Christine Fischer Buldo’s Post

As both a physician and a transplant patient, I’ve got a pretty unique perspective on routine health maintenance. First of all, there's a weird mix of nerves/routine anxiety that hits every time—like, knowing that one lab result could completely change the rest of your week, or even your life. Even though I understand the process inside out as a clinician, it doesn’t stop me from stressing over diagnostic results. Having some extra medical knowledge doesn’t always make it easier. And keep in mind that juggling appointments is a full-time job on its own. You end up scheduling your life around lab and clinic appts. It’s a daily reminder of the wild journey I’ve been on and all the things I need to do to keep living my life. (I just wish there was a way to do everything via the patient portal and text messages...) Being a patient-and-doctor gives me a firsthand view of how intense 'medical upkeep' really is. On one hand, I get the science behind it all—but on the other, I feel the emotional rollercoaster too. I am, of course, grateful to be able to live this rollercoaster though. 😉 TLDR: Even the most routine checkups hold major significance for our patients. Please remember that compassionate care is everything. 🫀💯 #patientadvocacy #medicine #womeninmedicine

🌟 Calling all healthcare professionals and patients 🏥 In the ever-evolving landscape of #healthcare, it's crucial to pause and reflect on our experiences. As #clinicians, do you still feel like the healers you aspired to be when you started your journey? And patients, do you truly feel healed after your encounters with the healthcare system? The concept of healing goes beyond just physical recovery. It encompasses emotional well-being, #trust, and a sense of being truly cared for. However, in today's fast-paced medical environment, both healthcare providers and patients often find themselves caught in a system that can feel impersonal and overwhelming. In my book, "Moral Injury," I delve into the challenges faced by healthcare professionals as they navigate the complex world of modern medicine. The term "moral injury" describes the psychological distress that results from actions, or the lack of them, which violate one's moral or ethical code. For many clinicians, this manifests as a feeling of being unable to provide the level of care they believe patients deserve. But there's hope. By acknowledging these challenges and working together, we can create a more compassionate and effective healthcare system. 💪 I'd love to hear your thoughts: Clinicians: Are you feeling like a healer? What challenges do you face? Patients: Do you feel truly healed after your healthcare experiences? Share your experiences in the comments below. Let's start a conversation and work towards positive change. 🗨️ #HealthcareReform #MoralInjury #PatientCare #ClinicianWellbeing Learn more about these crucial issues in my book "Moral Injury": Moral Injury👇 https://lnkd.in/eh64NRrq

We have all experienced it as physicians. Patients being late for their appointments. I am talking about those who are always late. Several thoughts come up about those patients: - They do not respect our time. - My schedule is delayed because of the late patients. - The patients do not respect me. It is important to have the awareness of what you are thinking and how it is affecting you. With those thoughts, it is natural to feel frustrated, angry and stressed. To minimize having habitually late patients, it is helpful to set up clear policies on late patients. When the patient is late, the patient may be rescheduled or may have to wait. If you do not address the tardiness, the same patients will likely continue to be late for their future appointments. Imagine when there are multiple patients who come in late on the same day. It is not fair for the punctual patients and your efficiency is compromised. With all these, it is still important to show our empathy and our heart to serve our patients. I invite you to read more about this in my blog post. Link in comments. --------- I’m Dr. Mary. Setting boundaries is an important reminder for others. It is to protect you in a nice and firm way. If you are a physician who is leaving work late and has more work to do at home, I can help you change that. Imagine yourself going home on time with all the work completed and you get to enjoy life outside of medicine. Curious about how it is possible for you? DM me and let’s chat. #setboundaries #respecttime #setpolicies #beontime #knowyourfeelings #efficiency #lifecoaching #physiciancoaching #enjoylife #enjoymedicine

“Sorry for so many messages end of day Friday!” A patient of mine who is unstably housed needed help. He’s the kind of patient who doesn’t interact with the health system unless he really needs to. He lives in a shelter, and getting a message through to me is harder for him than for my patients with phones and the Internet. So, of course I logged onto the EMR during my off hours. Of course I didn’t mind the flurry of messages the case worker sent me, and of course I sent the scripts. Some of my clients misunderstand me when I say to state and reinforce their boundaries. They think I’m asking them to be callous. Better than others. Too busy to help. It’s never that. I’m asking them to be clear on what their boundaries are so that they can CHOOSE when to be flexible with them versus when to reinforce them. So that they can choose to go and beyond when it makes sense and is feasible rather than doing so out of guilt (and incessantly overworking). I encourage you to work on this by downloading The Complete Guide to Boundaries for Physicians here: https://lnkd.in/gHbYCkTe It comes with an e-course re: boundary formation. You will be clearer on what these are and which ones you can be flexible with.

