Another Day in the Frontal Lobe 9
In this chapter Dr. Firlik takes us through perceptions of Risk. Both from the neurosurgeon’s view and the patient.
She recalls a "warm hand-holding" surgeon who would “pepper” his remarks about the risks of brain surgery, while holding out the consent forms, with "religious-speak" like "We'll get you through this with God's grace."
On the other end are surgeons who personally remind me of Dr. Greg House. The ones who are "blunt" and say "You could have a stroke. (Pause) You could have permanent brain damage. (Pause) You could become a vegetable. (Pause) You could die. (Pause)"
Surgeons typically like dealing with their patients under anesthesia. Not weeping and asking a list of questions with other family members in their office. Unfortunately, this is where many doctors make mistakes. Appropriately, Dr. Firlik comments on the issue of malpractice and lawyers.
It is sad that many lawyers approach any bad outcome with the cynicism of a malpractice lawsuit. It is also sad that too many doctors get annoyed when their obligations to their patients interfere with their golf tee times.
I personally believe that it is hard being a doctor and a surgeon. I believe that sometimes the body responds differently than hoped or expected. I sympathize with a lot of what doctors fear from malpractice lawsuits. However, even those worrisome physicians should appreciate that some doctors are mis-motivated and simply practice bad medicine. Hence, the real need for lawyers, courts, and jury verdicts.
Dr. Firlik states she has never been sued although she expects to at some point. I hope that it will be the result of a mis-motivated lawyer and patient and she will be vindicated professionally and monetarily. That could well depend on the motivation of the insurance company underwriting her and the lawyers it chooses to defend her.
Good luck Dr. Firlik with that.
She recalls a "warm hand-holding" surgeon who would “pepper” his remarks about the risks of brain surgery, while holding out the consent forms, with "religious-speak" like "We'll get you through this with God's grace."
On the other end are surgeons who personally remind me of Dr. Greg House. The ones who are "blunt" and say "You could have a stroke. (Pause) You could have permanent brain damage. (Pause) You could become a vegetable. (Pause) You could die. (Pause)"
Surgeons typically like dealing with their patients under anesthesia. Not weeping and asking a list of questions with other family members in their office. Unfortunately, this is where many doctors make mistakes. Appropriately, Dr. Firlik comments on the issue of malpractice and lawyers.
It is sad that many lawyers approach any bad outcome with the cynicism of a malpractice lawsuit. It is also sad that too many doctors get annoyed when their obligations to their patients interfere with their golf tee times.
I personally believe that it is hard being a doctor and a surgeon. I believe that sometimes the body responds differently than hoped or expected. I sympathize with a lot of what doctors fear from malpractice lawsuits. However, even those worrisome physicians should appreciate that some doctors are mis-motivated and simply practice bad medicine. Hence, the real need for lawyers, courts, and jury verdicts.
Dr. Firlik states she has never been sued although she expects to at some point. I hope that it will be the result of a mis-motivated lawyer and patient and she will be vindicated professionally and monetarily. That could well depend on the motivation of the insurance company underwriting her and the lawyers it chooses to defend her.
Good luck Dr. Firlik with that.
