Accepting Patient Invitation

[zeloc]

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I recently took care of a somewhat famous person (I'm not going to mention any details for anonymity) who spent about 5 days in the hospital. Evidently this person was impressed with my care as on the day of discharge he/she thanked me for what I had done and mentioned that he/she occasionally throws parties to which many distinguished individuals are usually in attendance, and that he/she would like me to attend the next one, if I should be interested. I happened to be post-call and had tons of other pts to see so I didn't really think about it, but would I be out of place to accept such an invitation? I wouldn't really be going as a physician, nor is it a personal relationship. Has anyone else had something like this come up?

 

[viostorm]

I recently took care of a somewhat famous person (I'm not going to mention any details for anonymity) who spent about 5 days in the hospital. Evidently this person was impressed with my care as on the day of discharge he/she thanked me for what I had done and mentioned that he/she occasionally throws parties to which many distinguished individuals are usually in attendance, and that he/she would like me to attend the next one, if I should be interested. I happened to be post-call and had tons of other pts to see so I didn't really think about it, but would I be out of place to accept such an invitation? I wouldn't really be going as a physician, nor is it a personal relationship. Has anyone else had something like this come up?

if you feel inclined to ask if is appropriate then it probably isn't.

 

[dragonfly99]

Well, technically it's probably not quite appropriate, but at the same time I seriously doubt that it's blatantly against your hospital's rules, or that anything would happen to you if you did go. Do you think it would be interesting or that you'd feel out of place? Would you be going alone or with a date? This person probably was just wanting to express gratitude for what you did...if you outright refused the invite, that might have seemed rude as well, so hard to know what to do. I'd just do what feels comfortable to you. My concern would be that this person thinks he has to give you something or do something for you in return for your care, which really isn't true. I've had numerous clinic patients give me little gifts, which technically we aren't supposed to take...but I'd feel like a jerk turning down a $5 or $10 book or a jar of honey (collected from patient's own bee hive). This is probably kind of a similar gesture by this patient.

 

[tibor75]

This isn't inappropriate at all. Go.

The only reason you feel bad is because he/she is famous. What if some "regular" guy you took care of said he was having a showing at his art gallery and he invited you? There would be no problem with that.

 

[Gastrapathy]

if you feel inclined to ask if is appropriate then it probably isn't.

Why?

Go. Enjoy yourself. People are allowed to thank you for your efforts. It makes everyone feel good. Otherwise, the only function you'll ever go to is a funeral.

 

[iatrosB]

I say if they're hot...go. If they're not, it's sounds unethical.