Regardless of the field, the top physicians seem to perform with ease and “grace.” Whether it involves stitching a jagged wound, interpreting an MRI of a spine with multiple degenerative issues, or delivering a hefty baby facing shoulder dystocia, the most adept doctors manage it without breaking a sweat. Yet, it required years of education, skill, and development to perfect their abilities.
Although surgical interventions are undeniably deserving of esteem and financial recognition, non-surgical competencies are just as commendable and should be acknowledged and compensated accordingly. These encompass preventive healthcare, diagnostic challenges, delivering difficult news to patients and their families, and providing compassionate and exceptional care for critically ill and dying patients.
Engaging in an intensive training program for palliative care made it clear to me that even non-surgical abilities demand practice, repetition, and constructive feedback. Similar to how athletes exert themselves relentlessly to reach excellence, physicians also refine their skills until they become instinctual. For example, primary care providers fine-tune their examinations and anticipatory guidance during routine visits, swiftly identifying irregularities that necessitate further evaluation.
A significant resource accessible to healthcare professionals consists of organizations committed to improving communication skills. They train clinicians to engage in substantial dialogues with patients and families during serious health issues, offering courses on various subjects, levels of experience, and both in-person and online formats. Hospital palliative care teams also provide instruction, transmitting a crucial message about the importance of communication and care skills.
Acknowledging and valuing each other’s expertise can enhance our colleagues’ worth, standardize reimbursement, and draw medical students towards non-surgical fields. There is often a misunderstanding that areas like pediatrics are less competitive or prestigious, yet our brightest and most talented represent a diversity of specialties, caring for individuals of every age.
Medicine is not a hierarchy; it is a community. Each of us is attracted to our specialties due to an appreciation for the routine, patience for frustrations, and the thrill of facing challenges. The capabilities required to thrive in any area of medicine are similarly demanding and fulfilling. If only society could equally recognize the significance of caregiver responsibilities.
Jennifer P. Rubin is a pediatric neurologist.