Attending SABCS 2019
Well, thanks a lot Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation for a travel and accommodation scholarship to San Antonio for SABCS 2019. Looking forward to learning heaps and, especially, meeting the many US folks that I have been communicating online with for the past five years. @Giovanna_BCNA Let me know if I can do anything there for BCNA.
Podcast for the medical fraternity
There are two other discussions about BCNA creating podcasts for patients, but what I'd really like to see is a podcast aimed specifically at the young medical students, interns and registrars. They seem to stumble around, trying to develop a bedside manner with little guidance as to how to behave. Unfortunately, they seem to be emulating the senior doctors, only picking up the worst traits of haste, indifference and disregard. Here's my top five pointers: 1. Please learn my name. Please ask me whether I prefer Jacqueline or Jacqui. Don't assume that the name on the file is how you should address someone. 2. Please don't tell me how busy (and important) you are. I'm here because I have a life-threatening disease and I'm feeling vulnerable. Telling me how over-worked you are just diminishes my significance in the situation. 3. Listen. Stop and listen. Stop, listen and explain. Instead of asking me "any questions?", ask me "what is your biggest concern right now". 4. Your opinion is not the most important in the room. You are here to give me guidance and options, not to dictate the course of action YOU want. 5. Don't belittle my source of information. When I tell you that the lived experience of BCNA members differs from your textbook, believe me. What other messages would you like medical staff to learn?