Medical Types

I've become, in my old age, a consumer of watching people. I really listen now, really absorb who is right in front of me, and try to seek understanding of who they are. And in a teaching hospital, it is quite the array of personality types.

But I think I've distilled it down to it's basics at this point. It seems there are three "types" of people involved in the practice of medicine.

Dr. User
They seem to always want something from you to assist what they are doing, but rarely (if ever) offer something to you. They reach out when they identify your strong points, to augment their weaknesses. But they are the first to run for the hills if you need them or you demonstrate weaknesses yourself. If you are in trouble, these folks can't be relied upon or even trusted with your issues. They certainly aren't bad people or clinicians. But they are fearful, insecure, self-centered and driven to achieve little beyond what serves them best and first.

Dr. Standby
I'd say most of the people I encounter in medicine are "standby" folks. They wait in the wings. They don't come forward in hard or easy times. If you get into a jam, they wait silently close by and watch to learn from your mishaps, but are willing (although not excitedly) to assist if you ask. They aren't easily made friends of, but once they do accept you, they are all in. They are good people to know and have access to, but they aren't very committed to you or anyone else.

Dr. All-In
These folks are totally committed to everyone and everything around them. They don't hide in self serving practices and aren't shy about committing to you if you are open to it. They are accepting of everyone, every patient, every situation without a whimper. They are there for you when you need in hard and good times. They seem to approach more readily when they sense distress. They never appear burned out or disturbed by the people we live with or serve. They stand by you in good and bad times. They are likely the best friends to have in the long run and have the potential to be totally honest with you when you need it most.

I'm a Standby right now, a bit cautious. I strive to be an All-In. I think it's all about moment by moment focus, stress management, being there and approachable in good and bad times for colleagues and patients. It's about daily renewal and openness to the possibilities. Paging Dr. All-In, Paging Dr. All-In.