Tips for IM Attendings – Chapter 16 – Why I like table rounds before bedside rounds

In a previous chapter, I noted that various styles can work well.  Adopting a style and perfecting it are hallmarks of highly ranked and desired attending physicians.  For 35 years I have developed a style that works.  When other attendings try this style, it may or may not work.  My learners often mention how valuable they find this style.  Their feedback has helped my develop the key features of the style. Any teaching style should develop from clearly defined goals.  My teaching style directly follows from these principles: We want each learner to understand each patient, their diagnoses and treatments. We want to challenge each learner to grow. We want the learners to be able to hear the entire conversation and participate in that conversation. We never want to embarrass a learner in front of a patient. We want to look at images prior to seeing the patient. We want to challenge the entire team and research topics as they arise. When we go to the bedside, we want to talk with the patient, find out their concerns.  We want to make certain that the patient understands the plans for that day. When we need to have serious conversations with the patient, we should have discussed that need prior to going to the room. Here is my formula for days without new patients.  We discuss each patient – focusing on the results of key tests, any surprises, what the consultants have written or told us and discussing today’s plans.  Often these discussion raise teaching...
Source: DB's Medical Rants - Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Tags: Medical Rants Source Type: blogs