Doctors’ Lounge
We had chosen this center because it was
known to have performed hundreds of similar procedures. We understand that nothing
in life is guaranteed. But communicating
honestly is the minimum one deserves after
such a devastating complication. The neurologist assured us it was temporary and that
Haroon would recover. Having looked at the
damage on the CT myself that was a very
optimistic if not totally unrealistic assessment - this from the same gentleman who
had stated that he was completely confident
there would be no deficit after surgery in
our pre-op conference.
As I had suspected, Haroon never recovered his full motor capabilities on the left
side of his body and also lost peripheral vision in both eyes permanently. In followups
no explanation was forthcoming except the
vision loss is permanent but motor function
will get better.
This happened at the Cleveland Clinic,
but could have been anywhere. In my heart I
was furious, but did not share with my wife
that they screwed up and did not have the
courtesy to honestly communicate the real
facts. We sought comfort that Haroon was
alive and somehow we will manage although
for the time being he went from a running,
jumping, climbing active five year old to
using a wheelchair. After hundreds of hours
of therapy he can now walk with braces and
limp. His hand function is significantly impaired due to spasticity. He has had urologic
problems complicated by additional surgical
misadventures that I will not recount here,
but again poor and possibly dishonest communication contributed significantly to our
dissatisfaction.
As I said at the outset, our experiences
with caregivers has not been universally
negative. On the positive side some of the
most loving, caring, compassionate people
are ancillary colleagues such as nurses,
speech therapists, occupational therapists,
special-ed teachers and physical therapists.
Sometimes we don’t acknowledge their contribution in sustaining the patient’s and
family’s emotional well-being and keeping
hopes alive. They were and still are shining
rays of hope.
Haroon’s multiple handicaps have taught
me lessons in not only being a better human
being, but in being a compassionate doctor with the ability to listen. When I don’t
have answers, I admit it to my patients and
work to find answers or refer to those who
have the answers. To quote another movie
character, this time Clint Eastwood’s Dirty
Harry: “man has got to know his limitations.” When patients see us they are at their
most vulnerable and they respect us, thus
obligating us to maintain and sustain this
sacred trust. As a surgeon, I know things
don’t always go as planned. Admitting that
I was sorry when adverse outcomes happened have given me some of my most loyal
patients. The apology has to be sincere and
remedial measures made with the full cooperation of the hospital. Not only is this
good medicine, but it is proven to prevent
lawsuits which otherwise inevitably follow.
Despite all the negatives of medical practice – dealing with annoying EHRs, insurance paperwork, falling reimbursement,
the constant threat of torts – I would still
do it all again. I truly believe that being a
physician is a noble calling, an honor, and
a privilege. We need to remember this,
and let it motivate us to be more honest,
more compassionate, and to communicate better with our patients and our
fellow physicians. LM
Note: Dr. Aziz practices Orthopaedic Surgery
with St. Vincent Medical Group.
4305 Twin Elms Court
Louisville, KY 40241
This 5 BR, 4.5 BA walk-out with 3+ car
garage is a Karzen Built Gem residing on a
tree lined 1.60 acre quiet cul de sac in the
neighborhood of Woodstone. Just steps
away from the 100 Acre Woodstone Nature
Reserve of this private retreat has lovely
Southern Charm with all of the appointments you would expect in an executive
style home. Offered at $940,000. Call today
for a priva H