I know it’s not logical, but I’m still having a hard time getting over the passing of Robin Williams (mental illness is a sorrowfully overlooked and misunderstood disease in America; particularly the crippling stigma surrounding diagnosis, acknowledgement or treatment - but that’s another story). I was able to recently get through a section of “Patch Adams” which included a scene where Patch (compassionate and comical, but brilliant) was arguing with his roommate (the studious and stuffy Mitch Roman - another amazing character study by the much-missed Philip Seymour Hoffman).
Patch was advocating for humanity, but Mitch was arguing that in the end, a desperate patient is going to want “the Prick” (Mitch) not the clown (Patch). mitch: "But you ask the average person, when death comes knocking at their door whether they want a prick on their side or some kindergarten teacher who's gonna kiss their ass! Because when that day comes - I want the prick! And so will you!"
This may seem like a logical argument, especially in the heat of healthcare hysteria, but I strongly disagree. Dr S. is many things. He is brilliant, accessible, humane and patient, but he is definitely not "Mitch Roman." And though I didn’t have to confront that conundrum during my moment of medical-team management, I’m glad I didn’t get the arrogant autocrat with a dismissive attitude. Truth be told, I almost did end up with the Prick (well, prima donna - to be fair).
No one should ever have to settle for this choice. And it is feasible/reasonable that a good physician can be expected to be both learned and lovable. There is absolutely no formula which proves that the bigger the attitude = the better the doctor.
So, if heaven forbid you should find yourself in a position where you have to decide, if at all possible, the wrong persona is not necessarily the right answer. You deserve better. You deserve a medical professional who is both knowledgeable and humane. These are equally important attributes of the diagnostic and treatment process. And it’s not about either or - you can have and deserve both.
