Dr. Hasan Yazici in the Spotlight

Caregiver

Of importance to Dr. Yazici are the concepts he has learned about what makes for great clinical care. Dr. Yazici stresses the importance of always remembering that taking care of a patient is inseparable from caring for the patient.

Whenever possible, Dr. Yazici notes it is important to go back to the patient time and again to continue collecting a detailed clinical history.

It is also essential to remember the concept of pre-test probability and to apply Bayesian thinking, not only to the interpretation of tests but also to the interpretation of patient-reported symptoms and physical exam findings.

On the topic of diagnostic uncertainty, Dr. Yazici explains, “If you cannot come to a firm diagnosis at the end of a visit, reconcile with the obvious: There have always been more diseases around that have yet to be recognized and understood by the medical profession.”

For fellows in training and junior rheumatologists, Dr. Yazici shares the following words of wisdom:

• Even if you don’t plan to work in academic medicine, make a genuine attempt to be more knowledgeable and up to date in a limited area of rheumatology. You will be surprised to see this will also increase your overall medical acumen;
• Have respect for quantitative medicine;
• Cherish and allocate time to journal clubs to better your skills in organized skepticism. They are also a great deal of fun;
• Make sure that you do not sever your ties with internal medicine. Remember: You became an internist first;
• Remember that you will not be able to make a firm diagnosis in a substantial portion of your new patients. In the majority of the remaining patients, you will have a very good idea of what the patient has by the end of the history taking. Thus, treasure the time you allocate to history taking; and
• Be very much at ease when you tell your patient you do not know the diagnosis. [They] will more highly regard your professional opinion if you continue by telling [them] that you will read more about it and are seriously considering consulting with a colleague.

With a professional journey that demonstrates one never knows where a path in medicine may lead, Dr. Yazici urges others to follow their passions and seek to achieve the most they can in their careers while keeping their patients’ well-being and needs firmly in mind.

Jason Liebowitz, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Rheumatology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York.