Dr Sally Hambly’s Post

👀 Despite the headline, this DYK has a serious point about how you can manage your relationship with a healthcare professional.  😕 Whether it's a GP, nurse, or consultant they are all under time pressure to sort out your problem and move on to the next person as quickly as possible. This often means they don't have the time to explain what is going on and can use lots of jargon that you don't understand. 😊 One luxury of being an osteopath is that I get up to an hour to explain what I am doing and how I can help sort out your aches and pains while your GP might have 10 minutes if you are lucky! In my experience the more you know about your medical problems the better the outcome so there is no downside to providing you with all the information you need in a jargon-free way. The next time you have an appointment here are some questions you can ask that should help to make things clearer:  1) Do I need this test, treatment, or procedure?  2) What are the risks or downsides?  3) What are the possible side effects?  4) Are there any other options?  5) What will happen if I do nothing? 🤔 If possible take someone with you so that you can listen while they take notes and if this isn't possible take your own notes so that you can do your research later. 👨🏽🔬 The nature of healthcare these days means that you have to be an advocate for your health so don't be afraid to ask questions and keep asking them until you are happy that you understand what is being discussed. I regularly have to answer complex medical questions and explain confusing jargon so don't be afraid to reach out if you need some advice or support. #Health #SollusHealthcare #JargonBuster #MedicalAdvice #Northampton #Osteopath #OsteopathyWorks

Working in our local ED (“ER” in other countries) was so, so busy this week. As I finished, I stood there, bike lock in hand, wondering why and how I'm still in this game of medicine after all this time and how come I'm actually happy and fulfilled? The full set of answers are too long for a post but a few are: ⭐️Make space for other passions. ⭐️Make space to talk to your colleagues. ⭐️Approach patients with a philosophy of compassion, respect and bearing witness to their lives, not as people needing to be fixed. ⭐️Seek support when things are tough: your peers, colleagues, Practitioner Health, or coaching. What is keeping you in medicine? #medicine #doctors #emergencymedicine

I am in Aruba speaking at my FAVORITE medical conference, Women Physician Wellness, and listening to all the other amazing speakers.  One talk was about medical malpractice and hospital based peer support, which is essentially non existent in many institutions. This really struck a cord with me because of my personal experience with getting sued and how fucking awful it was.  This has motivated me to add Medical Malpractice Peer Support to the Rebel Physician community. Our first meeting will be May 22nd at 8pm EST.  Here's how it will go: 1. I will tell you the information that I wish I knew before getting sued (how to prepare for deposition, coping with the repetitive trauma, all the BS lawyer stuff and how to play their game etc). 2. If you have experience with this and want to come to offer support and insight, PLEASE DO. 3. If you're currently in the weeds with a lawsuit, you don't have to give any details or talk about anything you don't want to. But you can come and talk about how shitty and isolating it is and allow your colleagues to offer support and guidance on how to navigate it. Comment below or message me your interest. I ask that you join the Rebel Physician Community (www.RebelPhysician.com) so that you get the email reminders and I know you're one of us 🤣 Once you're signed up, you'll get the zoom link.

Do You Have A Question or Comment? Do you have a concern or need to talk to someone? Are you looking for a place that can help you?  Feeling depressed or alone?  Please reach out to one of the organizations listed in our resources section. Each one helps depending on your direct need. You can find the resources on the link: https://lnkd.in/euAZf84A We understand how difficult it is to reach out, and want to let you know that these organizations have the best resources and options available so that you can get some assistance. Please view our resources page to better help you. Open Arms Patient Advocacy can help with finding the right resources that can help. Our mission is to connect, educate, network, and offer resources so that you can find the help you need! The organization offers a online link for you: https://lnkd.in/eeywfDkP so that you can get an advocate to assist you. You can also contact them at: Email: advocacy@openarmsadvocacy.com Call Toll Free 1-844-548-2747 We have several links and organizations listed to assist you. https://lnkd.in/euAZf84A We hope that you are able to get the support you need through these links and resources. We are always adding more as we grow so that we can better offer continued options for you and others in need of assistance. WE DO NOT OFFER MEDICAL SERVICES WE ARE PROVIDE RESOURCES TO HELP ASSIST YOU IN FINDING THE RIGHT WAY TOWARDS YOUR RECOVERY! IF YOU WANT TO ADD YOUR LINK LET US KNOW.

