Ellen D.Feld, Associate Professor, Drexel University Physician Assistant Programedf26@drexel.edu
Submitted May 19, 2015
I am sorry that Ms. Blackwell found my essay disturbing. It was not my intent to convey disrespect, but rather to describe an important early learning experience. All medical practitioners, as human beings, inevitably have both positive and negative emotional reactions to patients; there are patients we like, some we do not like, and even some who may make us angry. Medical education, however, (at least in non-psychiatric specialties) does not spend much time addressing this fact.
As an inexperienced intern, I was unprepared to encounter a difficult patient who angered me. As a result, I performed poorly and was ineffectual as a caregiver. I learned a great deal from the experience, both about patients and myself.
For disclosures, please contact the editorial office at journal@neurology.org.
I am sorry that Ms. Blackwell found my essay disturbing. It was not my intent to convey disrespect, but rather to describe an important early learning experience. All medical practitioners, as human beings, inevitably have both positive and negative emotional reactions to patients; there are patients we like, some we do not like, and even some who may make us angry. Medical education, however, (at least in non-psychiatric specialties) does not spend much time addressing this fact.
As an inexperienced intern, I was unprepared to encounter a difficult patient who angered me. As a result, I performed poorly and was ineffectual as a caregiver. I learned a great deal from the experience, both about patients and myself.
For disclosures, please contact the editorial office at journal@neurology.org.