“I find you get [patients] on your side when you give them a strong sense of why you’re doing what you’re doing,” he says. “A computer terminal isn’t just for data entry. It can be an educational tool. I can show them their problems in an organized fashion and show them how I make decisions. I can also direct them to the best education websites.”
He also believes in taking the time to understand who they are. “You need to assess a patient for what they need when it comes to communication,” he says. “You need to see whether they’re cautious, just need the facts or really need a deeper emotional support. Understand what they need—don’t box all patients together.”
A computer terminal isn’t just for data entry. It can be an educational tool. I can show them their problems in an organized fashion & show [them] how I make decisions.
His goal as part of the Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, beyond building strong relationships with patients, is to also get different kinds of medical experts together to collaborate on projects. “I’m interested in contributing to the development of exercise routines for middle-aged and older athletes with osteoarthritis,” he says. “I’m also interested in collaborating in the care of patients with complex diseases, like Crohn’s disease; severe skin disorders; and interstitial lung disease. I like working with physicians from other fields, [such as] GI, pulmonary and dermatology. Recently, I have become involved with a chronic pain work group, which includes PhDs in neuroscience and physicians specializing in palliative care and addiction.”
Camaraderie
Dr. Smith hopes to see himself back in chess tournaments as time goes on, lately not having had a chance to be a part of the game in that arena. “Another great part of chess is meeting folks from different countries and backgrounds and sharing a common interest,” he says. “I also like meeting younger people. I am in my 50s, but I have to admit that I still feel like a teen at heart.
“I like this aspect of the large rheumatology meetings and working at an academic medical center. It’s fun to hang out with young doctors and get to know their point of view.
“It also keeps me optimistic about the future of medicine.”
Eric Butterman is a Texas-based freelance writer. Contact him via e-mail at [email protected].
