Assignment #15: Interview

This past week, I interviewed one of the many talented ophthalmologists at Milan Eye Center. My questions relate to my essential question which is based on patients' preoperative anxiety and how it can be reduced.

1. How long have you been an ophthalmologist?

Answer: “Since 2005”

Response: “Wow, 13 years.”

Reflection: He has many years of experience in the field and I was assured that I would be receiving some great answers to my questions (which I definitely did).

2.How did you become interested in ophthalmology?

Answer: “My uncle who is an anesthesiologist in Canada exposed me to the field and due to his experience, he’s worked with a lot of specialized surgeons. He became aware of the fact that the lifestyle of the ophthalmologist is great and they handle microsurgery and deal with vision, which is one of the most important parts of people’s lives. So, with that in mind he directed me to do some research with an ophthalmologist and I was really inspired by the person I researched with who was not only academically gifted but also cared a lot about his patients. I also knew that I wanted to do some work in third world countries and there are many opportunities for ophthalmologists there.”

Response: “That’s awesome. I’ve also thought about doing third world work.”

Reflection: I thought this was a really great story. I love how his uncle was able to refer him to an ophthalmologist who he became inspired by and can accredit the majority of his interest in the field to him.

3. About how many patients do you operate on during a normal surgery day?

Answer: “On average, about 20-30”

Response: “Wow.”

Reflection: Initially, I thought that was a lot of patients. However, I realized that most of his procedures during the day are cataracts, which generally take about 15 minutes.

4. What are some of the major concerns patients have about surgery?

Answer: “The first major concern that patients have is the risk of losing their vision followed by concerns regarding pain.”

Response: “Understandable.”

Reflection: I think patients are incredibly fearful of having complications with their vision. To me, it is the most important sense, so I can understand and relate to their concerns.

5. What are your strategies for addressing these concerns? In other words, how do you reduce their preoperative anxiety and make them feel more comfortable?

Answer: “Being able to educate patients on the details of the procedure is incredibly important. Conveying confidence in your profession and abilities helps the put the patient’s mind to ease. It is also very important to empathize and be understanding of the patient’s concerns.”

Response: “Yeah, I think it’s very important that the patient knows exactly what to expect.”

Reflection: I liked how he emphasized the importance of education. I think the majority of patients’ anxiety stems from not knowing what to expect.

6. Do patients’ concerns vary with varying age groups? If so, how do your strategies also vary?

Answer: “In general, younger patients are more concerned because they have more of their lives ahead of them. This also puts more pressure on the surgeon, so again, it is important to be confident and answer their questions thoroughly”

Response: “That makes sense.”

Reflection: I liked that he pointed out that the surgeon is likely to feel more pressure with younger patients and stressed the importance of trusting your abilities.

7. How did you initially learn to deal with your patients’ anxiety?

Answer: “It started probably in medical school, working on my own anxiety in order to create a calm atmosphere for patients. And you learn a lot about the patient’s biggest fears right before the operation, so you quickly learn what they commonly are and how to ease nervousness when those concerns arise”

Response: “Sounds like a lot of learning thorough experience.”

Reflection: I liked that he explained that the first step to learning to deal with nervous patients is to work on your own anxiety. I would imagine that being a new doctor is very stressful, but you have to be sure to work on hiding that from your patients.

8. How have your strategies changed during your years of experience?

Answer: “Early education is key. For our cataract patients, we’ve invested in iPads with videos that inform the patient about the procedure that they are able to watch in the waiting area before even meeting with the doctor. We also have a website that shares former patients’ experiences, so the patient feels as if they have already been in the chair.”

Response: “Technology is a wonderful thing.”

Reflection: I love that the practice is able to incorporate technology to educate their patients on their upcoming procedures. The videos give patients a basis for asking the doctor further questions.

9. What are some challenges you have faced with anxious patients and how do you overcome them? Specific examples?

Answer: “I’ve had patients start to cry in my chair out of fear. It’s important to remember to empathize with the patient and understand the root of their concerns. Sometimes, husbands and wives begin to argue but you have to remember that their arguments are just a product of their anxiety.”

Response: “That must be tough.”

Reflection: I could not imagine having a patient begin to cry during their appointment. I liked that he emphasized how important it is to be understanding.

10. Have you ever had a patient not go through with surgery when they really needed it?

Answer: “No, nothing emergent.”

Response: “That’s good news!”

Reflection: I was glad to hear that any severe cases had not gone without treatment.