Beyond the 18 Seconds: Reclaiming Time for Trust in Doctor-Patient Relationships Feeling rushed during patient appointments? Here's a reminder of why slowing down matters: 🌟18 Seconds Isn't Enough: Patients deserve time to tell their stories. Truly listening can lead to better diagnoses. 🌟Active Listening Builds Trust: Don't just hear words; hear the emotions and context behind them. 🌟Quality Over Quantity: Rushing through appointments hinders connection and misses crucial information. 🌟The Power of Connection: Trust is the foundation of strong doctor-patient relationships. Prioritize building it! Remember that patients are people, not numbers. Taking the time to listen and build trust leads to better outcomes for everyone. #doctorpatientcommunication #healthcare #bedsidemanner #listentoyourpatients

📞 The phone rings, and you pick up to hear a patient’s voice trembling with frustration. They’ve just discovered their imaging appointment was scheduled incorrectly—again. This isn't just about a missed slot; it’s about the anxiety of not getting answers, the disruption of their day, and the feeling of being let down. 😔 Handling these situations requires more than just rescheduling the appointment. 🩺 Here’s how I navigate these challenging calls: Listen Actively: 👂 Let the patient express their concerns without interruption. It’s crucial to acknowledge their feelings and understand their perspective. Apologize Sincerely: 🙏 A genuine apology goes a long way. I make sure they know that their time and health are important to us. Provide Solutions: 🔧 After understanding the issue, I quickly find the best possible resolution—whether it’s fitting them in sooner or coordinating with other departments to accommodate their needs. Reassure Them: 🤝 Patients need to know they’re in good hands. I ensure to confirm all details and personally follow up to prevent any further errors. Follow Up: 📞 After the call, a quick follow-up can reinforce that they’re not just another number in the system. It shows commitment to their care and builds trust. Handling irate patients isn’t easy, but with empathy, patience, and proactive problem-solving, we can turn a negative experience into a positive one. 🌟 Have you ever dealt with a similar situation? How did you manage it? #PatientCare #Healthcare #CustomerService #PatientExperience

👩⚕️ GPs: Master the Art of Handling Difficult Patients 👨⚕️ https://lnkd.in/eKnmSsGx As a GP, navigating challenging patient encounters is an essential part of your journey. While most interactions are positive, there are times when patients may be anxious, confrontational, or non-compliant. Our latest blog provides a comprehensive guide to help you handle these situations with empathy, effective communication, and professionalism. In this blog, we explore: - Maintaining Empathy and Patience: Active listening, demonstrating empathy, and staying composed. - Effective Communication Strategies: Using clear language, open-ended questions, and a non-confrontational tone. - Setting Boundaries: Establishing clear expectations and managing time effectively. - Dealing with Anxiety, Fear, and Aggression: Providing reassurance, staying calm, and prioritizing safety. - Managing Non-Compliance: Understanding patient perspectives and tailoring treatment plans. - Self-Care for GPs: Reflecting, practicing self-care, and seeking support when needed. Equip yourself with the tools to provide the best possible care while maintaining your own well-being. Every encounter, no matter how difficult, is an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to patient care and professional excellence. 👉 https://lnkd.in/eKnmSsGx #GPcareers #HealthcareProfessionals #PatientCare #MedicalStaffing #EffectiveCommunication #SelfCareForDoctors #EmpathyInHealthcare #GPGuide

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the balance between doctor hustle and patient intolerance is a delicate dance. Here's a brief reflection: As doctors, we hustle tirelessly to provide the best care possible for our patients. We dedicate long hours, stay updated with the latest medical advancements, and strive to deliver compassionate and effective treatment. However, in a fast-paced world where instant gratification is the norm, patient intolerance can sometimes cloud the doctor-patient relationship. Patients may expect immediate solutions, quick fixes, or miracles, overlooking the complexities and uncertainties of medical practice. Finding the equilibrium between doctor hustle and patient intolerance is essential. It requires effective communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to patient-centered care. While doctors hustle to diagnose, treat, and heal, patients must also exercise patience, trust, and understanding. Let's foster a culture of collaboration and empathy in healthcare, where doctors and patients work together as partners in the pursuit of health and wellness. #Healthcare #DoctorPatientRelationship #Collaboration #Empathy #LinkedIn

But that's not the case! 🤗 Many medical providers face similar challenges. Physicians often grapple with long hours, which can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. Navigating complex healthcare systems can be incredibly frustrating and time-consuming. Additionally, dealing with the emotional toll of patient care can be overwhelming. It's tough when you're aiming for perfection in a high-stakes field. Let's build a community where we can share our experiences, grow together, and keep burnout at bay. 🌱 Remember, taking a step back for self-care isn't a luxury; it's essential. Visit us at TheDevelopingDoctor.com to find support and resources tailored just for you. Save for later! 💼👩⚕️ #MedCommunity #BurnoutPrevention #WorkLifeBalance #physicianburnout #discassessment #professionaldevelopment #medicine #medicalstudents

👉 Medical gaslighting occurs when healthcare providers dismiss or downplay patients' concerns, attributing symptoms to psychological factors without proper investigation. This can be especially harmful to those with serious conditions that worsen due to a lack of proper diagnosis and treatment. It also contributes to trauma and mistrust in the healthcare system. Here are some tips to advocate for yourself: 🧠 Keep detailed records: Document your symptoms, treatments, and interactions with healthcare providers. 💬 Bring a support person: A trusted friend or family member can offer support and help you communicate effectively. 📚 Educate yourself: Understand your condition and treatment options to have informed discussions with your doctor. 👥 Seek second opinions: Don't hesitate to consult another healthcare professional if you feel unheard. 👂 Trust your intuition: You know your body best. Advocate for the care you deserve.