Dr Kirklin rounds
How we were trained…show me the data
May I quote my old cardiac surgery professor- Dr John W Kirklin when I rotated over to work for him as a resident. On rounds he would pull up a chair, sit down pull out his pen to write a note.. hold out open left hand not saying a word and expect the chart to be placed in his hand. So he could write in that cursive penmanship I could identify today- some 50 yrs later! He would close the chart, look up and ask questions. And you dang well better know the answers. If you quoted something - expect a resultant question. “show me the data”
That explains why we older doctors are so demanding. We were taught that way. We are not impressed with titles, ranks, academic achievement or what newspaper or TV channel spewing the data.
This military news rag article implies something and mumbles at some percentages. But no data. Quoting Dr Kirklin - show me the data. Real data. Otherwise I am not impressed or motivated to believe what is said.
Next patient…..
I remember well, Bobby. Even though I never pushed I expected to be treated like I was really valuable to all. Those were the days!!!