Being Candid: The Relationship between Doctor and Patient
It was the year 2020 when our world changed. It was taken over by the COVID-19 virus affecting everyone’s lives. Our norm has now become wearing masks, standing six feet distance from one another, and constant quarantining. Though recently there has been a break through, a vaccine has now been created, yet now the problem is the fear of its effect. Many have doubt and question the safety of this vaccine as it is new. Which is why we turn to the people we trust most with our health, our doctors, yet the communication most of the time is bland, leaving it up to ourselves on how we proceed with the information we are given. These situations is what prompted the opinion “Doctors Should Be More Candid With Their Patients” by Mara Gordon.
Mara Gordon insinuated this opinion after experiencing first hand the difference between being a patient and seeking advice from her doctor and asking advice as a friend. The difference was the candidness, when asking as a patient her answers were left with much grey space, yet in the other perspective the response was more attentive and enduring. As a doctor herself, she realizes there are protocols on how to speak with ones patients. “We’re taught to walk our patients through the landscape of medical research, but allow them to then make up their own minds about treatment” (Gordon). Medically referred to as patient autonomy. Its principles are displayed in image one.
In Gordon’s case her position was as a pregnant woman seeking advice from medical professionals on whether or not to get vaccinated. Which is how she came across the differences between patient treatment compared to personal connection treatment. She questioned why do doctors not speak to their patients the way they would speak with a friend or family member regarding medical advice. In other words, why are they not candid with their patients.? It would improve communication between one another and less pressure and reassurance for the patient in their decision making. Though one can make an inference that doctors may not be so candid do to the pressure they may endure themselves. As is this doctor’s perspective.
The video above not only serves as a doctor’s perspective of pressures, but also a perfect example of candidness. He was straightforward, clear, and honest about his reasonings. This is also representing the autonomy of communication, yet Gordon also takes into consideration the patients perspective, appealing to both emotion and statistics (Pathos/Logos). Gordon states “I’ve realized that helping them understand the science means I need to understand where they’re coming from.” Contradicting this doctors perceptive of not speaking to patients on a personal level. Forming that connection can enhance a patients treatment. Its not the candidness alone, but as the saying goes “It’s not what you say but how you say it” that makes a difference.
All in all, both patient and doctor have communication duties. The patient needs to clearly describe their medical issues so then the doctor can help them. Though it also the doctor’s responsibility to make sure the patient understands what they may have, how to proceed, and to make sure they feel safe and comfortable. Of course there are factors that are inevitable such as time constraints and other patients that are in need as well, but this is where being candid comes into play. To meet the patients needs of comprehension, concerns and treatment, doctor’s should be candid just as Gordon’s colleagues were with her. She was given the reassurance needed to take the vaccine, still through data and also personal advice, hence creating a bond. With both parties respecting each others boundaries, doctor patient communication can be candid and helpful to one another.
Works Cited
“Doctor-Patient Communication: The Essence a Partnership.” Hospital for Special Surgery, www.hss.edu/conditions_doctor-patient-communication.asp.
Gordon, Mara. “OPINION: Doctors Should Be More Candid With Their Patients.” NPR, NPR, 18 Apr. 2021, www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/04/18/988142233/opinion-doctors-should-be-more-candid-with-their-patients.
RiskResource. “Two Minutes: What’s the Risk? Physicians Under Pressure: Non-Compliant Patients.” YouTube, YouTube, 14 Feb. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=godFTRC8kiQ.
