BETTER

For you physicians or practitioners reading this, which is probably numbering about three total, there is a good book out there written by a general surgeon and focuses on ways we can improve our performance in many aspects of care.

It is called "Better" and was written by Atul Gawande, an general surgeon in Boston. Besides being an excellent writer, he adresses some great topics concerning health care. From hand washing to why a long time orthopedic surgeon turned to malpractice law and now sues doctors. Truly inspiring.

For those of you who are not into an easy 2 day read, he summarizes some advice at the end about how one goes about becoming a "positive deviant" (speaking of a bell curve). His points are as follows:

1) Learn something about your patients and co-workers. Ask them one simple question about themselves and you'll be surprised at what you may learn.

2) Don't complain. It is a waste of your time and the time of those listening to you.

3) Count something. By being a scientist it will likely lead to a postitive change.

4) Write something. I can attest to this one myself...it helps make sense in a world of confusion. By writing this blog, I'd like to think I've learned something and become less ignorant.

5) Change. Be willing to adapt and try new things. We have only come this far b/c someone what willing to go out on a limb.