Thread by @gradydoctor

1/
#AmazingGrady, Day 2

While typing a note at the nurses’ station, I overheard 2 surgery residents discussing a consult.

Chief: “I think we can do the procedure. I’m just not understanding the indication.”
Intern: “The primary team seems pretty adamant.”

*sigh*

2/
Oh. Did I mention? The primary team was me. I decided to earhustle a little longer.

Chief: “I get that they want it. And that we can do it. But . . . just seems like more could be done first.”
Intern: “More like what?”
Chief: “I don’t know. Medical management.”

I coughed.

3/
I was about to say something but before I could, that Chief was on the phone with the attending surgeon.

Chief: “This patient is a . . . “

And they explained the story and reviewed the findings. After a few moments of silence, a decision seemed to be made.

OR in 2 days.

4/
Chief: “Ummm. . . Do you mind if I mention something?”

What followed was that same concern. Criticizing us nudging this patient’s management toward this invasive procedure which, yes, they could do.

But that maybe wasn’t the next best step.

5/
The final plan? Patient would tentatively be put on the schedule. But they’d talk to the primary team more about their concerns.

The same primary team that was listening to the entire exchange.

Mmm hmmm.

The chief hung up the phone and quietly typed a note.

6/
Intern: “Do you need me to contact the primary team?”
Chief: “I think we should.”

Just then I cleared my throat and they both glanced up.

Me: “I’m the primary attending, actually.”

*eyes widening*

Me: “Hey y’all.”

7/
The chief looked terribly embarrassed. What all had I heard?

Me: “Forgive me earhustling. But I heard your concerns . . .”
Chief: *blushing* “Uhhh. . .”
Me: “. . and I just wanted to say thank you for advocating for my patient.”

I could see the angst drain out.

8/
Intern: “I was going to call your resident.”
Me: “That won’t be necessary. I think y’all made some great points.”
Chief: *still looking embarrassed*
Me: “I’m sorry to make you uncomfortable. But honestly? You personified professionalism for your intern.”

It was true.

9/
Me: “You could’ve said a bunch of things. And you could’ve said them a bunch of ways. So thanks for the reminder you just gave me.”

And then we discussed their very valid concern which, after speaking further with my team, caused the procedure to be cancelled for now.

Yup.

10/
A good story teller would just leave it there. Let the story speak for itself.

And so I will.

But a good storyteller never misses a chance to remind you of another story if it’s relevant.

And so I will. 😉

“Streets is watching.” - Jay Z