An emergency room doctor recounts an experience with a patient that highlights the importance of developing a “gestalt” or intuitive sense when diagnosing complex cases. The author discusses the flaws in medical education, particularly in training residents to think critically and deeply about patient care. There is a focus on the need for attendings to provide effective mentorship, despite the pressures of speed and efficiency in the ER. The content delves into the challenges residents face in balancing speed with a thorough understanding of medical concepts. The author critiques the current evaluation methods in medicine, emphasizing the need to prioritize patient care over perceptions of skill.
https://bessstillman.substack.com/p/debugging-the-doctor-brain