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Jane221's avatar
Jane221
Member
8 years ago

Advice to Medical Students - your thoughts

Hi all, as a BCNA Community Liaison I have the opportunity to speak to a group of 2nd Year Medical Students at the University of Sydney next week as part of their Oncology Unit. The talk will focus on my experiences / interactions with doctors during my breast cancer treatment / reconstruction and the support available (especially via BCNA and our online network) but in my preparations I thought I might be able to include some feedback from this wonderful group that might help these students understand what is helpful / not helpful when working with / caring for someone with breast cancer.

A couple of my experiences include - 

1) Not so helpful: The confirmation of my diagnosis wasn't give to me in person, with support, in the doctor's office, but relayed through my husband to me while I was at work  :/

2) Very helpful: My breast surgeon openly discussing breast reconstruction options on my first visit :smile:

Would love to hear your feedback. Jane xx

  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    8 years ago

    HI Jane,

    I had the opportunity to do a similar program with some new grads at Peter Mac--it can be very worthwhile.

    One of the things I have found most confronting during treatment is the exposure to students in a teaching hospital. It's part of the deal, but they can be very challenging--either individually or enmasse.

    Number 1 is manners. They may be barreling around a hospital seeing dozens of patients, but they should all introduce themselves--even if they are in a pack following a Prof around. The patients' name will be above the bed, that should be a clue about how the patient is addressed. Personally is nice.

    Never, ever, argue with a patient when there is someone else in the room. The doctor/student may be right, but if a patient disagrees with a course of action or has some form of complaint that discussion should be had in what ever semblance of privacy is available.

    Always ask if it is OK to have even the most general conversation with the patient when the patient has a visitor. Do not assume that the visitor is a close friend or relative who may be party to any medical details. I had a doctor launch into a very detailed explanation about what had gone wrong with my implants while a neighbor--commonly referred to as Radio Oxley--was visiting. No!

    The patients presence in a hospital bed does not imply that they can be handled without permission. Consent is not enduring and does not automatically transfer to anyone with a stethoscope and brown pointy shoes who wants so peer down your nightie. This is very quickly forgotten--familiarity breeds contempt and it doesn't seem to take long. BTW, what is it with the brown pointy shoes? Is it a rule or some sort of unofficial uniform for male med students? Please ask, I'd like to know.

    Marg