Shadows in my surgery and how I consult in Plato’s cave

As I sit in my consulting room the window blinds are permanently down, both maintaining privacy while blocking out any natural light from the sun. The room is lit with a low energy saving light bulb and the glow of a computer monitor. My eyes are fixed to the screen apart from when I ascend […]

The gatekeeper and the wizard: fan fiction

Wizards aren’t just characters of a mysterious nature sometimes found in Middle-Earth. They are also helpful in depicting the relationship between primary and secondary care doctors. Mathers and Hodkgin wrote such an article in 1989 and there have been a few sequels published since. Although the original paper is nearly 30 years old, it is […]

Don’t blame it on Baltasar

As The Jacksons famously said, “don’t blame it on the sunshine, don’t blame it on the moonlight, don’t blame it on good times, blame it on the boogie“. Baltasar Gracián (1601-1658), a Spanish Jesuit and philosopher would have probably agreed with the sentiment. Learning objectives 1. Introduce Baltasar Gracián to those unfamiliar to his works 2. […]

Playing with patients: game theory and the medical consultation

Medical consultation models focus on the patient’s agenda. But what about what doctor’s ideas, concerns and expectations! Shouldn’t we look at the agenda of all the players involved? Learning objectives 1. Consider the use of game theory as a framework on which to model the doctor-patient encounter 2. Clarifying your own agenda as an influencing […]

Marcus Aurelius: reflection good enough for an emperor but is it good enough for medicine?

Reflection is an important part of training, appraisal and revalidation for doctors based in the UK. However, for many doctors the very thought of reflection can cause feelings of frustration, non-engagement or even rejection. Where did we go wrong? Learning objectives 1. Consider the definition of reflection used in medicine 2. Understand how reflection can […]

Whatsapp Doc? Instant messaging etiquette in medicine

Healthcare professionals and students are increasingly using instant messaging applications (usually Whatsapp) to communicate with each other. Learning objectives 1. Consider how you currently utilise instant messaging applications with your colleagues 2. Reflect on how differences between members of a messaging group could impact on training 3. Devise rules of messaging etiquette Imagine you have […]

The anatomy lesson: dissecting your learning environment

Healthcare professionals each learn differently. Many of us realise this during our training. Learning objectives 1. Stimulate thoughts on how to improve your learning environment 2. Look at a really interesting image 3. Reflect on your learning style Questions When attending a classroom or lecture theatre, where would you choose to sit: At the front… […]

The journey

Hi. My name is Sati Heer-Stavert and I want to take a journey to explore some of the more unexamined parts of medicine. I hope to take some of you on that journey too. Plato recounts Socrates’ defence in the Apology and has him say “…for a human being a life without examination is […]