'Just' a quick physical: Why docs must stop minimizing their role with this one word

“Hi, I’m Bridgette. I’m just a medical student. Don’t worry, the doctor will be in to see you shortly.” I’ve put hours into learning communication skills, yet my introduction still has a distinct apologetic tone. Why didn’t I walk into the room and say “Hi, I’m Bridgette. I’m a medical student?” I would have conveyed confidence and set the foundation for a better relationship with the patient. Using the word “just” to diminish the significance of whatever comes after is a common habit in the medical profession and in many other circles. How often do we say things like “just 30 minutes a day” or “just one more thing?” According to data from the Corpus of Contemporary American English, “just” is the 66th most used word in the English language. Its use is so commonplace you may not even be conscious of how often and when you utter the word. Read: Communication skills: I know ‘em when I see ‘em The word “just” can mean many things and can be used as an adjective and an adverb. It comes from the Latin word “iustus” or “justus” meaning fair, righteous, or lawful. When used as an adjective, the word “just” preserves this definition. For example, “it is a just punishment.” Within the context of justice, the word also meant “correct” which then evolved into “precisely.” From there, “just” took on an additional meaning: “within a narrow margin” and eventually, according to the Oxford dictionary, evolved into its five current adverb definitions. The first and second definitions deal with incremental margins of time and space. For example, “the doctor just got in” and “can you pull it down just a little lower?” The third definition is “actually; really; positively.” As in “your incision is healing just wonderfully.” The fourth is “exactly or precisely,” as is intended in “you have to do just as the doctor said.” The fifth definition–where “just” means “only or merely”–is one that can be problematic: “I am just a medical student.” Our language shapes how we feel and the quality of the interactions we have with others. Using “just” within its fifth definition can convey ideas and intentions in a more straightforward way. Saying, for example, that “I just need you to be quiet” can reassure a child that being quiet isn’t difficult. It can also help break down instructions into manageable chunks that patients can follow more easily. But it could also, inadvertently, minimize a patient’s feelings. For example, a woman who has had a mastectomy may be reluctant to “just pull down” their shirt so you can put your stethoscope directly on her skin. Read: 'Clients': an offensive, dehumanizing term in healthcare Saying “just” can also diminish what we do. “I’ll just perform a quick physical” may, to some patients, depreciate the complexity of this procedure. From a personal perspective, applying “just” to what I do can also diminish the clinical role of a medical student, even if I’m using the word to assure patients that whatever procedure I’m about to do is nothing for them to be alarmed about. So why do I still catch myself saying “I’m just a medical student?” In some situations, it can be helpful for med students to minimize their credentials with patients as a way to build rapport. Patients often appreciate having students involved in their care because we can help bridge the information hierarchy of medicine. Some patients enjoy talking to medical students about their illness and lived experiences, and find it helpful to have their condition explained to them by a student. Saying “I'm just a medical student” can even prompt patients to take it easy on us, because we’re still learning. But it strips us of our value, taking away our credibility and authority. “I’m just a student” can easily be met with “I’ll wait for the real doctor then.” It’s good to be humble, but there are other ways of conveying humility without coming across as lacking in confidence and assertiveness. One day soon I’ll be a practising professional. When that time comes, I won’t be introducing myself with “Hi, I'm just a doctor.” Read: Doctor as patient: The follow-up

'Just' a quick physical: Why docs must stop minimizing their role with this one word

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