Who spends the most time with patients

[makesomerheum]

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I am one of those idealists who wants to spend time with my patients. I realize that the gen IM or peds doc builds long-term relationships, but what specialists actually make a difference in someone's life and build a relationship. Heme/onc????

 

[fantasty]

That's a good question, and I'm not really sure I know yet (still in school). But, a few thoughts (coincidentally, the fields I'm thinking of so I'm biased):
Rheum - lots of chronic conditions and complex patients, so I assume they get to know them well
ID - most of ID is seems to be episodic, but docs with lots of HIV patients become their primary care provider.
Geriatrics - our geriatrics faculty here are always talking about seeing their patients long-term, including following them to nursing homes and to the hospital when they are admitted

The only other field I'm really thinking about is allergy but I don't know enough about what their pt interactions are like. But, I also wonder if endocrine or renal have a lot of pt contact. (With dialysis, you'd definitely get a lot of contact opportunities).

 

[yesh]

I am one of those idealists who wants to spend time with my patients. I realize that the gen IM or peds doc builds long-term relationships, but what specialists actually make a difference in someone's life and build a relationship. Heme/onc????

Some of the most cruel docs i've met are oncologist(ie heard one guy tell a patient "i've got good news and bad news....the bad is that you are going to die from cancer...the good is that i'm going on vacation...see ya".....and some of the kindest docs i've met are surgeons....after a while though everybody gets tired of those whiny demanding patients...much respect for those poor generalists.

 

[powermd]

I am one of those idealists who wants to spend time with my patients. I realize that the gen IM or peds doc builds long-term relationships, but what specialists actually make a difference in someone's life and build a relationship. Heme/onc????

Anesthesiologists. I spend my entire day with my patients. No conferences, except on Thursday. No 'rounds with the team'. No fighting with the lab for test results, or nurses who never seem to do what they're supposed to. The patients talk to me when I want to talk to them. When they become insolent... down goes the plunger on the propofol. Up goes the dial on the sevo. If they start to die, I save their lives with my own hands, not with an order sheet, or a stat consult. This could be heaven.

 

[dochopefull]

I would probably add ophthalmologists to that list....i work with a very prominent doc and its amazing to see how little a change in a person's visions can greatly improve their quality of life and their demeanor. All the patients I have seen end up incredibly happy...much more so than when they first walked into the doc's office.

D

 

[MD'05]

Anesthesiologists. I spend my entire day with my patients. No conferences, except on Thursday. No 'rounds with the team'. No fighting with the lab for test results, or nurses who never seem to do what they're supposed to. The patients talk to me when I want to talk to them. When they become insolent... down goes the plunger on the propofol. Up goes the dial on the sevo. If they start to die, I save their lives with my own hands, not with an order sheet, or a stat consult. This could be heaven.

Amen, brother. I am wishing I went into anesthesiology everyday. 34.5 more months to go. 😡

 

[gwen]

i'd have to say family practice docs probably spend the most time with their patients. they are probably the most caring as well.

 

[CambieMD]

Anesthesiologists. I spend my entire day with my patients. No conferences, except on Thursday. No 'rounds with the team'. No fighting with the lab for test results, or nurses who never seem to do what they're supposed to. The patients talk to me when I want to talk to them. When they become insolent... down goes the plunger on the propofol. Up goes the dial on the sevo. If they start to die, I save their lives with my own hands, not with an order sheet, or a stat consult. This could be heaven.

Amen brother !!!

CambieMD