D
dyk343
Being relatively new to externships I have run into several situations where I did not agree with the resident's diagnosis. I am sure we have all been there. So far I have been silent in all my endeavors because who am I to challenge a resident? Also, until today none of the things I disagree with have been serious. I'm certainly not going to express my opinion over a resident's if the difference of outcome is minimal. Plus differing opinions is a fantastic way to learn. Most of us will likely get to the same end point with a slightly different approach.
Well... Today there was a case where I simply 100% disagree with the diagnosis. I truly believe the resident was sloppy in his/her workup. The patient is going to have surgery over the issue, while I am certain it is unwarranted and will not fix the problem. It's pretty blatant that the diagnosis is wrong. I will not say specifics because I don't want to be identified.
How do you politely challenge a diagnosis? I know the typical response is "find the resident in the hall in an isolated/appropriate situation and talk about your thoughts" but in this case this was not feasible. The patient signed on the dotted line right in front of me and is off to surgery next week. Plus this is a very egotistical resident (we all know the type) where challenging would likely not go over too well.
I know I sound egotistical myself, but I can guarantee most of us would also disagree given the clinical scenario.
Should I just grow a pair? Turn a blind eye? Pick a paper during journal club that covers the topic? Hope the attending closely reads the charts and questions the diagnosis?
What would you/have you done in this situation?
Well... Today there was a case where I simply 100% disagree with the diagnosis. I truly believe the resident was sloppy in his/her workup. The patient is going to have surgery over the issue, while I am certain it is unwarranted and will not fix the problem. It's pretty blatant that the diagnosis is wrong. I will not say specifics because I don't want to be identified.
How do you politely challenge a diagnosis? I know the typical response is "find the resident in the hall in an isolated/appropriate situation and talk about your thoughts" but in this case this was not feasible. The patient signed on the dotted line right in front of me and is off to surgery next week. Plus this is a very egotistical resident (we all know the type) where challenging would likely not go over too well.
I know I sound egotistical myself, but I can guarantee most of us would also disagree given the clinical scenario.
Should I just grow a pair? Turn a blind eye? Pick a paper during journal club that covers the topic? Hope the attending closely reads the charts and questions the diagnosis?
What would you/have you done in this situation?