Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/76826
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PHYSICIAN LIFE BALANCE +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + + +++ +++ Minding Dr. Manners T HIS SITUATION IS one of many physicians face relating to eti- quette — a way of living with manners popularized in the fi rst edition of Emily Post's Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics and at Home in 1922. As a physician, you hold the answers to many medical questions that are best suited for the offi ce, but could potentially be asked in social situations — and you are not immune to operating within the realm of good manners. "In any business relationship, etiquette means how you go beyond the matter being discussed to show that you respect and value the other person," says Anna Post, great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post and co-author of Emily Post's Etiquette, 18th Edition. "With something as delicate as personal health or a medical situation, good etiquette is even more important for showing this consideration." In a social situation, a physician's duty "It never hurts to Post and co-author of Emily Post's Etiquette, 18th Edition be hospitable." — Anna Post, great-great granddaughter of Emily is to fi rst acknowledge the acquaintance's problem and express consideration for what he or she is battling. If you feel like the conversation warrants a medical consultation, refer the acquaintance to your practice with a business card or to another physician who can possibly help. From the opposite perspective, such out-of-the-office interactions may be important to you for growing your patient base. Although you may not want to discuss symptoms over cocktails, you do want to express concern and willingness to meet the patient's needs. A BRIEF EXERCISE IN effective patient care. To perform a simple analysis of your offi ce, spend time sitting in your waiting room, checking in at the front desk or navigating the hallways. Is the space easy to get around and comfortable? Don't forget to consider your patients' waiting time and improving processes to create a more effi cient schedule. Privacy Concerns A major aspect of running into patients or potential patients outside your practice is maintaining privacy boundaries. For these situations, Post recommends allowing the patient to take the lead. If the patient approaches you to say hello, exchange a short conversation and continue on your way. Your conversation should be light and nonmedical, but the patient may treat the conversation as a brief professional consulta- tion. If you fi nd yourself in this situation, treat this patient the same as you would an acquaintance — offer further consultation during an office visit. Do not engage in topics that could breach the patient's privacy. "In that situation, bring the conversation back to an appropriate setting," says Post. "Tell the patient to contact you at the offi ce to talk further about that particular issue." For patients who do not acknowledge you, be mindful of the patients' privacy and do not approach. Your respect of their privacy will show your professionalism as a physician. ■ YOU'VE JUST FINISHED A LONG WEEK OF CLINICAL CASES, AND TONIGHT YOU PLAN TO RELAX AT A PARTY FOR ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE CHARITIES. AS YOU PREPARE TO DE-STRESS, AN ACQUAINTANCE WHO KNOWS YOU'RE A PHYSICIAN APPROACHES AND BEGINS ASKING FOR MEDICAL ADVICE. HOW DO YOU REACT TO BALANCE PROFESSIONALISM AND PRIVACY CONCERNS OUTSIDE THE OFFICE? OFFICE ETIQUETTE AS IMPORTANT AS practicing etiquette outside the offi ce, maintaining a hospitable and comfortable practice is essential to providing