1. Please share your most interesting case with a patient?
“The continuity of care caused the concern”
I had known this patient and his family for many years. He had had several significant injuries due to his job and lifestyle. On a Friday, his wife reported that he had a sore back that he attributed to trying to kick a fly while lying on the couch.
I told her that I would like to see him on Monday if he was not feeling better. On Monday he arrived using crutches due to his persisting symptoms. Knowing how stoic he usually was, I called my consultant colleagues for help. The next day he had his spinal abscess drained. I see countless numbers of patients with low back pain but when you know the patient it makes caring for them easier.
2. What is the best advice you were given during your time in medical school that has had a lasting impact on your practice?
The best advice I was given was that patients will remember how you cared for them more than they will remember what tests you sent them for or what drugs you prescribed. Your caring will be evident by how you listen to them and try to understand their situation. The strong relationship you create will generate the trust you need to work together.
3. What are you currently working on that is helping to impact our local medical community and/or local patients?
I am currently working at several levels of our medical environment. I am the Fraser Health North GP rep to the Doctors of BC Representative committee which works at a provincial level of our Association. I am the head of the Department of Family Practice at RMH which tries to facilitate communication and collaboration between our facility physicians and our community family physicians among other duties. As the lead for the RM Division of FP, I try to ensure resources and support are available to our Division members to optimize their use of technology. Finally, as Medical Director of Westgate Medical clinic, I work towards providing exemplary care to all patients of our clinic. As a short term project, I am a member of a Ministry of Health working group that is creating a platform for physicians to ideally connect and collaborate.
4. What is some advice or wisdom you would like to share with your medical staff peers, or any new physicians joining our community?
Regarding joining our community, my advice would be to look for ways to contribute. You will create friendships and results that will reward you much more that you would expect. There are more opportunities and support and respect for physician input now than there has ever been before – take advantage of it – you will not regret it!
My book recommendation is “The Speed of Trust” by Stephen R. Covey