program. I know him to be an excellent person, caring in disposition and technically very sound. So I was a little shocked when the gentleman went on an all out rant about the person in question. As I usually do, I just listened and did not make any comment because one never knows the full story about a dispute.

The fundamental problem in most conflicts is poor communication or even worse, no communication. In the surgical field, it’s normal for there to be minor irritations, problems and even complications. It’s part of the territory of surgery. The important thing is how these problems are managed. Communication needs to be timely, honest and genuine. It is the verbal and non verbal expression of care.

It’s not just a means of averting complaints but the upside of good communication is that there are less complaints. I recently saw a gentleman who had a hernia operation and developed some post operative pain. The surgeon was downright rude to him and his wife and they were extremely angry with him. Judging from the conversation, I think there is a fair chance that the dispute ends up as a medicolegal case.

Good communication is arguably one of the most important parts of creating a peaceful life. And being too busy is not a good enough excuse.

Communicate well!

In Health and Wellness

Ranjit