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July 1 is the celebrated as National Doctors’ Day in India.
Today on the occasion of National Doctors’ Day, we are celebrating the theme ‘Putting patients first’ to commemorate our country’s doctors who selflessly dedicate themselves to ensure good health of their patients. We asked our experts, ‘What is the one thing you do to put your patients’ health and well-being before anything else?’ And here are some interesting replies we got.
Dr Vineet Sankhala, Consultant Interventional, Cardiologist Care Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) and Hospital, Ahmedabad:
‘The first thing I do to put my patient first is that I think as if I am treating one of my nearest kin or a family member. I always ask myself ‘What would I do if the patient would have been my own relative?’ Such answers help me in treating complex cases with responsibility, passion and utmost care. I would like to quote the famous physician William Osler, ‘A good physician treats the disease; a great physician treats the patient who has the disease.’ So, I believe in treating the patient as whole and not just treating the disease.’
Dr Sudhir Kumar, Senior Consultant Neurologist, Institute of Neurosciences, Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad:
‘I like to see my patients happy and I love their smile. I do everything possible to achieve that. This includes making a prompt diagnosis and recommending the best treatment. I also answer all their queries to the best of my abilities. Besides, I always have a smile on face, and all my patients love that!’
Dr Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja, Gasteroenterologist and Endoscopy Surgeon, Ratandeep Surgical Hospital & Endoscopy Clinic, Gujrat:
‘I make sure that my patients feel safe, feel cared for, and feel confident about their treatment.’
Dr Aniruddha Malpani, IVF specialist:
‘Doctors may not always have the time to discuss or explain the patients everything they want. Therefore, I believe in educating and empowering my patients with information therapy. With the help of digital tools I can reach out to all my patients and provide information about their medical treatment and the options they have. This boosts their confidence and trust. And, unless the patients trust their doctor, they will never be able to get better. Patients also appreciate this approach because they get authentic information directly from the doctors.’
Dr Dhairyasheel Savant, Secretary Indian Association of Surgical Oncology, Consultant Cancer & Reconstructive Surgeon, Asian Institute of Oncology, Mumbai:
‘Physicians are adept in their skill and art of medicine but the most important aspect is how the patient is able to trust the physician. This trust needs to build up as it is a moral transaction which will sustain beyond the real transactional one. With this in mind, I always try to have a conversation with the patient which helps them to trust me and the rest is assured. So believe in the art of conversation and always address the doubts of your patients no matter how trivial they are.’
Dr Rupali Wankhede, Sakha Ayurved, Mumbai:
‘In today’s era, we as doctors have advanced diagnostic techniques, multiple medication options that help us achieve best of the best clinical outcome yet nothing as effective as patient’s satisfaction. It boosts the results. By putting the patient first, we can understand his concerns, behavioural characteristics and other factors like lifestyle, workplace stress and economic conditions that contribute to his illness. This information definitely helps us in making a treatment plan that is best for the patient’s condition. Also, when the patient feels cared, understood and valued by the doctor he reflects positively, develops confidence in the doctor as well as in the treatment plan designed for him. It is this confidence that leads to the best of patient’s compliance, ultimately improved clinical outcome. Therefore, I create a positive experience by keeping my patients first.’
If you want to thank your favourite doctor, drop your message in the comment section of the article National Doctors’ Day — Tell us who your favourite doctor is and why.
You may also like to read:
- National Doctor’s Day 2013: Why I became a doctor
- National Doctor’s Day 2013: Doctors heal thyself
- Doctors’ Day 2012: India.com Health salutes docs all over
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