Say Good Things About Other Clinicians, When Appropriate
But Loose Lips Sink Ships
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Saying good things about other clinicians, when they're true, can improve patient care. Patients who have faith in their physicians are more likely to take prescribed medicine and to follow their clinicians’ advice. So, your complimenting another physician with a patient can help that patient be a better patient. Patients will often tell their doctor about your compliment. I have been called by multiple physicians to thank me for saying nice things about them and their medical care. It also increases referrals. I think some specialists are reluctant to refer to others in the same field because it suggests they don’t know everything. I will often say something like, “I am always worried when Dr. X sends me a referral because it must be a real tough question because Dr. X knows so much.” I also often put a complimentary remark in the consultant report by saying something like “Mr. Jones’ lipid levels have been well managed by Dr. X.” I make an intentional effort to do this. I am never dishonest with these remarks and if I do not have something good to say about Dr. X or his care, I say nothing.
The corollary to: “Say Good Things About Other Clinicians” is to never say, or even imply, something bad. You were not there and do not necessarily know all the facts. Snide remarks by consultants (“He did what?”; “Why did she do that?”) are one of the biggest catalysts for malpractice lawsuits. They also undermined the patient’s confidence in their clinician and their willingness to follow that clinician’s advice. You may think the patient really likes you, but that patient will often report your negative remark to the other clinician. Obviously, my advice to avoid saying something negative does not apply to real incompetence where you have a duty to speak to the appropriate people. But in general, do what your parents taught you, “If you don’t have something good to say about someone, say nothing at all.” My parents remembered the Second World War when talking about a ship’s departure date could lead to losing the ship. One of their favorite expressions was, “Loose lips sink ships.” Loose lips can also sink doctors and their reputations.