Sunday February 11, 2007
About white coat and stethoscope !

Editors' note: We received following email but we are holding sender's name on request.


"...Thanks for such a wonderful work. I visit your site often. I am a pulmonary and critical care physician and now at the verge of retirement. In last few years I have noticed the trend among new house staff to ignore 2 basic arsenals of patient care, white coat and stethoscope. I see house staff wearing only scrubs which make them look 'cool' and I guess this has been taken from various TV medical shows. But while not doing procedure, our patient will appreciate more and will feel better if we have our coat on and stethoscope in pocket instead of around the neck. You may cure your patient half by just putting stethoscope on his chest. Its a big psychological arsenal to make him and his family feel well (even if they are on ventilator). Indeed xrays, echocardiogram, ultrasounds and now in this era CAT and MRI scans may give more inside knowledge but don't forget one basic tip - a touch of healing hand. Appear like a doctor if you want to be a doctor...

Thank you."