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Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better…

Jeff welcomes Richard A. Schaefer, MD, MPH, an orthopaedic surgeon at Johns Hopkins University, to the podcast.

Richard is a big fan of the concept of narrative medicine. It’s an intentional, reflective practice of medicine in which you take what you’re experiencing and put it into narrative form.

We use evidence-based medicine every day in practice. But narrative medicine is different. It’s about the importance of stories. Our own stories, as well as those of our colleagues and patients.

Narrative medicine can help us be better listeners to our patients and colleagues. It can also help increase our empathy and prevent burnout.

So what steps does Richard suggest we take to integrate a practice of narrative medicine?

• Step 1 – Explore the Humanities in Medical Literature
  Many clinicians are unaware that academic journals often include sections dedicated to the humanities, the arts, and narrative medicine. Reading these pieces is an easy way to begin integrating reflective and humanistic perspectives into clinical practice.
• Step 2 – Learn and Remember What Matters to Your Patients
  Make a deliberate effort to understand personal details meaningful to your patients, such as family members, hobbies, milestones, or concerns. Document and revisit these details at future visits. Small acknowledgments can significantly strengthen trust and rapport.
• Step 3 – Incorporate Narrative into Patient Communication
  Use storytelling and attentive listening in clinical conversations. Invite patients to share their experiences, and frame explanations in ways that connect medical information to their personal stories.

Most importantly, PRACTICE narrative medicine!

BIO

Richard A. Schaefer, MD, MPH is an orthopaedic surgeon at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. He grew up in Buffalo, NY, after which he went to West Point followed by medical school at Tulane. He did his orthopaedic residency at the former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Colorado, and orthopaedic oncology fellowship at Mayo Clinic. Prior to joining Johns Hopkins, Dr. Schaefer served for over 30 years in the U.S. Army, retiring at the rank of colonel. He had a number of stateside and overseas assignments at military medical facilities, including two tours in Afghanistan. He received several military decorations and awards for his service, including the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge.

In addition to his clinical practice at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Schaefer is a medical student advisor, providing longitudinal school and career advising to a cohort of students from their first day and throughout the 4 years until they graduate. He has a variety of outside interests including travel, art, and sports, and is a lifelong die-hard fan of the Buffalo Bills.

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Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better…

Jeff welcomes to the podcast retired orthopedic surgeon and leader, Dr. Richard Barry.

Oscar London was the pen name of a local internist, the late Dr. Arlen Cohn, who practiced in Berkeley, California for over 40 years. His 1987 book, Kill as Few Patients as Possible, is the crown jewel of medical satire.

Most medical textbooks are just full of hubris. London, in contrast, gave us a mission statement that was achievable, humble, and refreshingly honest. He didn't say heal all, he said please, for the love of God, just try not to kill too many.

Ultimately, it comes down to this: patients don't want arrogance, they want honesty. Oscar London insisted that patients remember how you made them feel, not your board scores. Curiosity is the first diagnostic test. Your job is to listen, make eye contact. If you're judging the patient, you've stopped listening.

What steps does Rich suggest we take to show up how we want to for patients?

• Step 1 - Be humble and approachable. Listen more than you talk, and make eye contact when you do.
• Step 2 - Have a life outside of work. Master the subtle art of doing nothing.
• Step 3 - Accept imperfection and embrace growth.

Most importantly, PRACTICE your version of “light reading”!

BIO

Rich Barry is a retired orthopaedic surgeon living in Northern California. Prior to medical school and residency, he served as an Air Force C-130 pilot on a combat tour in Vietnam. After serving in the Air Force, he was in private practice in Davis California for over 20 years. He served as a clinical faculty member for the U.C. Davis Department of Orthopaedics.Rich is a past-President of the California Orthopaedic Association and a past-Chair of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ Board of Councilors. Rich and his wife remain active in the Lamplighters Orthopaedic Association, a leadership alumni group of Fellows and their spouses.He is married, and is very proud of their three children, and 4 grandchildren.

SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians.

Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more.

PRACTICE Your Best!

Send us a text

Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better…

Jeff welcomes to the podcast retired orthopedic surgeon and leader, Dr. Richard Barry.

As surgeons, thoughtful introspection and honest communication are the keys to balancing our personal and emotional availability with our professional commitments.

Introspective communication refers to the practice of looking inward to examine one's thoughts, feelings, and motivations. It involves engaging in honest self-dialogue, which is crucial for understanding oneself and improving how we communicate with others. This form of communication can help clarify our intentions, desires, and values, leading to more meaningful interactions with others.

Starting in residency and continuing into practice, we need to regularly reassess our own behavioral patterns and make improvements where necessary.

Improved interpersonal communication is a teachable skill. We need to create wellness programs within our organizations that foster effective introspection and interpersonal communication skills.

What steps does Rich suggest we take to improve our introspection and communication skills?

• Step 1 - Reduce unspoken and unmet expectations.
• Step 2 - Be present and listen carefully.
• Step 3 - Encourage personal feedback.

Most importantly, PRACTICE introspective communication!

BIO

Rich Barry is a retired orthopaedic surgeon living in Northern California. Prior to medical school and residency, he served as an Air Force C-130 pilot on a combat tour in Vietnam. After serving in the Air Force, he was in private practice in Davis California for over 20 years. He served as a clinical faculty member for the U.C. Davis Department of Orthopaedics.Rich is a past-President of the California Orthopaedic Association and a past-Chair of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ Board of Councilors. Rich and his wife remain active in the Lamplighters Orthopaedic Association, a leadership alumni group of Fellows and their spouses.He is married, and is very proud of their three children, and 4 grandchildren.

SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians.

Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more.

PRACTICE Your Best!