My Superhero: Emergency Physician - Essay Example

My Superhero Your School Department, This paper is a partial fulfillment for the ________, under Professor ________. My Superhero: Emergency Physician I. My Superhero: Introduction My Superhero is an emergency physician. In my opinion, he is one of the most important people in our community. He is a fundamental character in our community as accidents are inevitable and can happen anytime. The emergency physician is always there, always willing to help, always caring. The emergency physician should be attentive, confident, humane, empathetic, personal, forthright, thorough and respectful. Attentive physicians are those who always check on your medical status, if you are comfortable enough, feeling any pains or simply if you feel well. Confident physicians are those who boost the patient’s confidence as well – and this is a good thing, you do not want doubts about your physician’s capabilities. Humane physicians are those who are compassionate, caring and kind. They are the best as they can make patients feel comfortable. Empathetic physicians are those who try to put themselves in their patients’ shoes; they are understanding to their patients – physically, emotionally – and they are very good communicators. Personal physicians are those who are genuinely interested in the patient – they interact with the patient and they remember the patient as an individual. Forthright doctors are also treasured as they are honest and they tell the patient what they need to know. Thorough doctors are competent doctors – they are persistent and conscientious. Respectful doctors are those who work with the patient professionally. Most of these descriptions are behavioral, not covering technical know-how because the technical know-how is already a given once the doctor graduates from Medical School. Besides, who wants a cold and indifferent doctor? Thus, my superhero is warm. And as doctors, my superhero is quite decisive as well. They know what they need and what they want for a patient - as well as the patient’s needs. They are quick to think and they are usually good at making these speedy decisions. As said before, I chose the Emergency Physician as my superhero because they are important to the community and they are also very good reminders that people need care even in the direst of times, at an emergency! II. Potentials The traits of a good emergency physician are cited above. These are needed to be a successful emergency physician. As one can see, they are mostly behavioral. This is because these behavioral traits are much more valued by the patients as they do not feel well. Sometimes, patients need the human touch and these behavioral traits provide the need to be cared for by fellow humans. These things, these attitudes provide the needs and the nurturing for the patients. True, technical expertise is needed as well but they go hand in hand with competence. The patients know that, and that is why they need a confident doctor. Confident doctors know what they need to do and this translates to assurance on the part of the patients. Another thing that the patients would love to have for the physicians is the empathy. Being ill is not a very good situation to be in, and empathic doctors are quite desirable if you are a patient as they understand the situation you are in, and they will not demand from a patient. This is also related to respect. Empathic doctors are also respectful doctors as they know when to stop and check on the patients. They are also very professional and that trait is also a plus as the patients, even if the physician can be quite personable, are more keen to discuss their problems if they know that the doctor is professional (ie, doctor – patient confidentiality). These professional physicians are also honest and forthright – this trait is important as honesty is important. Doctors need to be frank to the patient but that frankness should be delivered with respect and professionalism and empathy - traits that were previously mentioned. These traits should also be taken up by most people. As a student, I should also be similar, because these traits are important. Maybe these traits come with maturity and experience, as they can be learned through exposure! As I am a student, these traits would come in handy especially in the field of social relations. I am confident enough to say that I am respectful and compassionate but that does not really validate anything unless people tell me that. I do know that I can be lazy and procrastinate sometimes but those traits will have to change for me to be a better person. In order for me to do this, I must have a positive outlook in life and always think of the best in most people. Not only this will alleviate stress in my life, it will also give way to some self discoveries that will help me realize weaknesses and strengths that need to be addressed. III. Roles in the Community Doctors are looked upon with respect in any community, and emergency physicians as well! As individuals, they are respected and perhaps seen as a bit intimidating as they can be quite successful. This translates to their status in the community. When respected as individuals, this magnifies to their status in the community, and that translates to power as well. As they are powerful because of their status, they can be an agent of change. This respect and love from the people gives them the leeway and clout on the people who think greatly of them. They can actually suggest and be the change that they want because of these, and this phenomenon is derived from the basic traits that the emergency physicians have: being respectful, empathetic, forthright, confident, and humane. IV. Coping Mechanisms of the Emergency Doctors Doctors have very stressful jobs. They are always on the go, lives are on the line because of them, they can make or break lives. Doctors, then have to cope with these stressors. Most of them have to deal with rough patients, those who feel very uncomfortable (given as they are ill) with their situation and can’t cope. The doctors are pressured with their work and to deal with people at the same time! It is difficult and highly stressful. Most enjoy smoking and taking alcohol but as Doctors, these vices are not recommended. Most of them tend to take meditation classes like yoga to calm them down and distress. This is physically recommended as well as this will make one fit. It is becoming a trend and is a nice one at that because it makes one healthier in the mind and body. References: Goldman LS, Myers M, Dickstein LJ. The Handbook of Physician Health. Chicago, IL: American Medical Association; 2000. Read More