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How Can I not get involved?~
<Sorry for the length of this in advance
So, I'm on my pediatrics rotation at Children's Hospital in Cincinnati. The "team" that I work on in -patient takes care of the Cystic Fibrosis kids. It is absolutely horrible what this disease is, most of the time the kids have to stay in the hospital for 2 weeks to get treatment. So, one of my patients (each med student has to pick up 3-4 patients usually) is a 13 year old girl who this last school year has spent more time in the hospital than at home. She has a lot of "psych" issues in the fact that she doesn't get along with her family, she doesn't trust authority figures etc., and is generally very depressed. So, because of this, I thought that I would befriend her and over this week we have become buddies. She's following her treatment and behavior plans, going to school, getting work done, and just seems to be in better spirits. I like seeing her everyday and she likes seeing me too. She even asks for me when I'm not around because she trusts me. So, today my senior resident said that the nurses and staff are concerned b/c how our relationship has progressed. He advised me that this is not a good thing b/c I finish my rotation next Friday, and won't be her "medical student" anymore. I understand that, but I feel wrong just seeing her to do my exam of her. I always believed, esp with kids, that you need to treat the patient not the disease. If her spirits aren't better then she won't get better. However, I don't want to mess up with my rotation. I'm at an ethical quandry here. Do I keep seeing my patient just for the sake of my exam or should i continue my "bond" with her and somewhat ignore what my senior resident says?
Thanks,
Arun
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I'm not from that area but instead of seeing her in their time why cant you see her in you spare time even if its for 15 minutes b4 of after your shift ect....
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i would continue to bond with her..she has nobody else she trusts but you..and you apparently are a lil attached to this girl..and you dont wanna stop seein her and you want her to get better..and if you leave and not be there for her she probably wont get better and do what she is suppose to..um also i know thats not your responsibility cause she's not your child but you have her trust and everything she'd probably be hurt.. im not tryin to make you feel guilty if you decide to do what they said but im jus tellin you how this will also effect this girl.. and she will always remember you for what you've done and in the end you'd feel good and know you helped this girl..and if you jus leave her alone and everything then she probably will think everyone she trusts will jus walk out on her like that too...much luv dez
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I think the reason the senior resident is concerned is because patients tend to die, and having a strong a bond with one and then having him/her die could make you depressed and unable to see other patients. So you always have to be ready for that. Tell her that you wont be working with her anymore, but you'll visit her when you can. Theres nothing wrong with having friends.
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Do a little of both.
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I would slow down or limit my visits with her until the rotation is over but not leave her completely. Try to gently explain the situation to her, telling her that you are still going to see her and that this doesnt change anything about your friendship but you cannot see her as often until the rotation is over. You are right, with all people, not just kids, you treat the patient not the disease. If you start to see it the other way, you will become cynical, turning your job into a process instead of a beloved profession. No one likes to go see a completely clinical doctor. Of course, you getting emotionally attached will have its drawbacks if your patients become sicker or die but in the end its rewarding because it does increase your humanity. Don't just take our advice because you are the one in the situation with your career in possible danger. Put serious thought into this. However, if you are taking our advice and using it as a guide, I stand by what I have said: keep the friendship only scale it back until your rotation is done. Explaining it to her (as much as you can) will prevent hurt feelings. I hope this works out for you and for her.
You sound like you will make an excellent doctor. I wish you lots of sucess in your future. Best Wishes!
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1. If you stop seeing her, she will not trust people even more.
2. You can keep seeing her but after you are done with your rotation I would try to continue seeing her. Even when she isn't your patient just as a friend.
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Even though your rotation is almost done doesnt mean that you cant visit her. When shes at home go visit her and take her somewhere (( as long as its ok )) or visit her when shes in the hospitol... But just leaving her wont help anyone, she may end up getting more depressed. hope i helped :D
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