Diplomate, Board Certification of Emergency Medicine
Chairman, Department of Emergency Medicine Ma'ayenei Hayeshua
Hospital
I often get phone calls from Hatzala to lecture. When I ask
them on what subject, the answer is invariably: on something
interesting. Let's face it. Not all of medicine is
interesting, but all of it is vital to know and we all must
have a basic knowledge. This column is not necessarily an
"interesting" one, but is one that must be read and read
again. I am speaking about proper medical etiquette.
In Israel, and just about every place the Yated
reaches, medicine is socialized. It is a right of the
citizen. However, this often leads to abuses of the system,
such as overworked and underpaid staff, and in the end bitter
feelings for the patient and the health care providers. As
chareidim, we are often subject to more abuse while at the
same time held to higher standards of behavior.
Let's start with the hospital. Physicians are overworked, and
underpaid. This makes a difficult situation which is not made
better by abusing them. Never scream at a physician, never
pressure them. They are usually working as hard as they can.
Do not insult them. Most physicians do not appreciate being
told, "Why are you recommending A when my neighbor/the
paramedic/a nurse said that B is the best treatment?"
Be respectful and appreciative and you'll be surprised how
the physician will respond. Most of all be patient-- manpower
is always a problem in a socialized system. Try also to not
bother the physician with a problem that is dealt with by
others. Getting bedpans, blankets, or beds that do not work
are not a problem the physician can help you with.
We have discussed how to identify good doctors. If you aren't
sure about what the doctor has recommended, you can request
to speak with the senior attending as long as it is non-
confrontational. Say, "I have a few more questions and you
seem awfully busy. Can I speak with perhaps your senior?
Maybe he has more time to speak about this."
If this doesn't work, try to get hold of an outside advisor
who does understand medicine, within a reasonable period of
time. Often an operation will be postponed for days and an
opportunity lost because a phone call to a second opinion
took too long.
Who understands medicine? One I have met who is not a
physician is Rav Firrer. Many people have "connections" but
do not understand medicine. Often the connections may not be
the best. I recommend you find a competent physician who you
can call and reach with ease for the difficult cases in the
hospital. I might add that many American rabbonim do know
medicine well.
Often we want advice of a rov or a brochoh. I
understand however, that most secular doctors do not and the
subject must be broached carefully. I do not have a good
answer for how to do this. Make sure the rov is easily
reached, and that all the questions are written down so you
do not have to bother him or the doctor twice.
I believe that all Jews have a Jewish heart and if explained
slowly and respectfully even the most hardened chiloni
will not only understand this but might even have sympathy
for it. However if Halacha is involved, stand your ground.
Doctors will always respect that you are honest in your
principles. More next week. Write me in care of the
Yated.
A message from Glaxo, sponsor of this column. No more
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