What 3 surgeons wish patients knew about their job
By Admin | September 22, 2023
Surgeons have to deal with many challenges throughout their careers with patient care, insurance and more.
Three surgeons in orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery recently spoke with Becker's about the things they wish patients knew about their jobs.
Note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Question: What do you wish patients knew about your job?
Scott Daffner, MD. Professor of Orthopedics at the West Virginia University School of Medicine: There really are three things I wish patients understood better. The first is that we are really working for their best interest. If I ask a patient to stop smoking or lose weight or undergo another injection or test before we consider surgery, it is because I want to set them up to have the best possible outcome. Surgery is not always the best solution for every patient, but either way, patients need to trust the process. Secondly, patients need to understand that their outcome depends largely on their willingness and ability to take some responsibility for their own care. They need to be active participants in their own treatment and recovery. Lastly, I wish patients understood just how hard we work for them. The amount of time and effort spent obtaining pre-authorization for tests or surgeries, returning patient calls or coordinating care with multiple providers can be substantial.
Wilson Ray, MD. Executive Vice-Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at the Washington University School of Medicine (St. Louis, Mo.): In a general sense, it is important for patients to understand that our primary goal is to alleviate pain and neurological dysfunction and...(More)
For more info please read, What 3 surgeons wish patients knew about their job, by Becker's Spine Review
