12/5/2011 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.
11/24/2011 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.
11/17/2011 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.
11/9/2011 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.
10/27/2011 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
10/18/2011 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.
10/5/2011 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).
9/27/2011 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.
9/11/2011 Unfortunately we physicians are often slow and make patients wait because we can. I have heard doctors brag that the wait for patients to see them is months long. I always wonder if these doctors think this is a good thing.
8/29/2011 As doctors we often have small offices with a few staff. When we get to the hospital we are confronted with perhaps a $100-million budget and thousands of employees. It's a real culture shock and you have to adjust your thinking to get along with the bureaucracy needed to control these hordes. Here are my tips for surviving your local hospital.
8/19/2011 A lot of doctors are loath to take on students, as they find them a burden. On the contrary, if supervised properly they can enhance your efficiency and care.
8/9/2011 Seniors have all the time in the world and you have none. They often have many diseases and medications and love to chat. You are often the highlight of their day (week or month). They are wonderful people to look after—wise and respectful patients with great stories. Here is my approach.
