Greetings,
The unrelenting pace of technological evolution is reshaping every branch of science today. The field of medicine has received its share of influences from this change. While it has significantly benefited from recent technological advances, regrettably, it has also negatively influenced medical practitioners. The most critical aspect of practicing medicine, the science and art of diagnosis, is increasingly outsourced and handed off unquestioningly to technology. At the same time, doctors lack an understanding of the fundamental elements of the science. Please do not get me wrong; I am not against modern technology.
On the contrary, we are luckier than ever to have many devices supporting our practice as medical doctors and surgeons. I am against the pervasive laziness in medical practice today that skips the foundational elements of medical science and induces patients into unnecessary wastes of time, money, health, effort, and will. I am against approaches that result in excessive stress until a favorable resolution of the patient’s ailment is finally obtained.
“First, do not harm” - Hippocratic Oath.
It starts with making the correct diagnosis. The only way to do that is by listening to the patient’s problem, performing a detailed physical examination, and filtering both the "story" and the physical symptoms through an analytical, experience-driven mental framework. Only then can further tests illuminate the details and contribute positively to a way forward. I see a well-established patient-doctor relationship as the fundamental asset in any treatment process.
Over my nearly 40-year medical career, I have formed a set of guidelines that direct my every move and decision in my practice:
Build a healthy channel of communication with the patient. Everyone, layperson or otherwise, can understand any scientific concept when explained correctly and without unnecessary jargon.
Medical practice is as much an art as a science, and serving the patient is at the heart of its art. The doctor must not act condescending towards the patient. Academic titles and other accomplishments have nothing to do with the art of serving. You must devote and invest enough time in listening to the patient. No matter how advanced, a thorough physical examination is more important than any generic lab test. You must evaluate the symptoms analytically and abstain from ordering unnecessary tests. You must take as long as necessary to reach the correct diagnosis that makes sense and explains the symptoms in light of years of experience. You must be sure before suggesting and deciding on a surgery. The safest and most reliable surgery is one that is never performed. Do not ever perform a surgery for the money. An excellent medical practitioner and surgeon will always make plenty of money to enjoy life with his family. This has nothing to do with medical ethics; it follows directly from being an upholding citizen and a decent human being.
The unrelenting pace of technological evolution is reshaping every branch of science today. The field of medicine has received its share of influences from this change. While it has significantly benefited from recent technological advances, regrettably, it has also negatively influenced medical practitioners. The most critical aspect of practicing medicine, the science and art of diagnosis, is increasingly outsourced and handed off unquestioningly to technology. At the same time, doctors lack an understanding of the fundamental elements of the science. Please do not get me wrong; I am not against modern technology.
On the contrary, we are luckier than ever to have many devices supporting our practice as medical doctors and surgeons. I am against the pervasive laziness in medical practice today that skips the foundational elements of medical science and induces patients into unnecessary wastes of time, money, health, effort, and will. I am against approaches that result in excessive stress until a favorable resolution of the patient’s ailment is finally obtained.
“First, do not harm” - Hippocratic Oath.
It starts with making the correct diagnosis. The only way to do that is by listening to the patient’s problem, performing a detailed physical examination, and filtering both the "story" and the physical symptoms through an analytical, experience-driven mental framework. Only then can further tests illuminate the details and contribute positively to a way forward. I see a well-established patient-doctor relationship as the fundamental asset in any treatment process.
Over my nearly 40-year medical career, I have formed a set of guidelines that direct my every move and decision in my practice:
Build a healthy channel of communication with the patient. Everyone, layperson or otherwise, can understand any scientific concept when explained correctly and without unnecessary jargon.
Medical practice is as much an art as a science, and serving the patient is at the heart of its art. The doctor must not act condescending towards the patient. Academic titles and other accomplishments have nothing to do with the art of serving. You must devote and invest enough time in listening to the patient. No matter how advanced, a thorough physical examination is more important than any generic lab test. You must evaluate the symptoms analytically and abstain from ordering unnecessary tests. You must take as long as necessary to reach the correct diagnosis that makes sense and explains the symptoms in light of years of experience. You must be sure before suggesting and deciding on a surgery. The safest and most reliable surgery is one that is never performed. Do not ever perform a surgery for the money. An excellent medical practitioner and surgeon will always make plenty of money to enjoy life with his family. This has nothing to do with medical ethics; it follows directly from being an upholding citizen and a decent human being.
Adres: Tunalı Hilmi Cad. 110/15 Kavaklıdere 06690 Ankara
Tel: 0 312 428 3737 Faks: 0 312 428 3738
