Taking Patient Histories

We were shown how the registrars (who are they? learn more here), the Prof and other doctors deal with patients that have just been admitted to the hospital, usually by their GP. Most of the people we saw had at this point been already diagnosed with cancer. Although this is a sombre setting, for the oncologists it is part of their daily routine, and meeting patients for the first time in clinic is often refreshing, because every person, and unfortunately every cancer, is unique.
Seeing the registrar collect a patient history was mesmerizing to listen to. Though I'm sure it requires great practice, she made it look as effortless and breezy as a coffee morning chat. As we said our goodbyes to the patient, the doctor showed me her notes: they were detailed, clear and concise, yet she never even broke eye contact with the patient for more than a few seconds! Witchcraft!
I've noticed that communication is vital skill in Medicine, and although this would seem obvious I never really understood it until shadowing the four different doctors that I did today. Each had a different approach to understanding their patients' concerns, but all of them were reassuring, clear and genial in their address of the patient. Of course, the patients deserve nothing less, but I can more clearly understand why medical interviews for universities place so much emphasis on interview. It's a people person job, and listening is key.


Thanks for reading!