Rule 10: Caring Is Always Important Medicine

“The greatest mistake in the treatment of diseases is that there are physicians for the body and physicians for the soul, although the two cannot be separated.”

Plato (424-348 BC)

“For the secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient.”

Francis W. Peabody (1881-1927)

Ten rules guided me throughout my medical career when faced difficult decisions in caring for patients. As an attending physician, I used these rules as a tool when teaching medical students. In 2013, I published them in “Get Inside Your Doctor's Head: 10 Commonsense Rules for Making Better Decisions about Medical Care,” a book to provide the general public (patients) with a way to talk more openly with their doctors and thereby make better-informed decisions about their medical care. The only rule in the book that should never be broken is Rule 10: Caring Is Always Important Medicine.

As a physician, reducing stress and anxiety for patients is paramount to providing care. A major sign your doctor cares is reflected by the quality – not necessarily the quantity – of time he or she spends with you.  You want a doctor who:

• Demonstrates a high level of compassion when you are ill

• Listens carefully to you and your loved ones  

• Asks if you have any questions or concerns

• Communicates effectively by giving clear and understandable explanations

• Puts you in the driver’s seat in decisions about diagnostic tests and treatments

• Is honest, humble, and always provides hope

  
  

  

This past week I was admitted to the University of Minnesota hospital for a procedure to address my congestive heart failure. I'm grateful to report that I’m on the road to recovery not only because of the amazing medical procedure I underwent but, more importantly, because of a team of people who showed they cared - they cared about me and my family.

At the University, the remarkable team of people who showed they cared included:

• the woman who cleaned my room each morning, speaking to me and with my family asking how I was doing, making everyone feel at ease;

• the numerous nurses who kept watch, took my vitals, drew blood, helped me with blankets and food, generally took care of me, explaining everything repeatedly to make sure my family and I were comfortable and knew what to expect;

• the team of physicians who cared for me and those who performed my procedure who all brought extraordinary skill and knowledge but as importantly made me and my family feel listened to, explaining each step of the procedure, putting our collective anxiety at ease; and

• the physical therapists who got me up and moving, encouraging every step of progress as I healed, giving me hope for the recovery to come. 

What struck me most was how well they all worked together. Every person seemed to understand that they shared one goal: the well-being of the patient in front of them. Each brought their own set of skills to my care, and all of them brought compassion. I experienced Rule 10 in action.

Science repaired my heart, and a team of caring people restored the rest of me. To everyone at University of Minnesota: thank you, from the bottom of my newly repaired heart.