Think your GP's just for sniffles and check-ups? Think again! Family doctors like Dr. Cherie Salisbury are unsung heroes in the healthcare saga, showcasing remarkable versatility and dedication. From diagnosing diverse ailments before noon to tackling women's health, Dr. Salisbury of Novant Health Primary Care NoDa epitomizes the essence of family medicine - a holistic, all-encompassing approach that puts patients first. As our frontline warriors, they're not just prescribing meds; they're empowering us with knowledge and choices for a healthier life. They bridge the gaps to specialty care but will spare no effort in addressing whatever they can in-house. Dr. Salisbury's mantra, "If I can treat it, I will" - is a testament to the commitment these physicians have to our wellbeing. And with mental health soaring on priority lists, family docs are stepping into roles once reserved for specialists, because no one should have to navigate such challenges alone. Commendably, our family physicians also wear the educator hat, boosting health literacy and navigating patient skepticism with unfathomable empathy. Who needs an Internet search when your GP can be your guide in the complex world of healthcare? So next time you visit your family doctor, remember you're witnessing a healthcare superhero in action! 🌟 #FamilyDoctor #HealthcareHero #HolisticHealthcare

As a patient advocate, I spend a good amount of time discussing and explaining how a health care proxy works. Many people think that just because their loved one has filled one out, that that automatically instates it. That is not true. It can only be instated by a medical doctor who deems that the patient is not capable of making medical decisions. It is very important to pick someone that you think will abide by YOUR wishes, not theirs. It is undoubtedly an emotional time when decisions need to be made, you want to make the decision making as painless as possible by discussing what your wishes are and picking someone you know who will carry them out if need be. This article shares some things to consider. https://lnkd.in/efYrGqhN Here is the Massachusetts health care proxy form: https://lnkd.in/eCBkDeJD

Medical providers often find ourselves caring for everyone around us, driven by our deep desire to help others. This can lead to providers taking on the emotional burdens of others as their own. While helping others is a noble trait, it's crucial to ask ourselves: are we grounded? Do we truly know who we are on a deep, visceral level? Understanding ourselves is essential. It helps us distinguish between our emotions and those of others. Without this self-awareness, we risk becoming emotional sponges, absorbing the feelings of those around us. At Rx for The Business of Medicine, we encourage all medical providers to invest time in self-reflection. Know what is yours and what isn't. This clarity will not only improve our well-being but also enhance our ability to care for others effectively. #MentalHealth #SelfAwareness #MedicalProfessionals #Codependency #Wellbeing

After years of frustration and misdiagnosis, I'm compelled to share my experience with the medical community. While I understand the challenges healthcare professionals faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, it's crucial that we address the ongoing issues in patient care. To lighten the mood, I'd like to first publicly apologize to "Karen the Kidney," who's been unfairly blamed for my health issues since 2018. The true culprit? Well, let's just say "Donald Duct" or "Penelope Pancreas" might be more fitting nicknames. 😉 On a serious note, I've finally found some closure after enduring what I can only describe as medical gaslighting since 2018. To those still searching for answers: speak up for yourself. You're not crazy, and your concerns are valid, even if they seem improbable or inconvenient to healthcare providers. I'm grateful to St. Francis for eventually listening and performing the procedure that revealed the answers we've been seeking. However, it shouldn't have taken so much persistence and argumentation from my husband and me to get here. This experience has taught me the power of self-advocacy in healthcare (and the rest of life). We need a shift in mentality – one that prioritizes listening to patients and other human beings, asking thorough questions, and avoiding hasty judgments based on appearances or preconceptions. To all healthcare professionals: please remember that each patient's experience is unique. Take the time to listen, ask questions, and consider possibilities beyond your initial assumptions. Your willingness to dig deeper can quite literally change lives. #PatientAdvocacy #Healthcare #MedicalJourney #ListenToPatients

As providers, our instinct is to support those around us. However, it's crucial to distinguish our emotions from those of others to avoid emotional burnout. Take time for self-reflection, meditation, or prayer to truly understand our own emotional state. Knowing what is ours and what isn't can make all the difference in providing the best care for others while maintaining our own well-being.