Dr. Tomi Mitchell’s Post

Practitioner: My name is … (not a common name), I am your provider today. Patient: I’m never gonna try to remember (or pronounce) that for sure. The above scenario is happening, everyday more than once in healthcare settings nationwide. If you have a name that is not common, these are the points you want to keep in mind: 1- The session is not about you, it’s about the patient. 2- Patients are dealing with trauma and illness and last thing they need is added stress for anything but their health. 3- In some cases, it may be/feel like micro aggression, but if you are seeking a long lasting resolution or mindset change, your session in which you are providing your expertise regarding patient care is not the time nor place. Instead try this: Let the patient know they do not have to worry about your name, and offer them to call you with your initial/s (I offer just M for me, or you can have your title attached such as Dr. B, etc. The result: 1- You de-stress them. 2- You present yourself as an introspective practitioner. 3- You establish a therapeutic, trusting relationship which is essential for a successful treatment. Your thoughts? #healthcaremanagement #occupationaltherapist #occupationaltherapy #healthcarescenarios #whatwouldyoudo #patientadvocacy #acutecare

Join us for this engaging episode of "Stand Up (for) Doctors!" Supporting doctors; offering hope! Dr Amy-Jo Farrow is an Occupational Health Physician in the U.K., and a burnout coach, helping exhausted doctors thrive. Olivia Morris is the Co-Founder and CEO of Verity Barrington and Doctors Living in Ireland, having been a physician advocate for the past 10 years. We discuss how doctors know about healthy living and what to recommend to their patients, yet they frequently do not take care of themselves in the same way. We dive into some reasons behind that, and how it's almost seen as a "badge of honor" not to take care of one's basic needs during a work shift. That is not sustainable and should not be the culture! We talk about the need to help doctors discover solutions that can be adapted for each physician's unique life. We each share a vulnerable story of how as a physician, a physician's wife, and a healthcare professional, in a time of crisis, how the notion of "the patient always come first," no matter the personal cost, took its toll. Doctors having an identity outside of their primary employment is so important, and can include building a portfolio career, exploring hobbies...whatever brings you joy and gets you energized about life! Message to doctors: Physicians need to practice radical self-compassion. Know that there are options out there, and people who can help you. Never feel like it's just you, it is not, and there is so much support available! Message to patients: If you come across a "grumpy" doctor they may be having a bad day, or missing an important family milestone to be there to care for you. Be compassionate towards another human being, it can make all the difference. Doctors AND patients need to take responsibility to restore the human connection in healthcare! Website links in the comments section #physicianadvocacy #physicianwellness #physicianburnout #healthcare #burnoutprevention #physiciangrowth #physicianjourney #physiciancare #physicianempowerment #phyicianwellbeing

Constant communication is key in the relationship between caretaker, patient, and doctor. But what about respectful curiosity? This is necessary to challenge the status quo and think outside the box. Sometimes, a fresh perspective is needed to properly diagnose and treat the whole patient. As a parent of a child with a medical condition, I have experienced firsthand the importance of looking beyond the obvious. Everything has a cause and effect, and compassion can have a positive ripple effect. Trust in the humanity of healthcare. #healthcare #communication #compassion #respectfulcuriosity #healthcareinnovation Montefiore Health System Montefiore National Organization for Rare Disorders

👉 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.

In all Proffessional duties, dealing with life requires a lot.

Challenging patients or sneaky chances to shake up healthcare? You know, sometimes what we see as a problem, might be a shortcut to doing things better. Handling tough patients isn't just about taming wild behaviors—it's about digging deeper. 🔍 Not following the rules? Often, it's not because they're acting out. It's rooted in feeling alone or stressed out. 😰 Clear talk? It's more than just dishing out orders. It's about real, heartfelt chats that close up distances and light the path to 'getting it'. 🗣️ Our daily interactions? They’re not just habit. They're the bedrock of care that comes from the heart. ❤️ Spotting problem behaviors early and having your game plan ready? This can flip the script on how we respond and care for our patients. 😌 And dealing with irrational fears? It’s not about brushing them off. It’s about taking a tender approach, gently steering towards good sense. Sure, stats and game plans might switch up, but the heart of caring doesn't. Every convo is a chance to help to heal to grow. Tough patients aren't roadblocks; they're stepping stones to tweaking and ramping up our way of giving care.

