JohnWyatt Crosby
ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR
- 1/10/2012
Are little old ladies crashing the healthcare system?
Busy family members can feel guilty if they don’t see their loved ones as much as they would like. So, when a senior gets sick, the family often wants “everything done.” - 12/11/2011
What is harder: family practice or emergency medicine?
I just finished 19 years of family practice and before that, 19 years of emergency medicine. They both have their challenges and rewards, and over the years there have been game-changers on both sides. Here is a look at some of the areas of work for both family physicians and ER physicians, and how they compare. - 12/4/2011
Stressed out? Here's some help to change the process
Doctors have one of the most stressful jobs anywhere. We deal with life-and-death situations under the microscope of the media, our provincial colleges, patients and their families, as well as other healthcare workers. We work long, unsociable hours and deal with people often at their worst: in pain or frightened and often impaired by disease or external factors. It’s almost impossible to change ourselves—but we can change the process. - 11/23/2011
'Group therapy' can help doctors deal with stress
A lot of doctors are isolated in their offices so I recommend you go to the doctor’s lounge and grumble about the government as a group. Talk about non-medical topics as well. Share difficult cases and ask your colleagues for help. - 11/16/2011
Letters to help you manage your practice
Here are actual memos I have sent out over the years to make my practice more efficient, and to improve patient care and my life. Edit, add the date, hit the print button, sign and give to the appropriate people listed. Do one each week. Sit back and enjoy. - 11/8/2011
Does capitation equal Communism? I think not, and here's why
I have been in a capitated payment system for six years and before that, did fee for service for 32 years. Here are the pros and cons of a working in a Family Health Organization. - 10/26/2011
Time-managing real patient encounters: high cholesterol and high blood pressure
High cholesterol and hypertension are two very common problems in family practice. If you can manage them efficiently you will get good compliance. Here are some tips to help manage these office visits - 10/17/2011
Exit strategies: An approach to efficient patient encounters
How do you start and stop an interview and use your time wisely with the patient in the examining room? Here are some tips on conversation starters, body language, and effective use of your computer. - 10/4/2011
It’s a wonderful life for nursing home directors
Have you ever considered being a nursing home director? It seems like an awful job but I have been one at two homes for 15 years and I love it. It is very gratifying, as I get to help really sick people who think I am terrific, and the old ladies think I'm young and handsome (so much for their eyesight). - 9/26/2011
How to time-manage patients with psychological problems
Trying to find time to counsel patients can be a challenge for the busy practitioner. If you are time-pressed and don't have the skills, try to refer the patient to a social worker or psychologist. But expect push-back: Unlike mental health professionals, appointments with you are free, familiar and have no stigma attached.
