When I ask a patient, "Any other questions?", usually I mean about the stuff we've just been discussing. But not infrequently, this is taken as an opening to ask me personal questions. Such as:
"Where did you go to medical school?"
"Where do you live?"
"Is your hair naturally curly?"
And from yesterday:
"What is your favorite jazz song?"
That was one I literally could not answer.
Almost invariably when dealing with a financial institution at the end of the conversation the phone drone will ask, "Is there anything else I can do for you today?" We all know it's scripted and not really sincere.
ReplyDeleteSo I have fun with it.
"Mark my account overpaid and refund me the difference of $10,000."
"Mail me a pound of fifties."
"Paint my house"
you get the idea.
Maybe they just feel comfortable enough to ask you anything
ReplyDeleteThe Medic Mind
Reminds me of my teaching days. There I'd be, brilliantly explaining iambic pentameter, and my students would stare unblinkingly at me. "They're getting it!" I'd tell myself.
ReplyDeleteUntil inevitably someone would ask, "Do you dye your hair?"
While this isn't directly related to this post the following question comes to mind? If you're comfortable answering that would be great. In fact, any MD reading this, if you're comfortable answering (Fizzy please remove this comment if you deem it inappropriate); I'd appreciate it grately.
ReplyDeleteIf you were interviewing a doctor/subspecialist for yourself, your child, husband, parent, etc., what types of questions would you ask (or would hope a patient would ask you)? I know some of the questions would be specific to the speciality?
Thanks so much.
Have a great week!