#12 - One of the best favors I can do for a family (and myself) is to reach out early if I see the case has potential to go poorly. The better my rapport with the family, the better buy-in I will have, which is important when I’m delivering bad news. When a patient isn’t improving as expected, and I see that difficult decisions may lie ahead, I follow this pattern: Conversation #1: 🔵 I introduce myself to the patient and/or family and ensure they understand the medical situation. I explain the unknowns. (e.g.: “Right now, we don’t know if Sally’s breathing will improve.”) [Keep it open ended] 🔵 I explain what we are doing in the meantime: “We will continue to give best supportive care including breathing treatments, etc...” 🔵 Then I leave them with a thought: “Of course, I want Sally to live long and recover, but we should also be prepared for the worst-case scenario so that we can give direction to the medical team. One question to think about is: would Sally ever want to be intubated?” Now, the patient/family are ✅ 1) grounded with the potential of things going poorly, and ✅ 2) aware of the most pressing question to answer. 🔵 Finally, ask them to talk again in the coming days. Conversation #2 simply carries these topics forward. Even if the worst case has moved from possible to inevitable, I often find that the discussion progresses smoothly without shocking or blindsiding the family. _______________________________________________________________________________ As a healthcare provider for the chronically ill and terminal, I give bad news every day and I have learned how to do it well—plus mistakes to avoid. During January, I will release a series on how to effectively deliver bad news with confidence and understanding.   #healthcare #palliativecare #difficultconversations #emotionalintelligence

I’ve been discussing the consequences of moral injury on helping professionals for years. It’s not just healthcare workers. Many people who work in helping industries can be impacted. It’s not talked about or taught enough. Check out this book. #moralinjury As Dr. Byrne explains, "When we heal the healers, the repercussions are felt throughout the healthcare system. Patients experience deeper empathy, and decision-making becomes grounded in ethics." Backed by staggering statistics revealing that over 50% of clinicians suffer from moral distress, moral injury, or burnout. With 40% of doctors planning to leave their current practice, the need for transformative change in healthcare has never been more urgent. "A must-read for health system executives, clinician wellness leaders, and healthcare entrepreneurs looking to fix the provider burnout crisis. Dr. Byrne skillfully diagnoses a new culprit - moral injury - through a variety of vulnerable first-hand accounts and compelling interviews with healthcare providers and trainees.”

🌟 The Human Side of Doctors: Breaking Misconceptions Yesterday, I had a thought-provoking conversation with someone who held a strong belief that doctors are immune to the pain and suffering of their patients. While I respect differing perspectives, I must shed light on the reality that doctors are as human as anyone else. Yes, we are trained to be resilient in challenging situations. We may not always express our emotions overtly, especially when we're expected to stay strong in the face of adversity. However, it's essential to debunk the myth that we don't feel. Through years of experience, we've learned to balance empathy and professionalism. We stand by your side during moments of distress, offering not just medical expertise but also a compassionate presence. Our communication skills may have room for improvement, but rest assured, we see you and feel your struggles. Let's bridge understanding and acknowledge the human connection that underpins healthcare. Together, we can foster a culture of empathy and support for everyone involved. #DoctorsAreHuman #EmpathyInHealthcare #UnderstandingTheHumanSide

**Reflecting on a Recent Tragedy in the Medical Community: A Call for Change** The recent loss of a dedicated medical professional has left a deep void in the hearts of many, a stark reminder of the immense pressure and challenges faced by those in the healthcare profession. This tragedy is not just a personal loss but a societal one, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change in how we support and protect our healthcare professionals. This individual's story is one of dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence—traits that should have been celebrated and nurtured. Instead, the weight of expectations, the relentless demands, and the often unspoken struggles took their toll, leading to an outcome that should never have occurred. This is a wake-up call. We must ask ourselves: How can we better support those who dedicate their lives to saving others? How can we create an environment where mental health is prioritized, where doctors and healthcare workers feel valued, and where they can seek help without fear of stigma? As we mourn this loss, let us also commit to advocating for change. Let’s ensure that this tragedy becomes a catalyst for creating a more supportive, understanding, and humane healthcare system. To all my connections in the healthcare industry and beyond: Let’s use our voices to push for the change we so desperately need. Let’s honor the memory of this professional by ensuring that their story is the last of its kind. #MentalHealthMatters #Healthcare #SupportOurDoctors #ChangeTheSystem