Hey doc, I have a question for you. Why are you so slow? When patients come in to the clinic with you, you're in there for like half an hour. Why are you so slow? You're always behind. All of your patients take really long and then you take super long with your notes. Why are you so slow? When you're in the OR.
The cases take really long time. Why are you so slow? When you go into round, you're in there for a really long time. Like, I can't imagine nobody else, none of your other partners, are like this. They are like, in and out. So, why are you so slow? We, we need to do something about this. And, you know, I know that these are a lot of questions, but I have some more.
Why are your patients so happy? Like, when they come out from the room with you in the clinic, they have nothing but good things to say. They say things like, I've never met a doctor that explained things to me that way. I never understood things like this. I'm overwhelmed by the information, but I feel so empowered that I actually know what's going on with my health.
How come they're so happy? How come they bring presents for you and want to drop by and anytime somebody mentions you they're like, oh my gosh That's my doctor. How come they don't want to see anybody else when they call and you're out? How come? How come your notes are so good? Like I read one of your notes and It was so comprehensive Everything I needed was there.
The imaging studies, the referral reports Everything. How come? Like, when I read through your assessment and plan, I could follow your train of thought. I can see the reasoning. I can see how you pulled on all of your medical knowledge on the current studies, the unique situation of this actual patient. I got the entire picture and I felt like I knew this patient and I knew what the plan was and it was clear and I also knew they got excellent care.
How come? Doc, how come when we're in the OR, your patients do so well? They don't need a bunch of transfusions, the room isn't panicky, the scrub techs aren't like screaming for different instruments and calling for consultants to come in because things get damaged. That happens a lot with these other people.
How come? How come the patients on the floor are so well informed and they feel so confident and comfortable after their procedures? And they know that there's a plan for them and they're reassured after you leave the room.
Why is it that everybody else's patients get readmitted, they have to go back to the OR, after a couple days, but yours, when they leave, we don't see them again. Why is that?
How come? Is it because you're slow? Or is it because you are meticulous? Is it because you take the time to counsel them, to make sure they understand, to draw pictures, to make sure their family members don't have questions, to repeat things and explain it in a way that is easily understandable for any person?
Is it because when you're in the OR, you take your time? You are careful. You know that speed does not equal quality. Is it that you're slow? Or is it that you are an excellent physician? Now don't get me wrong, I am all for efficiency. I am all for improving your charting and not going home with your charts and doing everything that you have to do.
But don't you dare change the way that you are practicing medicine because your patients are doing better. They are happier. They are more empowered because you're so slow. And don't let anybody ever make you feel like you need to change your practice because you're slow. Thank you. Thanks. You're too slow.
I want you to share this with another slow physician. I guarantee you she needs to hear this and I will see you on the next episode of Stethoscopes and Strollers.