I’m Not Judgmental!

Required Readings:

• Spiritual values may prompt us to judge end-of-life wishes that differ from our own: adubata, C. (2018). A physician sees end-of-life care through a religious lens.

The article recounts the author’s experience during their residency, where they grappled with ethical and philosophical questions surrounding end-of-life care. They reflect on the role of patient autonomy and physician responsibility in decision-making, particularly regarding life-prolonging treatments and facilitating a peaceful death. The author discusses how their Christian beliefs shape their perspective on these matters, acknowledging the complexity of navigating such discussions in a medical context. They explore different philosophical perspectives on the physician’s role in end-of-life care, ranging from a passive to an active approach. Ultimately, the author emphasizes the importance of preserving patient dignity and providing compassionate care, regardless of personal beliefs, to ensure that patients’ final moments are characterized by hope, mercy, love, and compassion.

https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2018/02/physician-sees-end-life-care-religious-lens.html

• In this blog, a medical student describes how we might judge other people’s pain. Cohen, S. (2016). Medical students need exposure to chronic pain patients.

The article highlights the pervasive issue of pain management in medicine, emphasizing the burden placed on patients to prove the severity of their pain. It criticizes the routine practice of assessing pain solely based on a numerical scale and calls for a more contextual approach. The author shares anecdotes illustrating how patients are often dismissed or misunderstood when reporting their pain levels, leading to inadequate treatment. The article also delves into the complexities of chronic pain, noting the challenges patients face in receiving proper care and validation. It calls for a shift in medical education to better prepare healthcare providers to address pain management and urges for a more empathetic and nuanced approach to treating patients’ pain. Overall, the article advocates for healthcare providers to listen to patients, respect their experiences, and prioritize pain management as a fundamental aspect of patient care.

https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2016/09/medical-students-need-exposure-chronic-pain-patients.html