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Discussion

I'm not afraid of the MDs but...

For my entire life, I have never been able to talk to an authority figure without my face turning bright red. Then I get self-conscious about it and have a difficult time saying what I need to say.

I had a phone interview yesterday for a clinic position. (The first one since graduation!:yeah:) I was fine. But today I started to think about what my duties would be if I got this job and I remembered that I really have trouble talking to people sometimes. This even happens when I am talking with my own Dr.

Anyone know what I can do about this embarrassing problem?

Featured Replies

  • Guides

I have the same problem, only now it's not as bad as it was.

I used to get very red and self concious when I spoke to anyone who was in authority, my boss I was fine with the Junior medics but the senior ones made me uncomfortable.

It came down to confidence for me, and still is at times. It does get better but you need to build up the confidence in what you are doing and that will take time. In the end I spent a few years teaching which cured any problems I had about standing up and speaking up.

I think you may well find that noone else notices, it is far more obvious to you.

Now I work with one of the most senior medics in my hospital, we actually have a very good professional relationship and having worked alongside him for the last 4 years he knows how to get me blushing. He doesn't do it very often but when he feels a littel mischevious he will drop in a comment that he know will do it. I don't mind because I know that he has a great deal of respect for my clinical practice and he never does anything like that in front of patients.

  • Expert

It might help if you started to accept the view that the physician is a resource, or a human conduit of knowledge, as opposed to an "authority figure." Doctors are not authority figures unless you purposely choose to look at them in that specific manner.

This might be controversial, but here goes. I learned during my sociology class that people who were born and raised in the working classes and lower classes sometimes tend to view educated professionals (doctors, lawyers, teachers, social workers, judges, engineers) as authority figures.

  • Author

Okay, Commuter, you got me thinking a little bit. Thanks.

It will happen less with experience. Know that what you have to say is important and that your patient depends on you, and just press on.

It might help to really try to keep the focus off yourself and on the patient only. Know your patient, his/her values/labs etc. and do your SBAR communication piece when it's appropriate. Keep the doctor updated when it's necessary and that's all you can do.

I've found we really ARE the doc's eyes and ears. It's like being an investigative reporter and you are the one giving the report. The doc ought to be listening. Yes, they can seem like they're in a hurry, so you have to practice keeping it short and to the point. But I don't feel myself too intimidated usually if I remember we're all suposed to be a team, sort of -- it that helps.

I have the same problem too. I start orienting in 3 wks and am mostly scared about turning bright red when i give report. im trying to just focus on my hard earned accomplishments and remind myself i have nothing to be ashamed about!! i was the girl that gave awful presentations...... but i never stopped or gave up.

With me the blushing disappears over time when the newness is over and i know what im doing

know that you are not alone and more people than we probably think share the problem. im sure we share many qualities like a big caring heart and a drive for excellence. good luck!!!

blushing isn't that big of a deal if you're doing the majority of your stuff over the phone. I'm just saying...

Also, over time you will feel way more confident...

At first you will be like, "This is what is going on, what do you want to do?!?!?

In time, you will be like, "This is what is going on, here is what I think we should do, do you agree?"

It takes time and experience!! And like I said, blush away!

  • Author

Thanks for the support everyone! It's nice to hear your own stories and advice.

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