A proper doctor knows everything
BMJ 2006; 333 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.333.7561.248 (Published 27 July 2006) Cite this as: BMJ 2006;333:248All rapid responses
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The doctor who answers a technical medical question with "I don't
know" sheds omniscience and may prompt the questioner to go look up the
damned question themselves.
The ultimate question with no answer is "How long do I have, doc?"
It's a foolish doctor that deigns to answer that.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests
I agree with the author of this article. I find myself in the same
situation, as a medical student (I have just finished the second year)
everyone, my friends, even my parents, are asking me all kind of things
that "I'm supposed to know" at any hour, in every circumstance. I wish I
was that smart that I could remember everything I have read...
This pressure that we, as doctors (or future doctors) are faced
with has a good influence, because it increases our interest in learning and
knowing more and more things.
We learn for those who need our help, and we should be able to help a
patient in any circumstances.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests
Avoiding looking or feeling stupid
Who wants to look stupid in front of friends or colleagues? Don't we
want our teachers and our friends to regard us as intelligent? As a fourth
year medical student, I always wonder what if I am just are not smart
enough and do not have what it takes.
So, I work hard to show that I have what it takes. I spend long hours
with my books so that I will have the answers when my professors ask. I
discovered that the desire to avoid looking and feeling stupid and
inadequate can be a strong, driving motive in all our lives.
In retrospect, this belief encouraged me to lie to others and to
myself. In my earlier years of medical school, I did not talk in class to
avoid the appearance of being stupid. I avoided discussions with
colleagues whom I thought knew more than we do. I repeatedly found myself
re-reading what I already know and avoid what confused me.
I have now accepted that part of being a physician is the thirst for
more knowledge, and the humility to admit you are constantly learning.
To achieve success, you have to accept the reality that you do not
know things, and then take action to change that. Allow yourself to look
stupid.
You do not know everything.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests