‘Ramen, doctors should listen to patients more – see how Ganpati has such large ears,’told my mentor Dr Shrikhande once. Following that I have learnt 2 lessons:
Over years I have realised that patients know their body better than the doctors, since only they can experience symptoms, which doctors can’t find out even with all kind of technology at their disposal. Thus, it has become a habit not to overlook smallest complaint or observation by the patient.
In this era, simultaneous evolution of technology & information in various fields restricts acquisition of knowledge by a professional to gradually limited field. I have no hesitation in accepting that I have learnt more about diseases from patients, than from the books. Also, patient’s feedback about surgical, dietary or medical interventions has largely contributed in improving our protocols.