Sometimes we forget that the people that treat us when we are unwell are also human and that similarly, they can also be unwell, what happens when the protector needs protecting, when the restorer needs restoring and the caregiver needs care.
Somewhere last week I was unwell but I managed to be in the consulting room because I had lots of appointments booked for the day for which I had to see to their needs, my tummy was aching badly and I had visited the general practitioner already that morning however the pain was almost unbearable, I smiled through until I couldn't anymore and so I had to leave for the house.
Whiles leaving the office one of my older patients was like, " Aww doctor you also fall sick?". And I almost laughed but for the pain. I was wondering if she saw me as inhuman in the Marvel cinematic universe. Later on, I had a good number of my patients call in the subsequent days to check up on me because they found out I wasn't at the office because I wasn't feeling my best and it felt so good, it probably aided my recovery process. I was happy that the people I care about cared about me.
The Patient and the Physician
Now I understand the ethics and conduct, perhaps for the physician more than the patient and there ought to be professionalism at all times, especially in the care process. But I'm curious to know whether you are the patient who comes in for care and leaves and thus may only call their physician when there is an emergency or to book an appointment.
If you have a family doctor or a doctor who has been seeing you for over 3 months or half a year, you have his or her contact and do call on him for appointments, emergencies anything health-related, then I expect you to at least call and say, "Hi Doc, this is Thelma I was just checking up on you today I hope you are well? Alright do have a nice time and I will see you during my next appointment."
I am not asking you to be calling him or her, this is something you can do perhaps once a month, it doesn't have to be regular. If you are already friends with your physician then perhaps it's a different thing altogether or if he or she is a family doctor then you probably have this going however if you fall within the category I am talking about this is a good way to maintain good relationship although not necessarily friendship of any kind, it would go a long way to aid your care as well as his or her motivation at work.
Even as you make an effort to have this good relationship with your physician remember that you ought to have boundaries and respect him accordingly, I do not expect you to be calling late in the night for this purpose unless you seek to destroy his relationship or marriage. Do not take advantage of whichever situation may evolve as this good relationship progress, always remember you are his or her patient, courtesy, etiquette, and morals should always be there. If you are crushing on your physician though then maybe you should try this, or well, let me leave it at that, I think I have made my point.
Conclusion
What I had to share with you today was purely based on my experiences with my patient and the positive manifestations it had both in and out of the office. And so it may be very much subjective, I'd say go with what works for you or what you think is best.
Whiles wrapping up, let me quickly remind you that your health is your wealth and that it ought to be your priority at all times. Avoid the use of unsanctioned medication from your health care provider and always resort to a professional when in doubt. Thanks for reading and for your time.