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Why Would Anyone Choose To Become A Doctor?

Answers Danielle Ofri, M.D., writing in the NY Times:
"I cringe when I think about what it would mean for patients if doctors walked away from medicine because of the frustrations.

"On top of that, I have to wonder about the alternatives if I gave up clinical medicine — pushing papers, sitting in endless PowerPoint meetings, crunching numbers — and realize that I am lucky and immensely privileged to be able to work directly with patients.

"When I close the door to the exam room and it’s just the patient and me, with all the bureaucracy safely barricaded outside, the power of human connection becomes palpable. I can’t always make my patients feel better, but the opportunity to try cannot be underestimated."
I think that's what we'd all like - more hours in the day for the fulfilling stuff and way less - maybe none - of the bad stuff.  How much better would life be without forms, committees and the PowerPoint that fuels it all?  Wouldn't it be nice to find out?

So I'll say it again. Do you, dear hospital executive reader, want more satisfied physicians? Try not asking them how satisfied they are. That's just a survey form and another lost half-hour. Focus instead on something infinitely more precious:  that extra hour in every work day where "...the power of human connection becomes palpable."

Start saying 'no' to anything taking that away from your physicians and their patients.

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