"My Voice"

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Saturday, January 8, 2011

Three new publications about my experiences as physician who is also a cancer patient

The first article was published in the journal "Surgical Oncology". It describes my experiences undergoing surgery for cancer and illustrates the difficult challenges a patient faces. Unable to speak, eat, and breathe normally, while dealing with a potential fatal illness, makes the patient extremely vulnerable, both physically and emotionally. The manuscript explains why a proficient, competent, compassionate and caring approach should be practiced during this difficult and challenging time. An Editorial By Surbone & Rowe adds insight to the manuscript.
The second article was published in the journal "Clinical Otolaryngology" and describes my experiences at the otolaryngology ward after surgery. It details some of the nursing errors that were made in my care. It is my hope that this communication will improve patient care.
The third article was published in KevinMD which is a popular web site for health related issues.




1 comment:

  1. I wanted to share with the readers a message I received from a head and neck surgeon who cares for cancer patient. He wrote it to me after reading my recent manuscript about my experiences as a patient.

    " Dr. Brook,

    Thank you for writing the essay on your experience as a patient. It was eloquent and moving. You exposed the shortcomings of healthcare that our patients are often reluctant to bring forth, or simply cannot appreciate as laypeople.

    I am a head and neck surgeon in private practice. You have reinforced my view that, for the oncology patient, there is no subtitute for a personal relationship between patient and treating physician. A more personal relationship induces more communication and compels the treating physician to be more attentive.

    Cancer is simply too complex and too overwhelming, for most patients, to allow care to be administered in the manner of our current model. The treating physician, whether it be the surgeon, radiation oncologist, or hematologist oncologist, must be aware of the patients status constantly. He must be willing to orchestrate care and shield the patient from inappropriate or incompetent care. He must be willing to stay in frequent contact with the patient. Substandard nursing care is pervasive and adds an extra burden for the vigilant physician.

    The paradigm for care of which I speak is labor intensive and not financially renumerative, but it is best for the patient and most gratifying for the healer."

    It is my hope that many more physicians will be willing to recognize these issues and implement them.

    Itzhak Brook MD

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