Week 3: Discussion 2. Ethics
The way I interacted and reacted to the patient during the exercise was heavily influenced by my personal and professional backgrounds. Being a doctor who has treated patients of many backgrounds, it was easy to empathize and understand the situation. My past experiences helped me identify which questions needed to be asked in order to accurately assess the patient’s condition and determine an appropriate course of action. Additionally, I was able to communicate medical concepts in a clear and succinct manner so the patient understood their options. On a more personal level, my upbringing gave me insight into how cultural beliefs can impact one’s willingness or reluctance when it comes to seeking out medical care; this knowledge made it easier for me to build trust between myself and the patient so that they would feel comfortable discussing any issues they may have been hesitant about initially. I was able to communicate with my patient in an educated and caring manner, which resulted ultimately in their receiving high-quality medical care, regardless of any reservations they might have.