Tips for IM Attendings – Chapter 22 – take a mental break

We present sitting, and it usually takes 2 full hours to hear 8 patients (and that means going quite fast at times).  Those 15 minutes are gold.  Almost all residents and interns are very grateful.  But I am also grateful.  I take that time to walk downstairs to get a drink.  I chat with the students or house staff, depending on the day.  When we start back we are refreshed and (I believe) more productive. Breaks are healthy.  Talking about non-medical issues is healthy. So think about how you can take a mental break (and perhaps even a physical break) during rounds.  You and your learners will benefit, and therefore your patients will benefit.  
Source: DB's Medical Rants - Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Tags: Medical Rants Source Type: blogs